On October 20–21, 2025, Ing. Zuzana Hrabovská and Mgr. Dominika Olšovská participated in a professional visit to University College Cork (UCC) in Ireland. The aim of the business trip was to exchange experiences in the field of human resources in research, the implementation of OTM-R principles (Open, Transparent and Merit-based Recruitment), and support for researchers throughout their career development.
October 20, 2025
The first day of the program was dedicated to presentations by experts from the OVPRI (Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation). Dr. David O’Connell provided an overview of UCC’s operations and opportunities for national and European research funding. Dr. Paolo Saporito introduced a training system for researchers focused on competence development and orientation within the project environment. Carol O’Dwyer presented the researcher recruitment process at UCC, including practical aspects of selection procedures, and subsequently introduced the training and development activities available for research staff. Discussions throughout the day offered valuable insights into how UCC systematically supports researchers throughout their entire career cycle.
October 21, 2025
The second day focused on development programs and international experiences with HR strategy implementation. Dr. Anne Gannon presented a comprehensive system of employee training and development at UCC, including mentoring programs and career growth support. Dr. Barbora Wahlová provided up-to-date information on the implementation of the HRS4R strategy in the Czech Republic, including challenges and examples of good practice. Mary Kate O’Regan presented the results of the CARDEA survey, which focuses on researchers’ experiences in the areas of equality, inclusion, and the working environment. The discussion with her was exceptionally stimulating and opened space for exchanging experiences in HR strategy.
We thank Dr. Barbora Wahlová for facilitating the meeting with the inspiring Mary Kate O’Regan, who is the HR Business Manager for Research at University College Cork (UCC) and coordinator of the European CARDEA project.
