Deadline: 29-Sep-2026
The European Commission is accepting applications for the Gender Equality Champions Prize to recognise organisations that successfully implement Gender Equality Plans and advance inclusive gender equality practices within the European Research Area. The prize rewards organisations that demonstrate measurable progress, innovation and long-term commitment to equality in research and higher education.
The programme supports institutions that strengthen gender equality, inclusion and intersectional approaches through effective policies and organisational change.
Overview of the Gender Equality Champions Prize
The European Commission Gender Equality Champions Prize recognises organisations that have made significant progress in implementing Gender Equality Plans (GEPs).
The initiative supports the goals of the European Research Area (ERA) by encouraging research organisations and higher education institutions to create more inclusive environments.
The prize focuses on:
- Gender equality advancement
- Inclusive research systems
- Institutional transformation
- Sustainable equality policies
Purpose of the Prize
The prize aims to highlight organisations that successfully translate gender equality commitments into practical action.
It encourages institutions to:
- Develop effective Gender Equality Plans
- Improve workplace inclusion
- Remove barriers to participation
- Strengthen diversity in research
Connection with Horizon Europe
The award supports the Gender Equality Plan requirement under Horizon Europe.
It contributes to the objectives of the ERA Policy Agenda by promoting:
- Fair research environments
- Equal opportunities
- Inclusive innovation systems
Prize Funding Details
The total available prize amount is:
€400,000
The funding will be awarded to:
Four organisations
across different prize categories.
The award recognises institutional achievements rather than funding future project activities.
Prize Categories
Sustainable Gender Equality Champions
This category recognises organisations with a long-term record of implementing Gender Equality Plans.
Eligible organisations should demonstrate:
- Continued commitment to equality
- Effective institutional strategies
- Sustainable results over time
The category focuses on organisations that have embedded gender equality into their structures and practices.
Newcomer Gender Equality Champions
This category supports organisations that are newer to gender equality implementation.
It recognises organisations that:
- Recently completed their first Gender Equality Plan
- Have shown strong progress
- Demonstrate measurable improvement
Applicants should not have a long history of institutional gender equality strategies.
Inclusive Gender Equality Champions
This category recognises organisations that develop innovative approaches to inclusive equality.
The focus is on Gender Equality Plans addressing intersectionality.
This includes gender combined with other social dimensions such as:
- Racial or ethnic origin
- Social background
- Sexual orientation
- Gender identity
- Disability
Organisations must demonstrate real outcomes from implementation.
Who Is Eligible?
The prize is open to legal entities including:
- Public organisations
- Private organisations
- Research institutions
- Higher education establishments
Applicants must be established in eligible countries.
Eligible Countries
Eligible applicants may be based in:
- European Union Member States
- EU overseas countries and territories
- Countries associated with Horizon Europe
- EU candidate countries
Applicant Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be a legally established organisation
- Have an active Gender Equality Plan
- Meet Horizon Europe requirements
- Provide evidence of implementation and impact
Gender Equality Plan Requirements
Applicants must submit:
- Current Gender Equality Plan
- Related equality strategies or plans where relevant
The plan should demonstrate commitment to:
- Equality objectives
- Organisational change
- Inclusive practices
Additional Requirements for Newcomer Category
Category 2 applicants must:
- Have completed implementation of their first Gender Equality Plan before the call deadline
- Demonstrate progress achieved through implementation
- Not have previous long-term institutional gender equality strategies
How the Prize Works
Step 1: Develop a Gender Equality Plan
Organisations establish a structured plan addressing gender equality challenges.
A Gender Equality Plan may include:
- Assessment of current practices
- Equality objectives
- Actions and measures
- Monitoring processes
Step 2: Implement Actions
Institutions put equality measures into practice.
Activities may include:
- Improving recruitment processes
- Supporting career development
- Enhancing workplace inclusion
- Reducing barriers
Step 3: Measure Results
Applicants should document:
- Outcomes achieved
- Institutional improvements
- Impact on staff and researchers
Step 4: Submit Application
Organisations submit evidence showing how their Gender Equality Plan created positive change.
Why This Prize Matters
Gender equality strengthens research quality and innovation by ensuring broader participation.
The initiative helps create:
- Fair research environments
- More diverse scientific communities
- Better decision-making systems
- Inclusive career pathways
Benefits for Awarded Organisations
Recognised organisations gain:
- International visibility
- Recognition for equality leadership
- Contribution to ERA goals
- Enhanced institutional reputation
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Submitting a Policy Without Evidence
Applicants should show:
- Actions taken
- Results achieved
- Measurable impact
Ignoring Intersectionality
Inclusive approaches should consider how gender interacts with other forms of inequality.
Weak Monitoring Systems
Organisations should track:
- Progress indicators
- Implementation results
- Long-term changes
Applying Under the Wrong Category
Applicants should select the category that matches their level of experience and implementation history.
Tips for a Strong Application
A strong application should:
- Clearly describe the Gender Equality Plan
- Provide evidence of implementation
- Show measurable improvements
- Explain organisational impact
- Highlight innovative approaches
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the Gender Equality Champions Prize?
It is a European Commission award recognising organisations that successfully implement Gender Equality Plans and improve inclusion in research environments.
2. How much funding is available?
The total prize funding is €400,000.
3. How many organisations will receive the prize?
Four organisations will receive awards across the prize categories.
4. Who can apply?
Research organisations, higher education institutions and eligible public or private entities can apply.
5. What is a Gender Equality Plan?
A Gender Equality Plan is a structured strategy that identifies equality challenges and sets actions to improve gender balance and inclusion.
6. Can organisations without previous gender equality strategies apply?
Yes. The Newcomer category is designed for organisations implementing their first Gender Equality Plan.
7. Can previous EU prize winners apply again?
No. Organisations that have already received an EU or Euratom prize for the same activities are not eligible.
Conclusion
The European Commission Gender Equality Champions Prize supports organisations that are creating fairer, more inclusive research environments.
By recognising effective Gender Equality Plans and innovative inclusion strategies, the initiative strengthens equality, diversity and sustainable development across the European Research Area.
For more information, visit European Commission.