HR Excellence in Research

Measure 1 – Improved Performance and Development Reviews

This measure focused on developing new templates and support material for the annual performance and development review, ensuring that the conversation better integrates both research and teaching. The goal is for all researchers, including doctoral students, to receive a meaningful and consistent annual review.

• The new templates and associated support material were published on BTH’s internal website in 2024 and will be evaluated in 2026.

Measure 2 – Increasing Awareness of Mobility

BTH already has a strong tradition of mobility and cross-sectoral collaboration but aims to further increase visibility for different types of mobility—geographical, cross-sectoral, and interdisciplinary. A communication platform will be created to share good examples and inspiring experiences from various researchers.

• This measure has been implemented by BTH through the sharing of stories and experiences from staff members who have participated in international exchanges and other forms of mobility on this website;
  
  International BTH
  International Development Oportunities
  
  
• In addition, this measure has led to BTH becoming significantly more active in sharing information about its international projects and mobility initiatives on LinkedIn, External link, opens in new window. thereby reaching a broader audience and further increasing awareness and visibility of international collaboration.
  

Measure 3 – Mentorship for Researchers

To enhance career guidance for researchers at research level 2, our plan
is to establish a framework for mentorship programs tailored to this
group. Initially, we aim to assess mentorship programs available at other
higher education institutions for benchmarking purposes. Subsequently,
our objective is to design and introduce our own mentorship program, exploring the option of involving external mentors.

• In progress

Measure 4 – Strengthened Support for Intellectual Property Rights (IPR)

In Sweden, researchers already have strong rights regarding intellectual property, but BTH aims to clarify and highlight these rights further. This measure includes integrating IPR guidelines more clearly into contract management and making information about internal and external resources, such as the Swedish Patent and Registration Office (PRV), more accessible. Introductory courses for doctoral students and supervisor training will be updated with IPR content. The goal is to provide researchers with consistent and easily accessible support regarding their intellectual property rights.

• In progress

Measure 5 – Improved Information on Research Ethics

BTH will ensure that new researchers receive an introduction to the university’s resources and knowledge in research ethics and good research practice. Furthermore, departments are encouraged to integrate ethical discussions in the form of seminars. The goal is to create a stronger and more accessible ethical infrastructure for all researchers.

• In progress

Measure 6.1 – Enhanced Support for Popular Science Communication

Develop internal communication strategies focused on promoting and
enhancing popular science communication. This will entail collaborative efforts to organise events such as popular scientific talks, science cafes, and similar initiatives.

• BTH Library is happy to assist researchers and staff in organising such events and encourages them to get in touch to plan and book sessions.

Measure 6.2 – Support for Popular Science Writing

Provide support in writing popular science texts, i.e. texts aimed at people
outside the research community. The support includes e.g. creating
templates, making presentation materials, and giving training in communication on social media.

• This measure has been implemented through the development of support materials by the Communications Office to assist researchers in disseminating their research through social media. In addition, the Communications Office at BTH offers personalised support on the first Wednesday of every month by being available for questions in the cafeteria of Building H.

• Communcations Office | Blekinge Tekniska Högskola

Measure 7 – Development in Open, Transparent, and Merit-Based Recruitment

The website will be improved to more clearly present career opportunities. Communication about BTH as an attractive employer offering good career opportunities will be expanded. Training for recruiters will be developed to ensure that all possess fundamental knowledge of open, transparent, and merit-based recruitment.

• In progress

Measure 8 – Updated Guidelines for Publishing and Authorship

Investigate the current departmental guidelines regarding the allocation of
research time for researchers. Propose and decide on clarified university guidelines for the allocation of research time.

• In progress
  

Measure 9 – Clearer Guidelines for Research Time

Interviews with researchers at all levels are being conducted to map current practices and identify challenges regarding research time. Insights from the interviews and benchmarking will be used to develop a proposal for shared guidelines. The proposal will be pilot tested in at least one department and evaluated. The goal is to create transparent and fair principles for how research time is allocated.

• A decision was taken in 2024 on principles for workload planning. The principles for workload planning at BTH aim to provide overarching, common guidelines to ensure a good working environment for academic staff and equal conditions in their work, regardless of where in the organisation they are based.

Measure 10 – Increased Visibility of Courses and Networks

BTH is compiling available courses, networks, and development opportunities for researchers at different levels. This information will be collected on a shared platform to increase accessibility. BTH will also establish collaborations with other universities to broaden the offering. The purpose is to help researchers develop relevant skills and build professional networks.

• In progress