ENLIGHT Impact Awards 2026 – Apply now!



The ENLIGHT Impact Awards recognise outstanding ENLIGHT collaborative initiatives that demonstrate excellence in planning for, creating and achieving impact.


The awards celebrate projects that contribute to meaningful change through collaboration and make their impact visible within and beyond academia. Up to six awards will be presented, ideally representing the six ENLIGHT focus areas:


  • Health and Well-being

  • Digital Revolution and Digitization

  • Climate Change

  • Energy and Circular Economy

  • Culture and Creativity

  • Equity



    Who can apply?


    Applications are welcome from ENLIGHT collaborative initiatives that

  • involve teams from at least three ENLIGHT partner universities,
  • are carried out in the context of higher education, research, innovation or societal engagement,
  • were launched or implemented between November 2020 and June 2026.

    Initiatives may be funded by ENLIGHT, but this is not a requirement.



    Internal selection process at the University of Göttingen:


    The University of Göttingen may nominate up to three collaborative initiatives for the ENLIGHT-wide competition. Candidates will be selected through an internal university process.
    The nominated initiatives will then be evaluated by an international panel of experts. The ENLIGHT Impact Awards will be presented during the ENLIGHT Impact Conference on 11–12 February 2027 at Comenius University Bratislava.



    Why apply?


    Awarded teams will benefit from

  • increased international visibility,
  • becoming part of the ENLIGHT Impact Community as Impact Ambassadors,
  • mentoring and training on communicating impact,
  • networking opportunities with impact experts and awardees across the ENLIGHT Alliance.



    How to apply


    Please submit your application using the forms provided below.

    ENLIGHT Impact Awards 2026 - Call for Nominations
    ENLIGHT Impact Awards 2026 - Call for Nominations Annex 1& 2 - Application form
    ENLIGHT Impact Awards 2026 - Call for Nominations Annex 3

    Please follow the instructions provided in the forms and observe the application deadline.

    If you have any questions, please contact the ENLIGHT Office at the University of Göttingen.








    What is an ENLIGHT Collaborative Initiative?
    An ENLIGHT Collaborative Initiative is a project developed within the ENLIGHT Alliance that involves teams from at least three ENLIGHT partner universities. Examples include ENLIGHT Thematic Networks, ENLIGHT Incubator Grants, ENLIGHT+ supported initiatives, as well as other collaborative projects in education, research, innovation, or societal engagement.


    Does my project have to be funded by ENLIGHT?
    No. Initiatives do not need to receive ENLIGHT funding to be eligible. Collaborative initiatives that meet the eligibility criteria are welcome to apply.


    Which projects are eligible?
    Eligible initiatives are those in the fields of education and training, research and innovation, or service to society that were launched or implemented between November 2020 and June 2026.


    How does the selection process work?
    The University of Göttingen conducts an internal selection process and may nominate up to three collaborative initiatives for the ENLIGHT-wide competition. The nominated initiatives are then evaluated by an international panel of experts.


    What are the benefits of receiving an ENLIGHT Impact Award?
    Awarded teams gain international visibility within and beyond the ENLIGHT Alliance, become part of the ENLIGHT Impact Community as Impact Ambassadors, receive mentoring and training on impact
    communication, and have the opportunity to connect with impact experts and other award-winning initiatives across Europe.


    How do I submit my application?
    Applications must be submitted via the online application forms provided below. Please make sure to follow the instructions in the forms and submit your application before the deadline.


    2024_IMPACT Awardees
    ENLIGHT Impact Awardees 2024