In 2005, the European Commission published the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for their recruitment. These recommendations propose a framework structure for the development of a human resources policy of the member states in the field of research.

Through 40 general principles, they aim to establish the responsibilities and prerogatives of researchers and funders in their mutual relations and individual activities.

While the long-term policy objective of these recommendations is to help realise the European research market, their short-term ambition is to stimulate employers’ initiatives to improve the attractiveness and sustainability of researchers’ careers and to promote geographical and intersectoral mobility.

In the Wallonia-Brussels Federation, the F.R.S.-FNRS and the CRef have subscribed to the Charter and the Code. Together, they are working to implement a human resources strategy at the research institution level that implements the principles of these documents.