In 2005, the European Commission (EC) adopted the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers. The European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers are collectively and briefly referred to as the Charter & Code or C & C. 

The European Charter for Researchers is a set of general principles and requirements that define the roles, responsibilities and powers of researchers at all levels, as well as employers and funders. The purpose of these principles is, (i) to facilitate the career development and success of researchers in producing, transferring, sharing and disseminating knowledge and technological progress by defining their relationships with employers and funders; (ii) to enhance the professional development of researchers by valuing intersectoral, international and similar mobility; (iii) to ensure that researchers, employers and funders to act responsibly and professionally in their working environment; (iv) to recognize the multiple roles that researchers play in supervisory, guidance, management or administrative tasks, not just their contribution to R&D.

Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers consists of a set of general principles and requirements that employers and/or funders must comply with when appointing or recruiting researchers. These principles and requirements ensure that values such as transparency of the recruitment process and equal treatment of all applicants are respected and complement the European Charter for Researchers. Institutions and employers adhering to the Code of Conduct clearly demonstrate their commitment to act in a responsible and respectable manner and to provide fair framework conditions for researchers, with the intention of contributing to the advancement of the European Research Area.

Link to C&C Principles 

There are 40 C&C Principles categorized in 4 main groups: 

I. Ethical and professional aspects

1. Research freedom
2. Ethical principles
3. Professional responsibility
4. Professional attitude
5. Contractual and legal obligations
6. Accountability
7. Good practice in research
8. Dissemination, exploitation of results
9. Public engagement
10. Non discrimination
11. Evaluation/appraisal systems

II. Recruitment

12. Recruitment
13. Recruitment (Code)
14. Selection (Code)
15. Transparency (Code)
16. Judging merit (Code)
17. Variations in the chronological order of CV’s (Code)
18. Recognition of mobility experience (Code)
19. Recognition of qualifications (Code)
20. Seniority (Code)
21. Postdoctoral appointments (Code)

III. Working conditions and social security

22. Recognition of the profession
23. Research environment
24. Working conditions
25. Stability and permanence of employment
26. Funding and salaries
27. Gender balance
28. Career development
29. Value of mobility
30. Access to career advice
31. Intellectual Property Rights
32. Co-authorship
33. Teaching
34. Complaints/appeals

IV. Training

35. Participation in decision-making bodies
36. Relation with supervisors
37. Supervision and managerial duties
38. Continuing Professional Development
39. Access to research training and continuous development
40.  Supervision