A collaborative international student initiative hosted by Ulster University has received national recognition at the GradIreland & AHECS Employability Awards 2026, winning the Building Effective Partnerships Award.
The award recognised the Sustainable Innovation Challenge, delivered through a partnership between Ulster University, University of Liverpool, Manchester Metropolitan University and Berlin School of Economics and Law, alongside strategic partner The R&A.
Hosted by Ulster University, the initiative brings together students from different universities, countries and disciplines to collaborate on innovative solutions to industry challenges.
The most recent challenge focused on sustainability opportunities linked to the 153rd Open Championship at Royal Portrush, with students supported by employer mentors throughout the programme.
Brian Byers, Student and Graduate Opportunities Manager, said:
“This award is a fantastic recognition of the power of partnership and collaboration in creating meaningful learning experiences for students. The Sustainable Innovation Challenge has shown what can be achieved when universities and industry partners come together to give students the opportunity to tackle complex challenges with an international perspective.”
Dr Rachel Shannon, Strategic Project Officer, added:
“The programme enables students to develop valuable employability skills while working across cultures, disciplines and institutions. It has been inspiring to see the creativity, innovation and collaboration demonstrated by the students involved, and we are delighted that the partnership behind the initiative has been recognised through this award.”
John Kemp, Assistant Director of Sustainable Golf Development at The R&A, said:
“Aligned with our celebration of a decade of sustainability action, the innovation challenge provided a unique opportunity to shape how The R&A maximises impact for the community. The students’ and their mentors’ focus for the challenge over 48-hours was tremendous and produced concepts of real-world merit.
“As a global governing body for the sport of golf we are frequently presented with opportunities to partner with organisations, I can say with absolute certainty that the collaboration was amongst one of the most impactful I have been involved with.”
The Building Effective Partnerships Award celebrates collaborative initiatives that demonstrate measurable impact and innovation in enhancing student employability and graduate outcomes.
The Sustainable Innovation Challenge involved more than 100 students working together in international teams, supported by employer mentors and industry partners, highlighting the importance of partnership-led experiential learning in preparing graduates for the future world of work.
The next Sustainable Innovation Challenge will take place in Manchester in June 2026.
