The European Commission has unveiled the winners of the fourth edition of the EU’s Awards for Gender Equality Champions in Research and Innovation.
The awards honour universities, higher education institutions, and other organisations that have excelled in fostering gender equality throughout the European research and innovation world.
Gender equality is a priority of the EU’s Horizon Europe research programme, with mandatory Gender Equality Plans (GEPs) serving as a prerequisite for participating in the Framework Programme.
In the Sustainable Gender Equality Champion category, Bielefeld University in Germany has been recognised for its three-decade commitment to pioneering gender equality measures that have transformed its institutional culture. The other winner is the Open University of Catalonia in Spain for its progressive journey of over 15 years culminating in its fifth Gender Equality Plan that builds on prior successes with a dedication to continuous improvement.
The Newcomer Gender Equality Champion category highlights institutions that have recently initiated impactful gender equality measures. Jozef Stefan Institute in Slovenia has implemented decisive actions within its GEP, addressing critical issues such as gender-based violence and harassment. Similarly, Charles University in Czechia stands out with its collaborative approach, engaging stakeholders across various phases of its Gender Equality Plan.
In the Inclusive Champion category, University College Cork (UCC) in Ireland has been acclaimed for its pioneering intersectional equality initiatives. UCC has introduced transformative programmes like reverse mentoring for women facing multiple biases, improved campus accessibility, and supportive policies for those undergoing personal transitions.
These winners now join an elite group of 11 pioneering institutions in creating lasting change in gender equality within research and innovation. Managed by the European Research Executive Agency, the awards are designed to complement the GEP eligibility criteria and incentivise more inclusive plans within the European Research Area framework. Winners are selected by an independent expert jury.
