RMIT is a multi-sector university of technology, design and enterprise with a mission to help shape the world through research, innovation and engagement.
We’re committed to attracting the best researchers and supporting their careers and work in applied research that creates impact for society, the economy and the environment.
In 2020, RMIT became the first Australian institution to receive the HR Excellence in Research Award.
This award acknowledges institutions that maintain an environment of excellence for researchers and a commitment to providing a supportive, world-class research environment.
“RMIT University is proud to support our researchers’ careers by offering a best-in-class work environment and development opportunities.”
- Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research and Innovation and President Professor Calum Drummond
RMIT gained the HR Excellence in Research Award for aligning its human resources policies to the European Charter for Researchers and The Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers – a set of favourable standards for researchers.
It includes general principles on the roles, responsibilities and entitlements of researchers, employers and funders, and a commitment to the advancement of research.
RMIT’s endorsement of the good practice principles align with the University’s own strategy and the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research.
Our University not only supports the work and development of individual researchers, but also places significant focus on research integrity in conducting high-quality research. By adopting the framework of the Human Resources Strategy for Researchers (HRS4R), we aim to embed this focus in the wide array of current activities in the human resources area.
The 'HR Excellence in Research' award is recognised by the European Commission for institutions that make progress in aligning their human resources policies to 40 principles of the Charter and Code, based on a customised action plan/HR strategy. The Human Resources Strategy for Researchers (HRS4R) supports research institutions and funding organisations in the implementation of the Charter and Code in their policies and practices.
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Timeline
- In 2019 RMIT conducted an internal analysis.
- In 2020 RMIT published its first Action Plan
- The Action Plan was acknowledged by the European Commission via the HR Excellence in Research Award in 2020.
- In 2022 RMIT undertook an interim assessment to guide future actions for the next three years.
- A three-year Action Plan was developed in August 2022.
Related Policies
The RMIT Careers Page provides a comprehensive breakdown of RMIT’s inclusive hiring practices.
The Employee Lifecycle Policy outlines the principles that RMIT follows when undertaking recruitment, remunerating its staff, managing the employment relationship.
This policy and associated processes ensure RMIT delivers Open, Transparent and Merit-Based Recruitment (OTM-R).
Progress
Following RMIT’s HR Excellence Award, the University has made considerable advances to progress its Action Plan to support researchers.
Here are a few highlights:
- RMIT’s 2022-2025 Gender Equity Action Plan was launched in July 2022
- RMIT received Athena Swan Bronze accreditation for its commitment to improving gender equity and diversity in STEMM and is working towards silver accreditation.
- The Career Reignite Program was launched to support research academic staff who experience career interruption or barriers to accessing research opportunities.
- In December 2020, Respectful Research Training was implemented for PhD supervisors and candidates.
- RMIT launched several funding schemes to support researchers’ translation of research
- RMIT launched several mentoring programs supporting researchers, including early career researchers and Higher Degree Researchers.
- RMIT launched a media and social media training program to help researchers communicate and engage industry and the broader community.
Accreditation and awards
The following accreditations and awards demonstrate RMIT’s recruitment practices:
- Disability Confident Recruiter – Platinum Employer
- Access and Inclusion Index – Leading Organisation 2020-2021
- Workplace Gender Equality Agency - Employer of Choice
- Athena SWAN - Bronze Award holder
- Australian Workplace Equality Index – 2019, 2020 and 2021 Employer of the year
- Circle Back Initiative
- 2021 Finalist for Best Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Initiative in Candidate Experience
The HR Excellence in Research Award recognises RMIT as a sector leader in researcher recruitment and development across our global campuses.
Interested in working with us?
We have detailed information about the recruitment process for all prospective RMIT staff on our Applying with Us page.
Together with our partners we develop and apply knowledge to shape a better world.
We exist to take knowledge beyond academia, and thrive at the intersection of our researchers, industry and community needs. We are responsive to real-world problems, open to new collaborations and flexible in our approach.
