Bielefeld University has been honoured by the European Union: It has been awarded the title of "Sustainable Gender Equality Champion", recognising it at European level for its many years of strategically sound gender equality work. Today (3 February 2026), Vice Rector Professor Dr Michaela Vogt and Vice Gender Equality Officer Siân Birkner from Bielefeld University accepted the award in Brussels from Ekaterina Zaharieva, EU Commissioner for Start-ups, Research and Innovation. Bielefeld University is the first German university to receive this award.
With this award, the EU emphasises Bielefeld University as an institution that consistently anchors gender equality in its structure. In its application, the university positioned itself as a pioneer of gender equality back in the 1980s and as a beacon today whose radiance extends beyond its own organisation. This development is visible nationwide: for over a decade, Bielefeld University has consistently achieved top positions in central German gender equality rankings and competitive programmes.
"This award confirms the importance of conceptually sound gender equality work," says Professor Dr Michaela Vogt, Vice Rector for International Affairs, Diversity and Society and responsible for gender equality. "I would like to thank all those involved in gender equality and all other people at Bielefeld University who work tirelessly and with commitment for gender equality."
Dr Uschi Baaken, Equal Opportunities Officer at Bielefeld University since 2001, emphasises the social significance of the award: "The presentation of the award gives us the opportunity to send a strong signal for gender equality throughout Europe in these challenging political times. The award is a welcome impetus to further promote cultural and structural change at our university."
Facts and milestones of gender equality at Bielefeld University
Background: EU "Gender Equality Champions" award
Since 2022, the European Union has awarded the "Gender Equality Champion" award annually in three categories. The "Sustainable Gender Equality Champion" category recognises organisations that can demonstrate significant and sustainable activity and a high level of performance through the implementation of their Gender Equality Plan. With this award, Bielefeld joins the group of previous years' winners - academic and scientific organisations from Spain, Sweden, France, Ireland and Poland. Other categories are "Newcomer" and "Inclusive Gender Equality Champion". Each winner receives 100,000 euros for gender equality work.