IE University initiatives in Sustainability, Lifelong Learning and Digital Learning recognized at QS Reimagine Education Awards 2024

IE University's commitment to academic excellence and innovation was recognized at the QS Reimagine Education Awards 2024, held during the annual conference in London. This year’s event marks the 11th edition of this renowned global competition.  

IE School of Politics, Economics and Global Affairs had two proposals shortlisted, alongside two from IE University Lifelong Learning and IE University’s Digital Learning Unit respectively. The institution earned a bronze award in the Sustainability Education category (Literacy):  Gamifying Education with the Good Goal App.

This initiative is part of IE School of Politics, Economics and Global Affairs’ Bachelor in International Relations program, where students actively engage with the 2030 Agenda and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through collaboration with the Good Goal App, a startup focused on promoting the involvement of people and organizations in the transition towards sustainability and the achievement of the 2030 Agenda and the SDGs, the challenge encourages students to track and reduce their ecological footprints in areas such as waste management, consumption, and transportation. This project promotes collective action, reflection, and continuous learning on sustainability issues.

“IE School of Politics, Economics and Global Affairs has pioneered a unique and innovative pedagogy that extends both inside and outside the classroom. Over the past two years, this approach has led to global recognition, earning awards from APSIA, QS, and MERIT,” said Vice Dean of IE School of Politics, Economics and Global Affairs, Borja Santos.

“These recognitions highlight IE University's methodology, which enhances learning outcomes, foster employability, and promote effective methods for teaching sustainability.”
Borja Santos, Vice Dean of IE School of Politics, Economics and Global Affairs

The School's second nomination was for the Blue Spain – "Protect Our Oceans" competition in the Sustainability Education (Action) category. A collaboration between IE University and La España Azul Sailing Expedition, this initiative merges science and action to promote sustainability education. La España Azul documents the health of Spain's marine ecosystems, focusing on plastic pollution, while students design awareness campaigns for ocean conservation, aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goal 14.

The third nomination, submitted by IE University Lifelong Learning, was for the IE Stackable Online Master in Digital Transformation in the E-Learning category. This fully online program offers 38 three-week online courses across four modules—business foundations, Understanding Digital Technology, Digital Strategy and Business Innovation, and Leading Transformation and Innovation Management—tailored for early- to mid-career professionals. In partnership with Zain Group, it has served over 2.000 employees through a cohort-based model that blends asynchronous learning, engaging live sessions, and practical assignments. This program is also implemented within other corporate clients. 

The final nomination, submitted by the IE Digital Learning Unit, was for Ethical Crossroads of Emerging Technologies in the Nurturing Values and Ethics category. This 360-degree  learning experience uses the emotional immersion of virtual reality to place learners in positions to make critical decisions with significant consequences. Learners face two ethical dilemmas involving emerging technologies, such as AI-powered weapons in warfare and algorithm use in the legal system. 

"It is inspiring to see how innovation in higher education has a significant impact on learning and student engagement. Year after year, we push the boundaries to design and deliver better, more impactful learning experiences across our programs,” said Martin Rodriguez, General Manager of IE University Lifelong Learning and Digital Learning.     

“Receiving these recognitions at the QS Reimagine Higher Education Awards is a tremendous motivation  and propels us to continue working creatively in both pedagogical and technological approaches."
Martin Rodriguez, General Manager of IE University Lifelong Learning and Digital Learning     

IE University also recently excelled at the prestigious 2024 MERIT Summit & Awards in Dubai, earning recognition for five proposals. IE School of Politics, Economics and Global Affairs received two awards and IE University was shortlisted with the following initiatives: Leadership Development with Roche, Developing Women Leaders with NBK, and People Development with Zain Group.

IE School of Politics, Economics and Global Affairs was recognized for its innovative Humanitarian Crisis Simulation project, a flagship initiative designed to raise awareness on global challenges, and teach students how to tackle decision-making under uncertain contexts, like a humanitarian crisis. The School received the Audience Award, voted by conference attendees across all categories, highlighting the project’s widespread impact and resonance, and distinguishing it as the top initiative among all categories, and also the Social and Environmental Special Recognition, showcasing IE University’s commitment to education that drives meaningful social and environmental change.