UCC receive prestigious EU award for inclusive gender equality achievements in Research and Innovation

5 Feb 2026

University College Cork (UCC) has been named a European Union (EU) Gender Equality Champion in Research & Innovation, recognising the University’s outstanding efforts to advance gender equality, diversity, and inclusion across all levels of research and academia.

The award, part of the HORIZON-WIDERA-2025-GENDER programme, celebrates institutions making transformative, measurable progress in inclusive gender equality, particularly where initiatives intersect with other social categories such as race, disability, and caregiving responsibilities.

These awards, designed by the European Commission Directorate-General for Research and Innovation (DGRTD) and managed by the European Research Executive Agency (REA), aim to create a community of EU Gender Equality Champions that inspires other universities and research organisations to embed gender equality as a core institutional value.

Accepting the University’s award at a ceremony Brussels on February 3^rd, Deputy President & Registrar Professor Stephen Byrne, Chair of UCC’s Gender & Athena Swan Working Group, added: "This recognition is a testament to the dedication of colleagues across UCC, particularly our Staff Networks, those who contribute to and lead our School, College and University EDI Committees, and our colleagues in UCC’s EDI Unit, led by Dr. Avril Hutch. Their commitment ensures UCC continues to lead the way in equality and inclusion in research."

Speaking at the awards ceremony, Dr. Avril Hutch, Director of Equality, Diversity & Inclusion, commented: "Being a Gender Equality Champion is about responsibility as much as achievement. It means UCC not only continues to advance equality internally but also takes a visible, leadership role in inspiring systemic change across higher education in Europe."