EU Award for Gender Equality Champions 2026 | €400,000 Prize for Research and Innovation Organisations

The European Commission has opened applications for the 2026 EU Award for Gender Equality Champions, recognising organisations that are driving meaningful and lasting change in gender equality across the European research and innovation sector.

For the first time, organisations active in research and innovation from EU candidate countries are also eligible to apply, expanding the award’s reach beyond EU Member States and Associated Countries.

With a total prize value of €400,000, the award provides an opportunity for universities, higher education institutions, and research and innovation organisations to gain recognition for their efforts to advance institutional gender equality.

About the EU Award for Gender Equality Champions

Established in 2022 by the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Research and Innovation, the award aims to encourage institutional and cultural change in gender equality across the European Research Area and beyond.

The 2026 edition features three award categories, each recognising a different approach to advancing gender equality.

Eligible organisations can apply to only one category.

Award Categories

1. Sustainable Gender Equality Champions

This category recognises organisations with a strong, long-term record of achieving structural change through the implementation of their Gender Equality Plans (GEPs).

Number of winners: 1

2. Newcomer Gender Equality Champions

This category celebrates institutions that have recently completed their first Gender Equality Plan and can demonstrate significant progress in putting the plan into practice.

Number of winners: 2

3. Inclusive Gender Equality Champions

This category recognises pioneering institutions that address gender equality together with at least two other social categories, including racial or ethnic origin, disability, sexual orientation, or social origin.

Number of winners: 1

Who Can Apply?

The award is open to eligible:

• Higher education institutions
• Universities
• Research organisations
• Organisations conducting research and innovation

Eligible organisations must be based in EU Member States, Associated Countries, or countries currently holding EU candidate status, according to the applicable rules of the contest.

Past winners of the award are not eligible to re-enter, and each organisation may submit an application to only one award category.

Applicants should carefully review the official Rules of Contest and eligibility requirements before submitting their application.

Prize

The 2026 EU Award for Gender Equality Champions has a total prize value of €400,000.

The awards are designed not only to recognise institutional achievements but also to support the continued development of gender equality initiatives within successful organisations.

Application Deadline

The deadline to apply is:

29 September 2026

Applications must be submitted electronically through the EU Funding and Tenders Portal.

Following the deadline, an independent jury of international experts will assess the applications. The winners are expected to be announced and celebrated at a dedicated award ceremony in Brussels in 2027.

How to Apply

Eligible organisations should prepare their application according to the requirements outlined in the Rules of Contest and submit it online through the EU Funding and Tenders Portal before the deadline.

Application Deadline: 29 September 2026
Prize Fund: €400,000
Application Platform: EU Funding and Tenders Portal
Eligible Applicants: Universities, higher education institutions, research organisations and other eligible research and innovation organisations

Apply Here

EU Funding and Tenders Portal:
https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/

Official EU Award for Gender Equality Champions:
https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/funding/funding-opportunities/prizes/eu-award-gender-equality-champions_en

Why This Award Matters

Gender equality remains an important part of building a more inclusive and effective European research and innovation system. Through the EU Award for Gender Equality Champions, the European Commission is recognising institutions that are moving beyond policies on paper and demonstrating meaningful institutional change.

The expansion of eligibility to EU candidate countries also creates an opportunity for more organisations across Europe to showcase innovative approaches to gender equality and contribute to a more inclusive European scientific community.

Conclusion

The 2026 EU Award for Gender Equality Champions offers eligible research and innovation organisations an opportunity to gain international recognition for their work in advancing gender equality.

With €400,000 in prize funding and three distinct award categories, institutions that have demonstrated sustainable, innovative, or inclusive approaches to gender equality are encouraged to review the eligibility requirements and submit their applications before 29 September 2026.

Discover more opportunities like this on the OFY Webpage.