EWORA Academic Leadership Program for Future Women Rectors (Pilot 2026)

We are pleased to invite your university to nominate candidates for the EWORA Academic Leadership and Mentoring Program for Future Women Rectors, a newly launched initiative designed to strengthen the pipeline of women leaders who aspire to the highest academic leadership roles across Europe and beyond.

Nominations should be submitted by the Rector/President of the university or an officially authorised member of the senior leadership (e.g., Vice-Rector or equivalent).

With this program, EWORA (European Women Rectors Association), seeks to provide increased access to high-level leadership development, peer learning, mentoring, and international networking opportunities. This unique one-year programme is led by senior, experienced leaders many of whom are former Rectors. The programme will begin in March 2026 and includes 7 online sessions, and one face to face at the EWORA 2026 conference.

The program offers:
● Strategic and values-led leadership training tailored to university governance
● Peer support and networking within a European context of senior women rectors
● Mentoring and career guidance for future top academic leaders

Eligible candidates:
We strongly encourage nominations of women leaders who are motivated to assume the highest executive roles in their institutions i.e. Deans, Vice-Rectors, and other senior academic leaders. The deadline for nominations is 15 December 2025, and should include a short CV and support letter from the institution. Nominations or enquiries to be sent to: info@ewora.org

We look forward to receiving nominations from your institution and your support for the advancement of outstanding women leaders.

Eligibility & Participation Options

1️⃣ EWORA Member Universities
• Eligible to nominate up to two (2) candidates
• No participation fee for selected nominees
• Home university covers travel and accommodation for the Brussels session

2️⃣ Non-Member Universities
• Eligible to nominate up to two (2) candidates
• Participation requires a program fee (300 Euros) per selected nominee
• Home university covers travel and accommodation for the Brussels session