First German university to receive European award for gender equality
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
- Proportion of female professors increased significantly: from 16 per cent (2003) to 38 per cent (2023) - more than doubling within 20 years.
- Mentoring programme "movement" established: firmly institutionalised for 15 years; around 600 mentees have been supported to date. Movement is aimed at female students, doctoral candidates and postdoctoral researchers and promotes their career development in the academic system.
- Strong Gender Studies: currently 10 professorships with gender denominations, i.e. a specialised focus on gender issues; numerous other professorships deal with gender issues in research and teaching. Since 2012, the university has invited visiting gender professors to different faculties every year.
- Historic step in university management: Professor Dr Angelika Epple was appointed the first female rector in the university's history in 2023.
- Female professors programme: positively evaluated four times in a row; most recently also awarded the title of "University with Strong Gender Equality".
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.
Further information:
The European Union's Gender Equality Champion website
The equality and gender portal of Bielefeld University
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