Today, the European Commission launched the application process for the 2026 EU Award for Gender Equality Champions. For the first time, this edition expands eligibility to organisations active in research and innovation from countries currently holding candidate status for EU accession.
The prize features three distinct award categories, allowing to support the further development of institutional equality initiatives. Eligible higher education institutions, universities, and organisations conducting research and innovation across EU Member States, Associated Countries, and candidate countries have until 29 September 2026 to submit their online applications via the Funding and Tenders Portal.
Ekaterina Zaharieva, Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation said:
“Excellent research depends on diverse perspectives. Opening these awards to candidate countries is an important step toward a more integrated and inclusive European scientific community. With €400,000 on the table, we want to back the universities and institutions driving real cultural change on the ground, and I strongly encourage these new eligible organisations to apply.”
Award categories
Organisations may apply to only one of the following three categories:
- Sustainable Gender Equality Champions: Recognises organisations demonstrating a significant, long-term track record of structural achievement through their Gender Equality Plans (GEP).
One winner will be awarded. - Newcomer Gender Equality Champions: Celebrates institutions that have recently finalised their first GEP and can show the most substantial progress in implementation.
Two winners will be awarded. - Inclusive Gender Equality Champions: Recognises pioneering institutions that address the intersection of gender with at least two other social categories, such as racial/ethnic origin, disability, sexual orientation, or social origin.
One winner will be awarded.
To ensure a fair competition, institutions can only apply to one of these three categories, and past winners are not eligible to re-enter. Detailed eligibility and evaluation criteria can be found in the Rules of Contest, which all applicants should review carefully before submitting.
Next steps
Applications must be submitted electronically via the EU Funding and Tenders Portal by 29 September 2026. Following the deadline, an independent jury of international experts will evaluate all submissions. The official winners will be announced and celebrated at a dedicated award ceremony in Brussels in 2027.
Background
Established in 2022 by the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Research and Innovation, the EU Award for Gender Equality Champions aims to foster institutional change across the European Research Area (ERA) and beyond. The prize complements the mandatory requirement under the Horizon Europe framework, where public bodies, research organisations, and higher education institutions must have an active Gender Equality Plan to qualify for research funding. The initiative is managed by the European Research Executive Agency (REA).
More information
EU Award for Gender Equality Champions
Gender equality in research and innovation
Horizon Europe, gender equality
Press contact:
EC Spokesperson for Research, Science and Innovation
