HRS4R

Commitment to excellence and the professional development of research talent

The Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO) places the professional development of its researchers and the quality of their working environment at the heart of its strategy.

Within this framework, VHIO promotes the implementation of the European Commission’s Human Resources Strategy for Researchers (HRS4R), incorporating the principles of the European Charter for Researchers and the European Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers into its policies.

Widely adopted across the European Research Area, this initiative provides a common framework for improving human resources practices and promoting researchers’ training, professional development and mobility.

VHIO fosters a working environment that promotes scientific excellence, attracts research talent and supports professional growth.

In April 2018, VHIO received the “HR Excellence in Research” Award following the positive evaluation of its gap analysis and action plan, further demonstrating its alignment with European research standards.

Our HRS4R journey

2017

29 March — Internal validation. Formal presentation of the project to the Executive Committee.
10 April — Comprehensive assessment. Launch of a survey involving 130 researchers.
8 May — Strategic support. Official approval by the Board of Trustees.
13 June — Establishment of the HRS4R Committee. Creation of a multidisciplinary committee.
14 June — European commitment. Formal endorsement of the principles of the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers, as applicable at the time.
25 July — Roadmap. Technical approval of the Gap Analysis, Action Plan and Extended Action Plan, incorporating the OTM-R principles.
27 July — Official application. Formal submission of VHIO’s application for the HR Excellence in Research Award to the European Commission.
9 October — International recognition. Receipt of the European Commission’s official endorsement.

2018

February — Consensus Report. External assessment by the European Commission: “Accepted pending minor alterations”.
Awarded the HR Excellence in Research distinction.

2020

Review of the current Action Plan.

2023

Consolidation and review of the previous Action Plan, with new actions planned for the 2023–2026 period.

Key initiatives

VHIO Academy

Launched in 2020, the VHIO Academy manages, integrates and promotes training opportunities in cancer research, educational initiatives for all VHIO staff, and programmes tailored to patients and members of our community.

Its main objective is to provide activities that support staff career development and foster an environment of training excellence.

Its initiatives include institutional fellowships to attract and retain research talent in oncology, as well as continuous learning opportunities through complementary courses, workshops, seminars and educational activities.

In 2021, our first institutional call for predoctoral fellowships included five four-year FPI–Severo Ochoa contracts for young national and international researchers to carry out their doctoral research at our Institute. Linked to our recent accreditation as a Severo Ochoa Centre of Excellence, these opportunities were offered within the framework of the 2021 FPI predoctoral contracts and supported by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation.

Institutional VHIO Academic Programs

Launch of VHIO’s institutional academic programmes—including mobility, bachelor’s, master’s and PhD programmes—and implementation of open, transparent and merit-based recruitment processes.

VHIO International PhD Program

Implementation of a structured VHIO International PhD Program, involving more than 100 PhD students within the framework of a comprehensive cancer centre. The programme is guided by the principles of interdisciplinarity and internationalisation, early independence and scientific creativity, excellence in science and technology, collaboration, mentoring and peer mentoring.

VHIO offers PhD opportunities throughout the year and invites candidates from around the world to apply to its competitive programmes. Further information on eligibility, the application process and research opportunities is available on the PhD programmes webpage.

VHIO Advanced Training Program

Launch of the VHIO Advanced Training Program, offering training in scientific and transferable skills to the entire VHIO community.

Knowledge dissemination is an integral part of VHIO’s strategic research model. Through the VHIO Academy, we provide continuous training in a variety of formats for researchers at different stages of their careers.

Creation of the Moodle platform

Creation of the institutional VHIO Moodle e-learning platform.

VHIO Learning platform moodle

Coordination of the VHIO–CaixaResearch Scientific Seminars series

Knowledge dissemination is an integral part of VHIO’s strategic research model. Through institutional support and promotional activities, the Institute organises internal seminars, round-table discussions and other initiatives that foster the cross-disciplinary exchange of knowledge among members of its scientific community.

One example is the VHIO–CaixaResearch Scientific Seminars series, in which nationally and internationally renowned speakers share and discuss the latest knowledge, discoveries and advances in oncology. These seminars are also open to professionals outside VHIO who are interested in participating in knowledge exchange. Since the series was established in 2019, more than 30 seminars have been held, attracting over 1,700 participants.

Each seminar typically consists of a 30- to 45-minute presentation followed by a Q&A session with the audience.

The sessions, chaired by the respective VHIO host researcher, are usually held on Fridays.

VHIO–BBVA Foundation International Symposium on Cell-Based Therapies in Oncology

The first VHIO–BBVA Foundation International Symposium on Cell-Based Therapies in Oncology, organised by Dr Alena Gros, Head of VHIO’s Tumour Immunotherapy and Immunology Group, and Dr Sònia Guedan, Head of the IDIBAPS Cellular Immunotherapies for Cancer Research Group, was held in November 2023.

Supported by the BBVA Foundation through the VHIO-BBVA Foundation Comprehensive Program of Cancer Immunotherapy & Immunology—the symposium aims to disseminate high-quality research findings in advanced therapies and foster collaboration among international experts. In doing so, it seeks to advance our understanding of cancer and help translate research findings into clinical practice for the benefit of patients.

Following the success of its first edition, the symposium returned to Barcelona in 2025. The next edition is scheduled for November 2027.

Benchstorming Seminars

Established in 2016 by Verónica Rodilla, formerly a postdoctoral researcher in VHIO’s Growth Factors Group, and Jordi Martínez Quintanilla, Senior Researcher in the Stem Cells and Cancer Group, the Benchstorming Seminars provide young researchers with an excellent opportunity to present and discuss their scientific interests with other VHIO groups.

In addition to learning more about their colleagues’ work and respective research areas, young researchers can share their perspectives on the topics discussed. The informal format of these sessions encourages interaction between speakers and participants.

As part of the training for PhD candidates coordinated by the VHIO Academy, all third-year PhD researchers prepare and deliver a Benchstorming Seminar in which they present an overview of their research.

During these sessions, they discuss the experiments conducted to date, highlight the potential societal benefits of their research and reflect on the work that remains to complete their PhD journey.

In keeping with VHIO’s translational and multidisciplinary research model, the Benchstorming co-chairs also organise clinical seminars featuring the participation and expertise of clinical researchers and medical oncologists.