These prestigious awards celebrate excellence and innovation in project management research, honouring individuals and teams whose work has made a meaningful impact on the global project management community.

Each year, the IPMA Research Awards shine a spotlight on outstanding research achievements that advance both the theory and practice of project management – inspiring collaboration, innovation, and professional growth worldwide.

Meet the Finalists – IPMA Global Research Awards 2026

After a long application and assessment process, IPMA is pleased to announce the finalists for the 2026 IPMA Global Research Awards.
(Shown by name in alphabetical order.)

Young Researcher Award

Keyao (Eden) Li
Edith Cowan University, Australia
“A Dynamic Skills Framework for the Future of Project Management in the Digital Era”
Sara Peric
University of Belgrade – Faculty of Organizational Sciences, Serbia
“Model of Individual Competencies in Project-Oriented Public Sector Organizations”

Graduate Research Award

Luke Desmond
SKEMA Business School, USA
“The integration of BIM and blockchain to support stakeholder transitions within the built environment”
Ning Sun
University College London (UCL), United Kingdom
“Dynamic Value Creation over the Project Life Cycle: A Paradox Perspective”
Omar Owais
Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand
“Developing and Validating a Next-Gen Digital Project Manager Competency Model for Construction’s Digital Transformation”
Wenqi Li
School of Civil Engineering, Tsinghua University, China
“Ethical Risks in Construction Project Management: Identification, Causes, and Governance”

Research Award

David Oyekunle
Salford Business School – University of Salford, United Kingdom
“Swarm Intelligence for Project Management and Decision Sciences: Enhancing Resource Allocation, Decision Making, and Team Collaboration”
Research team:
Dr David Seth Preston (University of Salford, UK); Ugochukwu Okwudili Matthew (Federal University of Lavras, Brazil);
Dr David Boohen (University of Energy and Natural Resources, Ghana)
Dr Marzena Baker
Australian Catholic University, Australia
“Tapping the untapped resource to address construction skills shortages: perceptions of Australian women career changers and construction women”
Research team:
Associate Professor Muhammad Ali (Queensland University of Technology, Australia);
Dr Roksana Jahan Tumpa (Central Queensland University, Australia);
Emma Hassett (ACCIONA Australia and New Zealand)
Dr Xin Cheng
China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, China
“Poverty alleviation without returning to poverty: China’s answer to sustainable project management”
Research team:
Thriving Research Team, School of Economics and Management, China University of Geosciences (Wuhan)
Congratulations to all the finalists on this outstanding achievement.

Apply in one of the following categories:

IPMA Graduate Award

Recognising outstanding research for master’s, MBA, or PhD degrees before the title is officially awarded

IPMA Young Researcher Award

Recognising outstanding research by a young researcher (someone under 36 years old and less than 10 years of involvement in research)

IPMA Research Award

Recognising an outstanding research project conducted by an individual or a team

IPMA Research Achievement Award

Researchers with an outstanding lifetime contribution to project management research (nomination-based award)

IPMA Global Project Management Academic Excellence Recognition

In addition to the Research Awards, applicants also have the opportunity to apply for the
IPMA Global Project Management Academic Excellence Recognition.

This recognition highlights and celebrates exceptional members of the academic community who have demonstrated excellence in teaching, research, and contributions to the field of project management. It is awarded in four distinctions:

  • • IPMA Distinguished Professor
  • • IPMA Distinguished Associate Professor
  • • IPMA Distinguished Assistant Professor
  • • IPMA Distinguished Lecturer

Candidates for these recognitions are expected to be respected members of the global project management community, known for their integrity, ethical conduct, and commitment to promoting IPMA values.

Apply for Academic Excellence Recognition

Awards Time Schedule 2026

  • 15th October 2025 – Open Call for Research Awards
  • 11th December 2025 – Submission Deadline

Assessment Phase

  • 2nd February 2026 – Notification of Judges’ Decision
  • 4th February 2026 – Finalists Announced
  • Feb–Apr 2026 – Preparation for IPMA RC & Global Research Awards Gala


Apply for the IPMA Global Research Award

Carefully read the Submission Guidelines and address all submission requirements in the category of your choice.

For more information contact us at: award@ipma.world.