Abstract

Small and medium sized public universities (SMU), such as Universitat Rovira i Virgili (Tarragona, Spain), Universita' Ca Foscari Venezia (Venice, Italy) and University of Limerick (Ireland) face challenges when have to recruit scientist for their research projects and teaching activity. Same challenges occur when trying to recruit well-prepared research support officers.

Location, research environment (infrastructure, connections, facilities, research excellence of hosting research groups), position in rankings may not help on being attractive to the best scientists. In addition, local practices on the recruitment process may result on another barrier to entry.

However, some SMU are getting very good results, managing a process of continuous improvement. Everyone has his own recipe and secret ingredients… but what are the key actions and the common patterns?

The session will present the experience of a group of SMU that are facing this challenge, with case studies on the actions undertaken to make working conditions attractive, to align strategy policy and actions, to use regional, national and EU funding to reach the goals.

In addition, focus will be made on what are the prerequisites to frame those single actions in a sustainable strategy. Having a good dedicated budget is important, but it may be not enough if governance commitment, long term plans, top support services are missing.