EARMA Sustainability in Research Management Award

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Call status: Open

Deadline: February 18, 2026

 

Scope and Objectives

The EARMA Sustainability in Research Management Award recognizes outstanding initiatives and contributions that promote sustainability in research management practices. This prestigious award celebrates individuals, teams, or organizations within the research management community that have demonstrated innovative approaches to integrating sustainability principles into their work during the three years prior to the award being made. This award not only celebrates achievements but also amplifies the winners' impact by positioning them as leaders and advocates for sustainability in research management.

The objectives of the awards are to:

  • Highlight exemplary efforts that reduce the environmental impact of research management.
  • Encourage the adoption of sustainable practices across the research ecosystem.
  • Celebrate innovative, replicable, and impactful solutions.

 

Eligibility

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • The applicant may be an individual, team, or organization engaged in research management within the EARMA network or affiliated research institutions.

  • Projects or initiatives must demonstrate a significant focus on sustainability in research management practices.

  • Submissions should reflect activities or impacts that occurred within the past three years.

 

Selection Criteria

Applications will be evaluated by the Awards Expert Group based on the following criteria:

  • Innovation (30%): The application should provide clear evidence of how the initiative utilises innovative approaches, methodologies and/or tools that promote sustainability – and how these go beyond traditional practices. The application should explain how the initiative offers new ideas and/or challenges existing paradigms in research management, providing evidence in all cases. The application should highlight how the value and effectiveness of engagement with researchers, stakeholders, and the wider community has benefited the initiative.

  • Impact (30%): Clear evidence of impact achieved through data or other empirical evidence, such as reduced carbon footprints or improved resource efficiency, must be provided in the application. Tangible, long-lasting improvements in sustainability, such as reduced environmental impact or the creation of sustainable practices, should also be clearly illustrated. Applicants are asked to provide an indication of the potential for broader adoption and long-term sustainability in their initiative.
  • Replicability (20%): Following from Impact, applications must demonstrate how their initiative may be easily replicated and scaled across other research institutions or even across sectors. Applications should illustrate how their initiatives can be tailored to different research environments (e.g., countries, disciplines). Lastly, applications should include a clear communication and dissemination plan to further evidence their replicability.
  • Alignment with Sustainability Goals (10%): Applications should provide evidence of alignment between their initiative and established sustainability frameworks like the UN SDGs, particularly in environmental sustainability and climate action. Applicants should demonstrate in measurable terms how well has sustainability been embedded as a core principle in their own day-to-day research management practices and operations.
  • Sustainability of the Initiative (10%): Applications should demonstrate how their initiative is viable in the long term, for example, via evidence of plans, policies, procedures, and resources necessary for sustaining relevant activities and personnel. Further evidence of continuous assessment and improvement of their initiative should complement this.

 

Application Process

To apply for the EARMA Sustainability in Research Management Award, please complete the following steps:

  1. Fill out the online application form available on the EARMA website.

  2. Provide a detailed description of the initiative, including objectives, methodology, outcomes, and sustainability impact (maximum 1,000 words).

  3. Attach supporting documents, such as case studies, testimonials, or performance data (optional but encouraged).

  4. Submit the application by the specified deadline.

 

Deadline

Applications must be submitted by February 18, 2026, at 23:59 CET. Late submissions will not be considered.

 

Evaluation and Notification

The EARMA Awards Expert Group will assess the applications based on the published selection criteria. Winners will be notified as soon as possible after March 17, 2026, and announced during the EARMA Annual Conference.

 

Award Recognition

Winners of the EARMA Sustainability in Research Management Award will receive the following recognition:

  • Formal Award Presentation: The award will be presented during the EARMA Annual Conference.
  • Certificate and Plaque: A personalized certificate and a plaque symbolizing the recipient's contribution to advancing sustainability in research management.
  • Showcasing in EARMA Communications: A feature in EARMA’s official communications, including the website, newsletters, and social media platforms, to highlight the winner's achievements and inspire the community.
  • Opportunities for Engagement: Invitations to present the initiative at future EARMA events, webinars, or workshops, fostering knowledge-sharing and collaboration within the community, for example, via a reserved place in the next annual conference poster presentations.
  • Networking Opportunities: Enhanced visibility within the research management community, creating opportunities for collaboration and partnership with like-minded professionals and organizations.

 

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