Commission announces winners of EU Award for Gender Equality Champions in R&I

The European Commission has announced the winners of the fourth edition of the EU Award for Gender Equality Champions in Research and Innovation, honouring institutions that have made concrete progress towards gender equality.

In the 'Sustainable Gender Equality Champion' category, Bielefeld University (Germany) is recognised for more than 30 years of continuous work embedding gender equality in its institutional culture. The Open University of Catalonia (Spain) is rewarded for over 15 years of systematic efforts, now reflected in its fifth Gender Equality Plan. For the first time, this category sees a tie, with two institutions honoured for long-term commitment – the first German winner, and the first open university to receive the award.

In the 'Newcomer Gender Equality Champions' category, Slovenia’s Jozef Stefan Institute is recognised for its new Gender Equality Plan, including strong measures against gender-based violence, sexual harassment and bullying. Charles University (Czechia) is rewarded for a co-design approach that actively involves stakeholders and faculty across all stages of its plan.

The 'Inclusive Champion' award goes to University College Cork (Ireland), for advancing intersectional equality through initiatives such as reverse mentoring for women facing multiple biases, campus accessibility upgrades and inclusive name-change policies.

These five winners join an exclusive group of 11 pioneering institutions leading systemic change in gender equality across Europe’s research and innovation landscape.

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