The Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL) has renewed the HR Excellence in Research (HRS4R) seal, a distinction granted by the European Commission to institutions that implement the principles of the European Charter for Researchers and promote excellent working environments for research professionals. The evaluation concludes that the institution has successfully integrated the principles of HRS4R into its core governance structure. “The renewal of this award confirms that at IDIBELL, people management is not just another administrative process, but one of the pillars underpinning the excellence of our scientific output, with transparency, equity, diversity, and expert knowledge both inside and outside the laboratory being essential elements,” explains Lola Ruiz, head of Human Resources at IDIBELL.
The renewal recognizes the progress achieved by IDIBELL in areas such as open, transparent, and merit-based recruitment, professional development, equal opportunities, and the improvement of working conditions. Evaluators highlighted that the HRS4R strategy is fully embedded within the institution’s strategic plan and benefits from direct involvement by senior management in its implementation.
A rigorous European audit endorsing an integrated talent management approach
The European evaluation particularly highlights the strength of IDIBELL’s people management ecosystem. Experts note that the management of the HRS4R strategy is integrated into the institute’s leadership structure, with the Talent Unit and the corresponding policy monitoring bodies forming part of the institution’s governance framework. According to the report, this integration ensures operational continuity, executive accountability, and a clear prioritization of people-focused policies across the organization.
Another highly valued aspect is the professionalization of recruitment and talent attraction processes. Evaluators praised the creation of a dedicated Talent Unit, the implementation of digital tools for managing recruitment processes, and the publication of 152 job vacancies on EURAXESS since the end of 2022. They also positively assessed the systematic application of transparency and merit-based criteria in recruitment, as well as the balanced representation of women and men on selection committees.
The audit also acknowledges IDIBELL’s commitment to training, professional development, and inclusion. Since 2022, the Areté programme has attracted more than 1,500 participants, while initiatives such as the International PhD Training Program, PhD Day, and onboarding and support programmes for international staff have contributed to strengthening research careers at every stage. The report also highlights the institute’s equality and diversity policies, including the consolidation of the sLHam network of women scientists and the development of the institution’s first dedicated LGTBIQ+ Plan, as well as the existence of specific protocols to prevent and address situations of harassment and discrimination.
Talent: one of IDIBELL’s greatest assets
The renewal of the HR Excellence in Research award comes at a time of growth and consolidation for IDIBELL’s research community. According to 2025 data, the Bellvitge Health Campus biomedical research institute employs 1,582 professionals, including researchers, scientific support staff, and management personnel, forming a diverse and highly specialized scientific ecosystem. This includes 228 principal investigators, 334 clinical professionals, 155 postdoctoral researchers, and 269 predoctoral researchers.
The composition of the workforce also reflects a strong female presence at all stages of the scientific career pathway. Women account for 60% of principal investigators, 58% of clinical researchers, 67% of postdoctoral researchers, and 72% of predoctoral researchers. These figures demonstrate the institution’s commitment to equal opportunities and to promoting talent in all its dimensions.
The renewal of the HR Excellence in Research award further strengthens IDIBELL’s position as a leading biomedical research institution and as an attractive environment for developing an outstanding scientific career aligned with the highest European standards.
The Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL) is a research centre created in 2004 specialising in cancer, neuroscience, translational medicine and regenerative medicine. It has a team of more than 1,500 professionals who, from the 73 research groups, generate more than 1,400 scientific articles per year. IDIBELL is supported by the Bellvitge University Hospital and the Viladecans Hospital of the Catalan Institute of Health, the Catalan Institute of Oncology, the University of Barcelona and the City Council of L’Hospitalet de Llobregat.
IDIBELL is a member of the Campus of International Excellence of the University of Barcelona HUBc and is part of the CERCA institution of the Generalitat de Catalunya. In 2009 it became one of the first five Spanish research centers accredited as a health research institute by the Carlos III Health Institute. In addition, it is part of the “HR Excellence in Research” program of the European Union and is a member of EATRIS and REGIC. Since 2018, IDIBELL has been an Accredited Center of the AECC Scientific Foundation (FCAECC).