Award Categories

EFYE Leader / EFYE Champion

Recognises individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership or influence in enhancing the first-year experience in their institutional or national context.

- Is there someone in your institution who not only does the work, but inspires others and has brought lasting, meaningful change to the first-year student experience?

- How has their leadership shaped the mindset or practice of the people around them?

- What concrete outcome can you point to that is clearly the result of their initiative or leadership?

- Has their influence extended beyond their own institution? For example, through national networks, cross-institutional projects, or contributions to policy or practice in other settings?

EFYE Rising Star

Celebrates emerging talent with great potential to make a significant impact on the first-year experience in the future. This award highlights promising contributions and creative ideas.

- Do you know someone early in their career who is already making a visible difference to first-year students or the support systems around them?

- What makes their approach fresh, original, or particularly promising?

- How do you imagine this person's professional impact in 5 years' time?

EFYE Team

Honors collaborative efforts by a team whose joint initiatives have positively influenced the first-year experience. It highlights the benefits and impact of teamwork in achieving notable outcomes.

- Is there a team near you whose members, working together, have achieved something none of them could have done alone?

- How does the team function? How do they make decisions and share responsibility?

- What measurable or clearly felt change has this collaboration brought to the lives of first-year students?

EFYE Research 

Acknowledges outstanding research with national or international recognition that advances understanding and practice in first-year experiences. This award emphasises research output with significant benefits to students and/or staff.

- Is there someone whose research has brought new understanding to the first-year student experience – locally or internationally?

- How does this research translate into everyday educational or student support practice?

- What professional recognition (publications, invited presentations, awards) reflects the reach and impact of their work?

Ready to nominate?

A diverse panel of experienced FYE practitioners from across Europe, chaired by a member of the EFYE committee, will review all nominations. Submissions will be evaluated based on the criteria outlined in the nomination form.

Award winners will be recognised at the EFYE 2026 Conference and receive the prestigious EFYE Fellow title and earn a dedicated session at EFYE 2027 to share their work.

All nominees will be celebrated during the EFYE 2026 Conference. While attendance is not required for nominees, we warmly encourage you to join us in person if possible. Don’t miss this opportunity to shine a spotlight on outstanding contributions to the First Year Experience. Submit your nomination and help us recognise the leaders, rising stars, and collaborative teams shaping the future of student transitions in Europe.