The National Inventory of Architectural Heritage (some of whose ‘buildings of the month’ have been featured in our regular ‘Gems of Architecture’ slot) was awarded a prize in the research category of the European Union Prize for Cultural Heritage/Europa Nostra Awards. The prize was launched jointly by the European Commission and Europa Nostra in 2002 as part of the implementation of the European Union Culture Programme. The aims are twofold: to promote high standards and quality skills of conservation practice and to stimulate trans-frontier exchanges in the heritage field. By furthering the ‘power of example’, the prize also aims to encourage further exemplary initiatives in favour of heritage throughout Europe.