2026 EU Gender Equality Champions Award

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.

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.

More information is available on their official website.