Alumni Awards 2026

University of Galway Alumni Awards
The University of Galway Alumni Awards celebrate the outstanding achievements of our global alumni community of more than 136,000 graduates. These awards honour alumni who have made a meaningful difference in their chosen fields – across Ireland and around the world.

Nomination Criteria
For the purposes of the Alumni Awards, ‘alumni’ refers to anyone who has completed at least one academic year of study at the University of Galway (formerly NUI Galway and UCG).

Eligibility

  • Nominees must be alumni of the University of Galway.
  • Awards recognise alumni who have made a significant contribution to their field and to society.
  • Posthumous nominations cannot be accepted.
  • Self-nominations will not be considered.
  • Joint nominations may be submitted.
  • Current University staff and past recipients of a University of Galway honorary degree are not eligible.

Award Categories

  • Arts, Literature and Celtic Studies
  • Business and Commerce
  • Law, Public Policy, and Society
  • Gaeilge
  • Engineering, Science and Technology
  • Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences
  • Contribution to Sport
  • Emerging Leader – highlights achievements of alumni within 15 years of graduation

Nomination Process
Please complete this Online Form in order to submit a nomination.

Awards Ceremony
The 2026 Alumni Awards will be presented at a Gala Banquet on campus on Saturday, 23 May 2026. Ticket and table bookings will open in 2026.