Circle U. is pleased to announce the launch of the Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (ED&I) 2026 Call for Flagship Initiatives, inviting students, administrative staff, and faculty members from Circle U. member institutions to develop innovative projects that advance equity, diversity, and inclusion within their academic environments. The application period runs from 23 July to 15 September 2026, with selected projects receiving funding from November 2026 onwards.
Now in its third edition, the ED&I Call supports small, high-impact initiatives that promote equity, diversity and inclusion across Circle U.'s member institutions. The 2026 edition offers funding for 2026/27, with a maximum period of one year per project. Each year, up to three projects are selected, with a total budget of €12,000 available and a maximum grant of €4,000 per initiative.
Applicants are encouraged to propose innovative ideas that address challenges and opportunities related to inclusion in higher education. Possible themes include awareness-raising campaigns, support networks for underrepresented groups, gender equality and intersectionality, inclusive teaching and curricula, accessibility in digital learning environments, inclusive leadership, and equal access to mobility opportunities. Other topics are also welcome, provided they contribute to the objectives of Circle U.'s ED&I strategy.
The call forms part of Circle U.'s broader commitment to creating meaningful, bottom-up change across the alliance by empowering members of its community to develop practical solutions to inclusion challenges. Project proposals will be assessed based on their relevance to ED&I objectives, the quality of collaboration across institutions, and their potential for long-term impact.
For full details on the call, eligibility criteria and application process, visit the official ED&I Call page.
Building on Previous Success
The impact of the ED&I Call is already visible through the initiatives funded under previous editions. The three projects selected in 2025 address a range of challenges related to inclusion in higher education, from embedding equity and inclusion into doctoral training and strengthening wellbeing and belonging among doctoral researchers, to creating more inclusive pathways into entrepreneurship for women and underrepresented groups. Together, they demonstrate how community-led initiatives can translate Circle U.'s ED&I strategy into practical action across the alliance.
The 2025-funded projects are:
- Embedding Equity and Inclusion into the Doctoral Curriculum in Earth and Space Sciences (EDI-DOC-ESS) Led by Chi Zang, Universität Wien
- IN-ROOTS: Inclusive Routes and Roots for Doctoral Communities Led by Diana Domenichini, Università di Pisa
- Women Founders Network: Building an Inclusive and Interdisciplinary Entrepreneurial Ecosystem (WFN) Led by Karoline Krannich, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin
While each project tackles a different aspect of equity, diversity and inclusion, they share a common goal: creating more accessible, supportive and representative university environments. Read more about the projects selected through the 2025 ED&I Call for Flagship Initiatives.
