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CUBS celebrates a decade of impact, joins Top 1% of Globally Accredited Business Schools
Cork University Business School (CUBS) at University College Cork marked a significant milestone this week, celebrating a decade of impact and its recent achievement of triple international accreditation, something held by less than 1% of business schools globally.
The milestone event brought together business leaders, alumni, and stakeholders from across Ireland and beyond to reflect on a decade of growth, achievement, and impact and with a keen eye to 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 business education provider, serving thousands of students annually while contributing impactful research and thought leadership across a wide range of disciplines.
Celebrating alumni making a global impact
As part of the evening, CUBS hosted its inaugural Alumni Impact Awards, recognising graduates who have made outstanding contributions over the last decade through their leadership, entrepreneurship, and positive impact.
The award recipients were Sophie Healy-Thow (Founder of Act4Food, a global youth-led movement dedicated to 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).
A decade of growth and future ambition
Speaking at the event, Dean of Cork University Business School, Professor Anthony McDonnell, said:
“This is a landmark moment for Cork University Business School. As we move into oursecond decade since establishment, we proudly celebrate our triple crown accreditation. This milestone reflects the ambition and excellence of our world-class research and educational offering, along with the dedication of our entire community - our staff, students, alumni and partners.
“We, however, are especially focused on the future and how our research and programmes can be more impactful. As we look to the future we explore how we can enable the innovation required for a better world; a world that better protects our environment, and responsibly uses technological advances such as AI. Our goal is a world that delivers profitable, sustainable business which provide decent work and a high quality of life for our communities.”
The evening featured a panel discussion centred on the future of Ireland’s business contribution on the global stage, chaired by the Dean and including former Táiniste Simon Coveney, Ann Doherty (CEO Port of Cork), and Keith O’Donoghue (Qualcomm). The discussion centred on major challenges that are currently omnipresent and the opportunities that exist to enhance Cork and Ireland’s place in the world, including how the strong connections between CUBS and industry can be further enhanced.
The event also saw the launch of the School’s new strategic vision, Making a Difference: Vision to Impact, which centre on the School’s vision to shape leaders for a sustainable future.
CUBS remains focused on building on its global standing, advancing impactful research, and empowering graduates to lead and make meaningful contributions across society.