Who Will Become Europe’s Next Gender Equality Champions? Applications Are Now Open
On 16 June 2026, the European Commission launched the call for applications for the 2026 EU Gender Equality Champions Awards. This year, the competition is being expanded for the first time to include organisations carrying out research and innovation activities in EU candidate countries.
The awards recognise organisations that actively promote gender equality and foster more inclusive academic and research environments. Applications are open to higher education institutions, universities, and research and innovation organisations from EU Member States, Horizon Europe Associated Countries, and candidate countries.
The application deadline is 29 September 2026. Applications must be submitted electronically via the EU Funding & Tenders Portal.
Organisations may apply in one of the following categories:
- Sustainable Gender Equality Champions
- Newcomer Gender Equality Champions
- Inclusive Gender Equality Champions
Key Eligibility Conditions
To ensure fair competition, organisations may submit an application in only one category. Previous winners are not eligible to apply again.
Detailed eligibility requirements and evaluation criteria are available in the official competition rules, which applicants are strongly encouraged to review carefully before submitting their proposals.
Following the application deadline, all submissions will be assessed by an independent panel of international experts. The winners will be announced and honoured at a special award ceremony in Brussels in 2027.
About the Awards
The EU Gender Equality Champions Awards were established in 2022 on the initiative of the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Research and Innovation. Their objective is to promote institutional change in the European Research Area (ERA) and beyond.
The awards complement the Horizon Europe requirement that public bodies, research organisations, and higher education institutions seeking research funding must have a valid Gender Equality Plan (GEP) in place.
The principles underpinning gender equality are closely aligned with those promoted by the Research Council of Lithuania (RCL). The RCL has adopted its Gender Equality Plan for 2026–2029, which aims to further strengthen the consistent application of equal opportunities principles across the organisation’s activities.
Last updated: 22-06-2026
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