The 2026 GUA Global Summit
representing the next generation of future leaders
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Converging to collaborate
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Including the world’s finest universities
The annual Global Undergraduate Awards (GUA) Global Summit is a distinguished and exclusive 3-day event designed for exceptional undergraduate students and esteemed academics.
Three days of ideas, research and possibility
The 2026 programme brings together Global Winning research presentations, keynote addresses, panel discussions, workshops, poster sessions, networking opportunities and special award ceremonies.
Across the three days, students will encounter ideas and perspectives far beyond their own area of study. Sessions explore themes including research, leadership, innovation, creativity and the changing role of knowledge in our world.
The programme is designed to encourage students to look beyond the boundaries of their own discipline. A researcher in the sciences might encounter new approaches from the humanities. A future entrepreneur might find inspiration in an academic study. A student presenting their first major piece of research might find themselves in conversation with someone whose career began in a similar place… This exchange is at the heart of the Summit.
Being recognised by the Global Undergraduate Awards is an achievement in itself.
The Summit takes that recognition a step further.It gives students the opportunity to see their work within a much larger landscape of undergraduate research, to learn from the achievements of others and to think about how their own ideas might develop.
For some, that may mean realising their dream of pursuing postgraduate research. For others, it may mean taking their ideas into industry, entrepreneurship, public policy, creative practice or another direction entirely. There is no single pathway.
The Summit is about bringing different pathways together and giving students the confidence, connections and perspective to shape what comes next.
Connecting with amazing people from all over the world inspired me to think outside of myself and taught me to see the global picture.
One decision catalysed into a defining moment in my life!
I highly encourage all undergraduate students to seize the opportunity to enter. It is not only a chance to showcase your academic achievements but also a gateway to personal growth, global connections, and a deeper understanding of the world we live in.
Across three days, attendees can expect:
- Global Winning research presentations
- Keynote addresses from leading academics, professionals and thought leaders
- Cross-disciplinary panel discussions
- Interactive workshops
- Poster Sessions showcasing the multidisciplinary research
- Opportunities to meet and network with peers from around the world
- Special award ceremonies recognising the achievements of our winners
- Social events designed to bring the GUA community together
- Opportunities to engage with ideas and disciplines beyond your own
Find out about our venues and Accommodation
The GUA Global Summit Venues
Set in the heart of Dublin, Ireland, the Summit’s venues reflect the city’s rich tapestry of heritage and innovation – where academic tradition meets forward-thinking ideas.
At the heart of the Summit is the Honourable Society of King’s Inns, Ireland’s oldest legal institution, which serves as the distinguished setting for our Global Winner gala dinner. Its historic grandeur and academic legacy make it the ideal centrepiece for celebrating excellence at the highest level.
The Royal Dublin Society further enriches the Summit experience, offering a historical and intellectual setting that has provided a space to encourage Ireland to thrive culturally & economically since 1731.
Together, these venues invite participants to experience Dublin in all its complexity and charm, a city where old and new thrive side by side, perfectly echoing the spirit of the Summit. A celebration of academic excellence that respects the past while shaping the future.
Accomodation
Global Winner Accommodation – Clayton Hotel Ballsbridge
Situated within walking distance of the main venue of the Summit the Clayton is a stunning Victorian hotel. If you have time it’s location is also situated close to the Sandymount DART station giving you access to Dublin city centre, the coast and beaches of Bray and Howth, Malahide Castle and more sights, galleries, museums and hidden gems than you could ever want.
