Dual international recognition for IE University at the MERIT Summit 2025 for innovative educational initiatives

IE University has earned dual international recognition at the the 2025 MERIT Summit, held at Emlyon Business School in Lyon, France on June 5 and 6. IE School of  Science & Technology received the People Development Award for its Sustainability Datathon, an initiative that develops talent through data-driven solutions to real sustainability challenges. Meanwhile, IE School of Politics, Economics and Global Affairs was awarded a Special Recognition – Experiential Learning with Sustainability Impact for its project, the Ocean Conservation Partnership.

The MERIT Summit, themed "Strategy–People–Organisation: The Never-Ending Transformation Cycle," brought together academic and business leaders to explore how continuous transformation can drive sustainable impact and future-ready leadership.

IE School of Science & Technology was honored with the People Development Award for its educational initiative the Sustainability Datathon, an applied competition where students, companies, and technology converge to tackle real-world sustainability problems. Using data science, artificial intelligence, and visualization tools, student teams collaborate across disciplines to address pressing corporate sustainability issues provided by real companies.

"The Sustainability Datathon is one of the most rewarding experiences in our programs. Students not only solve real-world problems using what they’ve learned, but also collaborate across schools and disciplines."

Guillermo de Haro, Vice Dean of the School

"This recognition highlights how experiential, data-driven education can empower the next generation of leaders to drive meaningful change in sustainability. It reaffirms our commitment to expanding the Datathon globally and deepening our collaboration with industry to bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world problem-solving," highlighted Eduardo Martin, co-founder of the project and Data Scientist at EDP.

Since its launch in 2022, the Sustainability Datathon—open to the entire IE University community of more than 10.000 students representing over 160 nationalities—has grown to include over 400 participants from graduate, undergraduate, and Lifelong Learning programs. The competition is now expanding globally, with confirmed participation from IE NYC students, and also from several European higher education institutions.

Beyond the classroom, the Datathon, also led by Elisa Ruiz, Director of the project, offers students visibility, real-world portfolios, and career opportunities, making it a powerful platform for talent development in the age of AI and sustainability.

IE School of Politics, Economics and Global Affairs was shortlisted and nominated in the Innovation in Higher Education & Learning category for its Ocean Conservation Partnership project. This multi-phase, pioneering initiative immerses students in the challenges and solutions related to marine ecosystem preservation aligned with SDG 14: Life Below Water. Presented by Vice Dean Borja Santos and Associate Director Santiago Sierra, the project showcased IE University’s commitment to sustainability-driven, action-based learning.

"This international recognition highlights the School’s ongoing efforts over the past decade to position itself as a top globally renowned institution, known for its innovative pedagogy, its unique blend of theory and practice, and its commitment to delivering education with purpose."

Borja Santos, Vice Dean of the School

"IE School of Politics, Economics, and Global Affairs impressed the jury with its Ocean Conservation Partnership, a standout example of how experiential learning can drive meaningful sustainability impact," said Rumy Le Gal, Head of Programme & Content at the MERIT Summit & Awards. "By engaging students directly with policymakers, research institutions, and fundraising bodies, the initiative shows how academic programs can bridge theory and practice. It fosters globally minded graduates equipped with the skills, networks, and motivation to become long-term ambassadors for sustainability. We were proud to present this Special Recognition for Experiential Learning with Sustainability Impact at the MERIT Awards Spring 2025."

The program began with the España Azul phase in 2023, where students were involved in ocean awareness and solution design efforts on the Mediterranean coast of Spain. In 2025, it expanded to a second field-based phase on the Portuguese Atlantic coastline, enhancing student engagement with marine conservation through collaboration with scientists, NGOs, and local communities.

Throughout both phases, students participated in partnership building, financial strategies, communication and awareness campaigns, coastal clean-ups and community engagement, connecting academic inquiry with practical environmental stewardship. This recognition highlights the School’s strategic commitment to pedagogical models that emphasize action, purpose, and global citizenship, equipping future professionals with the tools to lead in an increasingly complex and interconnected world.