The „European Charter for Researchers. The Code of Conduct for the Recruitment for Researchers", a document divided into four dimensions and made up of 40 principles, was the structural foundation for the internal analysis. These four sections are:

  • Ethical and professional aspects
  • Recruitment
  • Working Conditions & social security
  • Training

Starting in March 2011, more than 20 key personalities (members of staff and process owners, heads of boards and organizational members, as well as researchers from various departments and areas of expertise) were questioned about the current situation at BOKU regarding the 40 principles of the Charta in semi-structured face-to-face interviews. The answers were divided into applicable and relevant legislation, internal guidelines and processes, as well as individual and general descriptions of the situation; and were then listed in a report in table form (EU Template for Gap Analysis) to provide an overview.

Fortunately, the results of the internal analysis were that BOKU already makes use of numerous measures to fulfil the principles of the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers. Nevertheless, there is still room for improvement and potential for development could be identified. In accordance with rectorate, the topics and spheres of activity were ranked and a time perspective for the next relevant development steps was determined.

According to a continous improvement process the annual performance is monitored and every three years BOKU carries out a report on the achieved progress and on the next development steps.