Apply for Inclusive Gender Equality Champions Award

The European Commission Gender Equality Champions Prize supports organisations that successfully implement Gender Equality Plans (GEPs) and promote inclusive gender equality policies across the European Research Area. The prize recognises institutions that demonstrate measurable impact, sustainable progress and innovative approaches to equality and inclusion.

The initiative provides €400,000 in total awards to four organisations across three categories: Sustainable Gender Equality Champions, Newcomer Gender Equality Champions and Inclusive Gender Equality Champions.

Overview of the Gender Equality Champions Prize

The European Commission Gender Equality Champions Prize recognises organisations that are creating meaningful change through Gender Equality Plan implementation.

The prize aims to strengthen:

Gender equality in research
Inclusive institutional practices
Fair participation opportunities
Diversity in the European Research Area (ERA)

The initiative supports organisations that move beyond policy commitments and demonstrate practical results.

Purpose of the Prize

The award encourages research organisations and higher education institutions to develop and implement effective Gender Equality Plans.

It promotes:

Equal opportunities
Inclusive research environments
Organisational transformation
Sustainable equality practices

The prize highlights institutions that create measurable improvements in gender equality.

Link with Horizon Europe and ERA Policy Agenda

The prize supports the Gender Equality Plan requirement under Horizon Europe.

It acts as a complementary mechanism to encourage organisations to:

Strengthen equality strategies
Improve institutional policies
Support inclusive research systems

The initiative contributes to the broader objectives of the European Research Area Policy Agenda.

Prize Funding Details

Total available funding:

€400,000

Number of awarded organisations:

Four organisations

The funding will be distributed among winners selected across the available categories.

Prize Categories

Sustainable Gender Equality Champions

This category recognises organisations with a strong and continuous record of gender equality implementation.

Eligible organisations should demonstrate:

Long-term commitment to equality
Successful Gender Equality Plan implementation
Sustainable institutional changes

The focus is on organisations that have integrated equality into their structures and operations.

Newcomer Gender Equality Champions

This category recognises organisations that have recently started implementing Gender Equality Plans.

Applicants should demonstrate:

Completion of their first Gender Equality Plan
Significant progress achieved
Evidence of positive institutional change

This category is intended for organisations without a long history of gender equality strategies.

Inclusive Gender Equality Champions

This category recognises organisations developing innovative and inclusive approaches.

The focus is on Gender Equality Plans addressing intersectionality.

This includes gender equality combined with other social factors such as:

Racial or ethnic origin
Social background
Sexual orientation
Gender identity
Disability

Applicants must show concrete results from their inclusive approaches.

Who Is Eligible?

The prize is open to legal entities including:

Research organisations
Universities and higher education institutions
Public bodies
Private organisations

Applicants must be established in eligible countries.

Eligible Countries

Eligible applicants may be located in:

European Union Member States
EU overseas countries and territories
Countries associated with Horizon Europe
EU candidate countries

Applicant Requirements

Applicants must:

Be a recognised legal entity
Have a Gender Equality Plan
Meet Horizon Europe requirements
Provide evidence of implementation and results

Gender Equality Plan Requirements

Applicants must submit:

Current Gender Equality Plan
Relevant previous equality plans, where applicable

The plan should demonstrate actions related to:

Equality objectives
Implementation measures
Monitoring systems
Institutional improvements

Additional Requirements for Newcomer Category

Category 2 applicants must:

Have completed implementation of their first Gender Equality Plan before the deadline
Show measurable progress
Not have a previous sustained history of institutional gender equality policies

How the Prize Works

Step 1: Develop a Gender Equality Plan

Organisations identify equality challenges and create structured plans.

A Gender Equality Plan typically includes:

Assessment of current practices
Goals and actions
Responsibilities
Monitoring methods

Step 2: Implement Equality Measures

Institutions introduce actions such as:

Improving recruitment practices
Supporting career development
Reducing workplace barriers
Creating inclusive environments

Step 3: Measure Impact

Applicants must demonstrate:

Achieved outcomes
Organisational improvements
Evidence of change

Step 4: Submit Application

Organisations submit their Gender Equality Plan and supporting documentation.

Step 5: Evaluation and Selection

Applications are assessed based on:

Quality of implementation
Innovation
Inclusiveness
Demonstrated impact

Why This Initiative Matters

Gender equality improves the quality and fairness of research systems.

Inclusive research environments help:

Increase participation
Improve innovation
Strengthen collaboration
Reduce inequalities

The prize encourages institutions to build research systems where diverse groups can contribute equally.

Benefits for Awarded Organisations

Selected organisations receive:

European-level recognition
Visibility for equality leadership
Support for institutional reputation
Contribution to ERA objectives

The award highlights successful approaches that may inspire other institutions.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Submitting Policies Without Evidence

Applicants should provide proof of:

Actions implemented
Results achieved
Long-term impact

Ignoring Intersectionality

Inclusive equality strategies should consider how gender interacts with other forms of inequality.

Weak Monitoring Frameworks

Organisations should track:

Progress indicators
Participation trends
Institutional changes

Applying Under the Wrong Category

Applicants should select the category that matches their experience level and implementation history.

Repeating Previously Awarded Activities

Organisations that have already received an EU or Euratom prize for the same activities are not eligible.

Tips for a Strong Application

A strong application should:

Clearly explain the Gender Equality Plan
Include measurable results
Show leadership commitment
Demonstrate inclusive practices
Highlight innovative approaches

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the European Commission Gender Equality Champions Prize?

It is an award recognising organisations that successfully implement Gender Equality Plans and promote inclusive research environments.

2. How much funding is available?

The total prize budget is €400,000.

3. How many organisations will receive awards?

Four organisations will be selected as winners.

4. Who can apply?

Eligible legal entities such as research organisations, universities, public bodies and private organisations can apply.

5. What is a Gender Equality Plan?

A Gender Equality Plan is a structured institutional strategy designed to identify and address gender equality challenges.

6. Can organisations applying their first Gender Equality Plan participate?

Yes. New organisations can apply under the Newcomer Gender Equality Champions category if they meet the requirements.

7. Can previous EU prize winners apply again?

No. Organisations that have already received an EU or Euratom prize for the same activities cannot apply again.

Conclusion

The European Commission Gender Equality Champions Prize recognises organisations leading the way in creating inclusive and equitable research environments.

By supporting effective Gender Equality Plan implementation, the initiative strengthens diversity, fairness and innovation across the European Research Area.