How to use ResearchComp

What is ResearchComp?

ResearchComp is a European competence framework developed by the European Commission. It provides a common reference system that makes researchers’ competencies more visible and comparable not only for researchers themselves, but also for universities, employers, and policymakers across Europe.

In addition, the ResearchComp Self‑Assessment Tool can support you as a researcher in reflecting on your own competencies. The tool helps you gain clearer insight into both your strengths and your areas for growth.

ResearchComp covers 7 competence domains:

1. Doing Research
2. Managing Research
3. Making an Impact
4. Self-Management
5. Cognitive Abilities
6. Working with Others
7. Managing Research Tools

How to use ResearchComp?

Step 1: Complete the self-assessment

Use the ResearchComp Self‑Assessment Tool to determine your current competency levels. For each competence area, the tool provides a short questionnaire in which you are asked to select the statement(s) that best reflect(s) your current situation.

At the end of the self-assessment, you will receive a score corresponding to one of the four proficiency levels (basic, intermediate, advanced, expert). As the model covers experience levels from starting PhD’s all the way up to established professors, don’t be discouraged if you find you are most often at the basic or intermediate level, this is absolutely normal. ResearchComp was designed to cover the full span of an academic research career, and as a doctoral student you are only at the very beginning of that journey.

The results give you insight into your current strengths and indicate which concrete steps you can take to further develop your competencies.

Step 2: Define your personal objectives

Once you have a clear picture of your competency profile, you can set your personal objectives. 

Which competency areas do you want to focus on? Where do you currently score lowest? What are the key competencies you need to develop in the short (and longer) term? And which ones are critical to your research? Use these insights as a guide when mapping out your training and professional development path — both for your PhD and for your career beyond it.

Make sure to have a look at the PhD Career Hub, an online learning track designed to help you navigate your next professional steps. You’ll find specific information on career planning and goal-setting in part three of the learning track.

Don’t forget to consult the Doctoral School's  course catalogue, where you’ll find a wide range of courses and training opportunities. In the catalogue, the final column for each course lists the most relevant ResearchComp competency areas and indicates which specific competencies the course will focus on.

Step 3: Discuss your objectives with your doctoral supervisory team

Next, discuss the outcome of your self-assessment and your personal objectives with your doctoral supervisory team, but also with your colleague’s and/or mentor. They can advise you on your professional development and serve as the ideal sounding board to review your goals for the coming year.

The annual meeting with your supervisor(s) held in the light of the submission of your self‑reflection report, can be an excellent moment to complete this exercise and receive additional feedback.