2025 Summit
The 2025 GUA Summit, 9–12 November 2025, in Dublin, Ireland was a richly engaging mix of student-led research, high‑impact keynote talks and global networking, all aimed at nurturing the next generation of academic and professional leaders.
It reinforced the Summit’s role as a prestigious international platform for outstanding undergraduate scholarship.
Keynote & Featured Speakers
Councillor Yemi Adenuga – brought powerful energy and inspiration to the 2025 Global Undergraduate Awards Summit as our keynote speaker. A trailblazer in Irish politics and social entrepreneurship, Yemi is Ireland’s first Black female councillor, representing Fine Gael on Meath County Council.
Often described as “energy in motion,” she is known for her passion for leadership, empowerment, and inclusion. Her personal journey—from growing up in Nigeria as one of 27 children in a polygamous household, to becoming a respected public figure in Ireland—is a testament to resilience and courage. At just thirteen, Yemi was told that she and her sisters would never amount to anything. Instead of accepting that fate, she used those words as fuel to build a life of purpose and leadership.
In her keynote, Yemi shared how she transformed adversity into impact, delivering a message that resonated deeply with our global audience: that no one’s background should limit their ambition. Through her life and work, she continues to empower others to find their voice, seize opportunity, and lead with confidence.
Her presence at the 2025 Summit left a lasting impression on attendees, reminding us all of the strength in perseverance and the power of self-belief.
Dr. Ali Rizvi, Founder & CEO at Frensei, Irish Times Innovators to Watch 2025 and Associate Professor of Entrepreneurship challenged students to think beyond traditional career paths and embrace the mindset of an entrepreneur. Drawing on his experience at the intersection of research, innovation and commercialisation, he explored how curiosity, resilience and a willingness to take calculated risks are essential to transforming ideas into meaningful impact.
Encouraging students to see entrepreneurship not simply as starting a business, but as a way of approaching problems with creativity and purpose, Dr. Rizvi highlighted the important role that undergraduate researchers play in shaping future discoveries. His address inspired attendees to recognise the value of their own ideas and to approach their academic and professional journeys with confidence, ambition and an openness to opportunity.
Joeli Ramirez and Connor O’Rourke, Root & Rise, invited delegates to reflect on the vital connection between personal wellbeing and long-term achievement. Challenging the notion that success must come at the expense of health and balance, the session explored how self-awareness, resilience and intentional living form the foundation for sustainable personal and professional growth.
Through practical reflection and engaging discussion, participants were encouraged to consider how cultivating wellbeing enhances creativity, decision-making and leadership. Root & Rise demonstrated that true success is not measured solely by accomplishments, but by the ability to remain grounded, authentic and connected to one’s values while navigating life’s opportunities and challenges. The workshop provided a thoughtful reminder that lasting impact begins with taking care of ourselves as we strive to make a difference in the world.
Dr. Shirley Kavanagh, challenged delegates to think differently about the future of leadership in an increasingly complex and rapidly changing world. Drawing on more than three decades of executive experience across global organisations, alongside her research in strategic leadership at Trinity College Dublin, she explored how effective leadership is built not only on expertise, but on clarity, integrity and the ability to inspire others through periods of uncertainty.
Encouraging attendees to view leadership as a responsibility rather than a position, Dr. Kavanagh highlighted the importance of self-awareness, resilience and purposeful decision-making. Her address offered practical insights into developing a high-performing mindset, navigating change with confidence and creating cultures where innovation and people can thrive together. It served as a timely reminder that the leaders of tomorrow are those who remain committed to continuous learning, thoughtful action and making a meaningful impact beyond their own success.
Dr. Amy Campbell, Returning to the Global Undergraduate Awards Summit as both a distinguished alumna and keynote speaker, Dr. Amy Campbell offered a compelling reflection on the transformative power of undergraduate research and the opportunities it can unlock. A Global Winner in Earth and Environmental Sciences in 2019, Amy’s journey from award-winning undergraduate researcher to internationally recognised scientist exemplifies the lasting impact of curiosity, ambition and academic excellence.
Drawing on her work in climate change, infectious disease forecasting and Earth observation, Dr. Campbell demonstrated how interdisciplinary research can address some of the world’s most pressing global challenges. She encouraged delegates to embrace collaboration, remain open to unexpected opportunities and recognise that the skills developed through undergraduate research extend far beyond academia.
Her keynote was both inspiring and deeply personal, illustrating how the Global Undergraduate Awards can serve as a launchpad for careers that combine scientific excellence with meaningful societal impact. As an alumna returning to share her journey, Dr. Campbell reinforced the importance of nurturing young researchers and reminded this year’s winners that today’s research has the potential to become tomorrow’s solutions.
