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.
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.
More information:
EU Award for Gender Equality Champions
Gender equality in research and innovation
Horizon Europe, gender equality
Source: European Commission | Directorate-General for Research and Innovation