ENLIGHT Inclusion Award 2026 – Call for Nominations

What are you doing to make our university more inclusive and accessible? Are you a student who is making a real difference? Or do you know someone at the University of Groningen who is actively working towards this goal?

This award celebrates students who turn their commitment to diversity, inclusion and accessibility into meaningful action. Through innovative projects and initiatives, ENLIGHT students across Europe are helping to build more equitable and welcoming academic communities — and the University of Groningen is proud to take part.

Who can apply?

We invite nominations of Bachelor’s and Master’s students who:

• Conducted their project between January 2025 and May 2026

• Are enrolled at the UG at the time of submission

• Developed a non-profit initiative

• Implemented their initiative in practice (research-only or conceptual projects are not eligible)

Projects may have received funding for organisational costs, scholarships, or student compensation (money or ECTS). These factors will not influence the evaluation.

What are we looking for?

Projects will be assessed on:

1. Innovation: Does the initiative bring fresh ideas or approaches?

2. impact: Does it create meaningful change?

3. Inclusion of the target group: Are the intended beneficiaries actively involved?

4. Constructive advocacy: Does it contribute positively to institutional or societal change?

We are looking for initiatives that amplify voices, remove barriers, and create lasting impact.

How to apply 

Complete the official ENLIGHT application form and submit it  to diversity rug.nl. UG internal deadline: 15 April 2026 (23:59 CET).

Please note that the application form must be completed and submitted by the student(s) themselves. While you are welcome to share the opportunity, the award is not based on third-party nominations

The UG Diversity & Inclusion Office will select one nominee to represent the University of Groningen at ENLIGHT level.

What’s in it for the winner?

The selected UG nominee will be forwarded to the ENLIGHT Office in Göttingen. From all partner universities, three winners will be chosen by the ENLIGHT selection committee.

The winners will be invited to present their projects at the 6th ENLIGHT Teaching & Learning Conference in Bern, Switzerland, from 22–24 October 2026.

While the award does not include a monetary prize, travel and accommodation costs for the conference will be covered. More importantly, the award offers international visibility, recognition, and valuable networking opportunities within the ENLIGHT alliance.

Do you have a project or know someone who does — that deserves to be recognised? We encourage you to apply!

For questions, please contact diversity rug.nl