As part of the CREDIT Vibes project, a staff exchange training was successfully carried out at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH) from June 23 to July 6, 2025. The two-week program was designed to enhance the skills and capabilities of visiting staff in the field of modern Human Resource Management, with a focus on public sector institutions engaged in agricultural research.
The training was attended by Aleksandra Ognjanović, project team member from the Maize Research Institute (MRI), who works in the institute’s Human Resources department.
Throughout the program, participants engaged in a series of interactive discussions, workshops, and case studies, addressing critical HR topics such as:
- HR practices in the public sector and their adaptation to research environments.
- Workforce planning tailored to agricultural research institutions.
- Career development and competency frameworks to support staff growth.
- Digital transformation in HR, including modernization of recruitment and performance evaluation processes.
- Performance management and appraisals, with MRI piloting an employee evaluation model.
Special emphasis was placed on networking, inclusion, digitalisation, and the transfer of technology to the market, highlighting the role of HR departments as drivers of institutional change.
The exchange not only strengthened collaboration between MRI and AUTH but also provided valuable insights into aligning HR strategies with the unique needs of agricultural research. By sharing experiences and practical approaches, the program contributed to building sustainable HR practices that will support both individual career development and broader institutional goals.
