Madrid, 1 July 2026 – Access Info Europe is thrilled to announce a new edition of the Helen Darbishire Award, which celebrates those who use their right of access to information to have a positive impact on society.

The Helen Darbishire Award recognises those who have significantly leveraged their right of access to information to advance human rights, the rule of law, transparency and government accountability, anti-corruption efforts, or environmental protection.

By celebrating exemplary achievements of civil society advocates, campaigners, journalists, academics and practitioners across Europe, the award aims to highlight the importance of the right of access to information and inspire others to utilise this powerful tool.

At the same time, through this award, Access Info honours the impressive work and achievements of our founder, Helen Darbishire, in championing and promoting access to information globally.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Applications and nominations must evidence how exercising the right to information brought about a tangible impact on human rights, the rule of law and access to justice, transparency and citizen participation, anti-corruption and public integrity, or environmental protection and climate justice.
  • Impact can be demonstrated in the description of the projects or cases carried out by applicants or nominees, through a range of mechanisms, such as research, political advocacy, litigation, journalistic investigations, or campaigns.
  • The presented work must have been conducted in the past three years (2024-2026).
  • This award is open to individuals and groups working in Europe (including non-EU countries), e.g. civil society advocates, campaigners, journalists, academics, and practitioners.
  • Both self-applications and third-party nominations are accepted.

Evaluation Criteria

Assessment of the nominations will consider projects or cases that have produced a positive impact on society, including the following:

  • Public Interest: Bringing about tangible positive change in areas such as human rights, the rule of law, transparency, anti-corruption, or environmental protection.
  • Inclusivity: Positively affecting disadvantaged or marginalised groups.
  • Inspiration: Encouraging others to exercise their right to access information.
  • Adaptability: Overcoming obstacles to enforce access to crucial information.
  • Collaboration: Partnering with individuals, organisations, or communities to amplify impact.
  • Sustainability: Ensuring long-lasting outcomes and continued benefit from the information obtained.

You can see the evaluation criteria here.

Award Benefits

  • Dissemination on Access Info Europe’s communication channels: Access Info will disseminate the work carried out by the finalists and the winner across all its communication and network channels, such as its website, social media channels, and mailing lists. 
  • Global Promotion and Recognition: Access Info will promote the winner’s impactful work globally in any relevant fora in which it participates. Access Info will also actively seek opportunities to promote the winner’s work.

Nomination Process

  • Apply yourself or nominate another person or organisation by filling out this application and nomination form.
  • The deadline to submit the form is 23.59 CEST on Friday,17 July.

For more information, please contact info[at]access-info.org.