TU Dublin Students Recognised Among Ireland’s Leading Undergraduates at Global Undergraduate Awards 2026
Two TU Dublin students have been recognised for their outstanding academic work at the 2026 Global Undergraduate Awards (GUA), with Alexandra Sukenikova and Sofia Hilmi named Regional Winners for the Island of Ireland in their respective categories.
Alexandra Sukenikova was named Regional Winner in Education, recognising her academic work in the Early Childhood Education and Care programme. Recent graduate Sofia Hilmi was named Regional Winner in Art History & Theory for her undergraduate thesis, highlighting the strength and diversity of academic talent across the University.
Alexandra Sukenikova's research explored young children's transitions from the home environment into preschool, a relatively neglected area within early childhood research, policy and practice. Her study developed and evaluated a transition observation tool to help educators understand and respond to children's experiences during this important transition period. The research is particularly significant in making young children's experiences and perspectives more visible, recognising that signs of stress and adjustment are not always readily apparent for all children during transitions.
Dr Deirdre Mc Grath, Lecturer in the School of Social Science, Law and Education, congratulated Alexandra on her achievement.
I am delighted to celebrate Alexandra's achievement as an Ireland Regional Winner in the Education category of the Global Undergraduate Awards. This award reflects her academic excellence, hard work, and dedication throughout her time on the TU Dublin Early Childhood Education and Care programme. It is a well-deserved recognition of her commitment to her studies and her contribution to the field. I look forward to seeing her continued contributions in the years ahead.
Sofia Hilmi, a recent graduate of the TU975 Interior Design programme in TU Dublin's School of Art and Design, received the award for her thesis, 'Moroccan Influence in Global Furniture Design: Cultural Exchange or Exoticism Disguised as Appreciation?'
Her research critically examines the relationship between cultural exchange and cultural appropriation in contemporary design. Using Moroccan weaving and furniture design as case studies, the thesis explores how colonial and postcolonial influences have shaped Moroccan aesthetics and their interpretation within global design practices.
Peter Mac Cann, Lecturer in Interior and Furniture Design at TU Dublin's School of Art and Design, said:
Sofia's achievement is a fantastic recognition of the quality of her research and the thoughtfulness of her approach to contemporary design. Her thesis explores important questions around cultural identity, influence and appropriation, demonstrating a strong critical understanding of the relationship between design and culture. We are very proud to see her work recognised at an international level and look forward to seeing her represent TU Dublin at the Global Undergraduate Awards Summit.
As Regional Winners, Sofia and Alexandra will represent TU Dublin at the Global Undergraduate Awards Summit, taking place at the RDS in Dublin from 8–11 November 2026. They will join international winners from 48 countries, providing an opportunity to present their research, connect with fellow students and engage in discussions on global challenges.
Alexandra and Sofia's achievements highlight the breadth of academic excellence and research across TU Dublin. Their recognition places them among the leading undergraduate contributors in their respective disciplines, following an international judging process in which an international panel of academic experts assesses submissions anonymously.
Now in its 2026 programme, the Global Undergraduate Awards is recognised as the world's leading academic awards programme celebrating outstanding undergraduate work across 25 disciplines. This year's submissions reflect the interests and concerns of a generation engaging with major global challenges, including social and economic inequality, geopolitical instability, climate change, environmental sustainability and the impact of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies.
Jim Barry, Chairman of the Global Undergraduate Awards, said:
These students are among the brightest undergraduates globally with the potential to have a significant impact on some of the world's greatest challenges. The purpose of the Global Undergraduate Awards is to recognise that potential early; to identify exceptional talent at the start of a career, recognise that talent and give it a global platform, long before the wider world takes notice.
The 2026 winners will be celebrated at the Global Undergraduate Awards Summit in Dublin in November, bringing together outstanding undergraduate students from around the world to share their work, exchange ideas and build international connections.
Congratulations to Alexandra and Sofia on this fantastic achievement and recognition of their academic work.