EU launches gender equality award for academic organizations

Four winners in different categories will each receive €100,000

The European Commission has launched a new awards program rewarding academic organizations that have made significant progress in developing or implementing gender equality measures.

The award aims to encourage the development of gender equality plans and policies. Such plans are now a requirement for many types of organizations applying for funding under the EU’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme.

“We want to recognize and celebrate universities and research organizations that have demonstrated an exceptional commitment to promoting gender equality through institutional change,” said the European Commissioner for Research and Education. innovation, Mariya Gabriel.

The awards program is divided into three categories: organizations that have developed the most innovative and inclusive plans; organizations that have recently started implementing plans and have made the most progress; and organizations that have made significant and sustained progress.

Each category winner will receive €100,000. Four prizes will be awarded in total, including two winners for the sustained progress category.

Applications are open to higher education institutions and research organizations from EU Member States and Horizon Europe Associated Countries. The deadline to apply for the first edition of the awards program is October 13.