The European Commission has opened the call for nominations for the 2026 EU Gender Equality Champions Award, which recognises research organisations that have demonstrated outstanding achievements in integrating gender equality into research, leadership and innovation.
The award comprises three distinct categories, enabling support for the development of institutional initiatives on gender equality:
Sustainable Gender Equality Champions: recognises organisations that demonstrate a significant, long-term track record of structural achievements through their Gender Equality Plans (GEPs). One winner will be selected.
Newcomer Gender Equality Champions: recognises institutions that have recently finalised their first GEP and can demonstrate substantial progress in its implementation. Two winners will be selected.
Inclusive Gender Equality Champions: recognises pioneering institutions that address the intersection of gender with at least two other social categories, such as racial or ethnic origin, disability, sexual orientation or social background. One winner will be selected.
The prize includes a cash award of 100,000 euros and visibility at EU level. Higher education institutions, universities and organisations engaged in research and innovation from EU Member States, associated countries and candidate countries that meet the eligibility criteria have until 29 September 2026 to submit their applications via the EU Funding and Tenders Portal.
https://research-and-
