REMINDER: Submit your nomination for the D&I Award!
Deadline is February 1, 2026
At the Open Universiteit, we believe it's important that everyone feels welcome, seen, and heard - whether you're a student, lecturer, researcher, or support staff. But what does that mean in practice? How do you make diversity and inclusion (D&I) tangible? And who are the unsung forces behind initiatives that truly make an impact? That's why we're proud to introduce the Open Universiteit D&I Award.
What is the D&I Award?
The D&I Award was created to reward and highlight inspiring activities and initiatives related to diversity and inclusion within the Open Universiteit. Because good work deserves to be seen—especially when it concerns a topic that not everyone is immediately enthusiastic about. Whether you're conducting research that touches on D&I themes, making teaching materials more inclusive, organizing inclusive student projects, or working to create a pleasant, open work environment: your efforts matter.
Why this award?
Diversity and inclusion are integral to the Open Universiteit's strategic objectives. They are pillars of a forward-looking, human university. The D&I Award aims to:
- Provide inspiration by sharing best practices
- Recognize people who are committed to an inclusive Open Universiteit
- Give new initiatives a boost.
The winner will receive €2,000 to further develop their project or realize new ideas.
Who can participate?
Anyone within the Open Universiteit: students, lecturers, staff, or teams. Consider, for example:
- Research – New insights or practical applications related to D&I
- Work environment and policy – Ideas that contribute to an inclusive workplace culture
- Education – Teaching materials or courses that incorporate D&I in an innovative way
- Student projects – Activities that contribute to an inclusive student experience.
How is the winner chosen?
An independent jury – consisting of members of the D&I expert team, representatives from the D&I Office, and a dean – will assess the submissions based on four criteria.
- Impact: the extent to which the project contributes to the D&I objectives within the OU
- Innovation: creativity and originality in addressing D&I challenges
- Reproducibility: the extent to which the project can be applied within or outside the OU
- Sustainability: the long-term impact and/or feasibility of the initiative.
Mark this in your calendar
- Nominations: can be submitted until February 1, 2026
- Award ceremony: March 2, 2026, during the opening of Diversity Week 2026
The winner, along with the project results, will be widely shared in the OU's internal and external communication channels.
Show what you're doing for an inclusive Open Universiteit!
In short: Do you (or your team) have an initiative that contributes to an inclusive university? Seize this opportunity to gain recognition and inspire others. You can submit your own project, or someone else's initiative that you think deserves an award.
Together, we'll make the OU not only smarter, but also more inclusive.
Do you have any questions or ideas? Contact the Diversity Office.
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