The European Charter for Researchers

On March 11, 2005, the European Commission adopted the European Charter for Researchers and a code of conduct for researcher recruitment.

These two separate documents aim to make research an attractive career and ensure researchers the same rights and obligations with respect to employers and funders of research in the Union.

It in particular specifies that doctoral students should be regarded as research professionals and not as mere trainees.

To date, several research organizations in France have signed the charter, including the CNRS, INRA, INSERM, INRIA, the CEA, the Rectors’ Conference of French Universities (CPU) as well as several universities.