CUBS Celebrates a Decade of Impact and Joins the Top 1% of Globally Accredited Business Schools

20 Apr 2026

Cork University Business School (CUBS) at University College Cork celebrated a major milestone last week, marking a decade of impact alongside its achievement of triple international accreditation—an honour held by fewer than 1% of business schools worldwide. 

The event brought together business leaders, alumni, and key stakeholders from across Ireland and beyond, reflecting on ten years of growth, achievement, and impact while also setting a clear focus on the future. 

Top 1% globally and Ireland’s largest business education provider 

Triple accreditation—held by fewer than 150 business schools worldwide—recognises excellence across teaching, research, industry engagement, and global impact. 

Since its establishment in 2015, Cork University Business School has grown to become Ireland’s largest provider of business education, supporting thousands of students each year and contributing impactful research and thought leadership across a broad range of disciplines. 

Celebrating alumni making a global impact 

A highlight of the evening was the inaugural Alumni Impact Awards, recognising graduates who have made outstanding contributions over the past decade through leadership, entrepreneurship, and positive societal impact. 

The award recipients were Sophie Healy-Thow, Founder of Act4Food, a global youth-led movement transforming food systems; Ryan O’Neil, CEO and Co-founder of LegitFit, an all-in-one gym management software platform; and Emerald de Leeuw Goggin, Global Head of Privacy & AI Governance at Logitech. 

Keith O’Donoghue, Sophie Healy-Thow, Ann Doherty, Simon Coveney

A decade of growth and future ambition 

Speaking at the event, Professor Anthony McDonnell, Dean of Cork University Business School, described the occasion as a landmark moment for the School: 

“This marks an important milestone for Cork University Business School as we enter our second decade. Achieving triple crown accreditation reflects the ambition and excellence of our research and educational offering, and the dedication of our entire community—staff, students, alumni, and partners.” 

He also emphasised the School’s future focus on impact, sustainability, and responsible innovation, particularly in areas such as environmental stewardship and the ethical use of emerging technologies such as AI. 

The evening featured a panel discussion on Ireland’s role in the global business landscape, chaired by the Dean and including Simon Coveney, former Tánaiste; Ann Doherty, CEO of the Port of Cork; and Keith O’Donoghue of Qualcomm. The discussion explored key challenges and opportunities shaping Ireland’s international position, with a particular focus on strengthening collaboration between industry and academia. 

Simon Coveney former Tánaiste, Keith O’Donoghue of Qualcomm, and Ann Doherty CEO of the Port of Cork

The event also marked the launch of the School’s new strategic vision, Making a Difference: Vision to Impact, centered on shaping leaders for a more sustainable future. 

CUBS now looks ahead to building on its global standing, advancing impactful research, and empowering graduates to lead and make meaningful contributions across society.