Mihaela Borta, a Stage 2 BSc Economics and Finance student at UCD Lochlann Quinn School of Business represented the University in the third cohort of the Future Nobel Laureates Scholarship Program in Stockholm, Sweden, which took place in December 2023.

The interdisciplinary programme combines an online project-based module, an international field study in Sweden, and attendance at the 2023 Nobel Week Dialogue. It is dedicated to bringing together a select group of students from diverse backgrounds as future leaders from all over the world, similarly committed to the principles of dialogue and addressing global challenges, for a shared, expansive and prestigious student experience. 

“I applied to this programme because I was very inspired by its objective— to bring together the brightest students who have the most passion and drive to make changes in the world,” said Mihaela, who is originally from Chisinau (Moldova), but has lived in Dublin since 2016. “Although I am in a very academically-focused course, I wanted to devote my time and effort to something that would advantage those around me.” 

The scholarship, which is awarded to only 10 students worldwide annually, is a one-of-a-kind partnership between UCD, EF Study Abroad, The Nobel Prize Museum and the Forum on Education Abroad. The scholarship is awarded to those gifted students who are passionate about change and advancing equity and justice in the world. 

The global issue at the centre of Mihaela’s application was Equal Educational Opportunities for Women in Developing Countries. 

“Having first-hand experience of good quality education, I understood very well what a privilege it was to not only be able to get a good education, but also to have support around me,” she said. “Finding this programme and seeing an opportunity to discuss this issue in more depth was ideal.” 

Before travelling to Sweden to attend the Nobel Week Dialogues, Mihaela participated in a trimester of virtual workshops and activities with fellow scholars. In Stockholm, teams presented their projects which were later displayed in the Nobel Prize Museum. During the week, students attended a series of presentations by field experts and past Nobel Prize Laureates. The topic of the dialogues this year was The Future of Migration. 

The in-person experience in Sweden has been one of the highlights not only of my college experience but of my entire life.

“To be able to get together with the other students, all of whom are so bright and have so many ideas and interesting perspectives made the trip a truly enriching experience,” continued Mihaela. “We also got the opportunity of a lifetime to attend the Nobel Prize Ceremony and witness the awarding of the Nobel Prize Laureates. I remember feeling overwhelmed and so privileged at the honour I had—to attend the most noble and most highly esteemed award ceremony in the world.” 

The Future Nobel Laureates Scholarship Programme is fuelled by a common belief that in order to change the world you need to experience it. This high-impact student scholarship programme—a product of a collaborative partnership between EF College Study and The Forum, is in partnership with the Nobel Prize Museum and UCD Quinn School. 

“Seeing the effect of our Scholars collaborating together in this way is a testament to how truly powerful and important transnational educational opportunities are,” said Director of UCD Quinn School Maeve Houlihan. “I feel sure that each person's path will be a little different now, and I hope, deservedly, a little more confident, galvanised and connected, because of the experiences of this week and term.” 

UCD Quinn School serves as the School of Record for this international programme and as the School that introduced the programme. It brings the opportunity to students to share learnings with the wider community.

The programme included an online, project-based course led by Dr David Wick (Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey) with support from Dr Darla K. Deardorff (AIEA International Higher Education). Forum Senior Director for Research & Publication Amelia Dietrich, PhD, served as a co-leader of the program. UCD is a member of the Forum on Education Abroad for more than ten years, and participates extensively in Forum conferences and leadership.