2018 Summit
The 2018 GUA Summit, November, in Croke Park, 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 excellence.
Keynote & Featured Speakers
Iain Crawford – Chair of the Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR), spoke at the 2018 Global Undergraduate Awards Summit, bringing with him a powerful message about the global importance of student-led research and creative inquiry. Representing CUR—a leading U.S.-based organisation dedicated to advancing high-quality, mentored undergraduate research—Crawford highlighted the transformative impact of collaboration between students and faculty. His address resonated with the Summit’s mission, affirming the value of undergraduate work as a driver of academic excellence and real-world innovation.
Asad Rehman – is the executive director of War on Want, where he organizes to put an end to poverty and injustice. Prior, he was the head of international climate at Friends of the Earth. Rehman has over 25 years of experience in the non-government and charity sector.
He has served on boards of Amnesty International UK, Friends of the Earth International, Global Justice Now, and Newham Monitoring Project.
Carolina Are – Global Winner for Media & Journalism in 2015 returned to the Global Undergraduate Awards Summit in 2018 as a keynote speaker—an inspiring full-circle moment that reflected her remarkable journey. Since receiving her award in the Media & Journalism category, Carolina pursued a PhD focusing on online moderation and free speech, becoming a prominent voice in digital rights and platform accountability. Alongside her academic achievements, she built a strong presence as a content creator and advocate, using her platforms to challenge censorship and promote safer online spaces. Her 2018 keynote captured the energy, insight and resilience that have defined her work since winning—demonstrating the lasting impact of recognition at the Global Undergraduate Awards.
