Below you will find an overview of the steps and requirements for nominating a candidate for the ECHO Award 2026.

Checklist: Required Documents for a Complete Nomination

Please ensure that the following documents are included in the nomination:

1. A fully completed ECHO Award 2026 application form.

2. Nomination letter from the institution, including the motivation for the nomination, signed by a member of the Executive Board or Board of Directors of the institution. (See example)

3. Personal motivation letter from the candidate. In this letter, the candidate is asked to address the following questions:

• • What is your vision on societal impact, and how have you contributed to this in practice?

  • How do you work toward sustainable change in policies and systems within the field of diversity and inclusion?

  • How do you use your leadership qualities to inspire and mobilize others?

4. Curriculum vitae of the candidate.

5. Optional: An optional video pitch (maximum 3 minutes) in which the candidate presents their vision and societal impact.

Procedure and Deadlines

Nominations must be submitted by email to: pravini@echo-net.nl

Deadline for submission: 26 June 2026

Please note that internal deadlines may differ per institution. For more information, please contact the ECHO Award coordinator within your institution or reach out to ECHO directly via the email address above.

Guidelines for the Candidate’s Motivation Letter

Candidates are asked to structure their personal motivation letter using the following guidelines:

• Provide a concrete description of your societal impact, including examples of measurable results, collaborations, or sustainable changes you have achieved.

• Reflect on the challenges and opportunities you have encountered in your engagement with communities of colour.

• Explain how receiving the ECHO Award could support you in expanding your impact.

Criteria for the ECHO Award 2026

The following criteria are used in the selection of finalists and winners:

• Social impact: making tangible contributions that lead to positive change, both within and outside the educational institution, on socially relevant issues.
• Policy and systemic change: being engaged in initiatives focused on policy-related and/or systemic issues aimed at addressing structural inequalities, and demonstrating a clear vision and strategy in doing so.
• Leadership qualities: demonstrating inspiring leadership and the ability to mobilize and motivate others in processes of social change.

Categories of the ECHO Award 2026

Starting in 2026, three ECHO Awards will be presented:

• ECHO Award HBO – for students in universities of applied sciences.

• ECHO Award WO – for students in research universities.

• ECHO Current Affairs Award – for students addressing urgent and current societal issues within the field of diversity and inclusion.

Important Dates

• ECHO Ambassadors Academy: 19 September 2026

• Jury Interviews: 29 October 2026

• ECHO Award Ceremony: 10 December 2026 (subject to change)

Questions?

If you have any questions or would like more information, please feel free to contact us at: pravini@echo-net.nl