About the STAR project

In September, the Nuclear Physics Institute of the Czech Academy of Sciences (NPI CAS) launched the STAR project. This project, funded by the OP JAC programme (Research Environment), opens up opportunities for the gradual modernisation of human resource management and the overall functioning of the institution. For NPI, the project represents a strategic opportunity to improve the research environment, strengthen institutional culture, and introduce process tools that support transparent career development, effective communication, modern management practices and clear definition of agendas for individual employees. The project thus creates a framework for systematically developing not only professional competencies, but also organisational processes, thereby reinforcing the institute’s long-term stability and attractiveness.

Improving the work environment and the HR Award
A key objective of the project is the improvement of the work environment, supported by obtaining the prestigious HR Award. This award is granted to institutions that meet high standards in employee care, transparency, fairness and quality of the working environment. Implementing the HR Award principles can help foster a modern and open institutional culture while strengthening the institute’s international reputation and its attractiveness to both young talents and experienced experts.

Development of competencies, communication and institutional resilience
The project also focuses on developing education, mentoring, and the sharing of best practices. Through these activities, both scientific and technical-administrative staff can further strengthen their professional and managerial competencies. During the project, new strategies, internal regulations and processes will be developed to support clear and efficient institutional management.
Another important part of the project is the enhancement of communication and science outreach. This includes preparing a new communication and marketing strategy, modernising the institute’s website and unifying the visual identity of NPI. These steps will help increase awareness of the institute’s activities not only among experts, but also among students and the general public.
The project also emphasises strengthening institutional resilience, particularly against illegitimate influence and cybersecurity threats. Given the field of nuclear research, this dimension is crucial and will contribute to a safer and more stable operation of the institute.

Project STAR represents an important step toward ensuring that the Nuclear Physics Institute provides modern, open and motivating conditions for highly-advanced research while supporting the long-term professional development of its employees. The implementation of new strategies, strengthening of education, communication and security and the achievement of the HR Award will help enhance the institute’s stability, transparency and overall attractiveness.