Key Points
- The fifth annual 30(ish) Awards at Cardiff University are now open for nominations, celebrating alumni making a difference as disruptors, innovators, change seekers, mischief-makers, and boundary breakers.
- Nominations close on Sunday, 21 June 2026; alumni under or over 30 who feel “30(ish)” can nominate themselves or others.
- Winners will attend a special celebration on Thursday, 19 November 2026, hosted by Cardiff University’s President and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Wendy Larner, featuring networking with pioneering alumni.
- The awards eschew traditional “30 under 30” formats, spotlighting leaders, innovators, and rule-breakers from Cardiff’s alumni community.
- The 1976 UAU men’s rugby champions have reunited in Cardiff for a golden reunion, marking 50 years since their victory.
- Visitors have the opportunity to return to the Students’ Union to relive good times, tying into broader alumni events like the Big Reunion Weekend.
- Past events, such as the 2025 awards ceremony on 23 October 2025 hosted by BBC presenters Sam MacGregor and Danni Diston, highlight the tradition of recognising impactful alumni.
- Prestigious Vice-Chancellor’s Award in 2025 went to Dr Olamide Oguntimehin for founding Melanin Medics.
Cardiff (Cardiff Daily) March 28, 2026 – Cardiff University has launched nominations for its fifth annual 30(ish) Awards, coinciding with a historic golden reunion of the 1976 UAU men’s rugby champions and opportunities for alumni to revisit the Students’ Union. The initiative celebrates alumni disruptors and innovators, with submissions open until 21 June 2026 ahead of a gala on 19 November 2026 hosted by Professor Wendy Larner. This vibrant return of spring events underscores the university’s commitment to honouring its global network of change-makers.
What are the 30(ish) Awards?
The 30(ish) Awards, now in their fifth year, were established five years ago to recognise Cardiff alumni achieving remarkable impact. Unlike conventional “30 under 30” lists, these awards welcome nominees under or over 30 who embody a “30(ish)” spirit, including leaders, innovators, and boundary breakers.
As detailed in the official announcement from Cardiff University, the awards spotlight those making a difference as disruptors, change seekers, mischief-makers, and rule-breakers, with 150(ish) winners to date inspiring ongoing narratives of success.
Cardiff University’s alumni team emphasised the inclusive ethos, stating that this is
“Cardiff’s spotlight on alumni – where leaders, innovators, and rule-breakers get recognised.”
Nominations are encouraged for oneself or others, requiring a compelling case submitted by the deadline. Past iterations, such as the 2025 event, featured winners like Dr Olamide Oguntimehin, who received the Vice-Chancellor’s Award for founding Melanin Medics to support Black students in medicine.
When and how do nominations close?
Nominations for the fifth annual 30(ish) Awards must be submitted by Sunday, 21 June 2026. Prospective nominees are urged to “make your case” through the official channels, proving their fit among the university’s bright sparks. This deadline aligns with the spring momentum on campus, allowing ample time for alumni worldwide to participate.
As reported by Cardiff University’s communications team in their LinkedIn post, the process is straightforward:
“Nominate yourself or someone else… Be sure to make your case by Sunday 21 June 2026.”
The emphasis on self-nomination democratises recognition, fostering a broad pool of inspiring stories.
What happens at the awards ceremony?
Winners will be invited to campus for a celebratory event on Thursday, 19 November 2026. Hosted by President and Vice-Chancellor Professor Wendy Larner, the night ditches traditional black tie for a lively gathering of “Cardiff-made bright sparks.” Attendees can network with fellow pioneering alumni, reliving connections in an exclusive setting.
Professor Wendy Larner has previously hosted similar events, presenting awards across fields at the 2025 ceremony. The announcement highlights:
“Take a chance to land yourself an exclusive spot on a night of connecting with other pioneering Cardiff alumni. Check out last year’s event.”
Footage and recaps from prior years, including 2024 emceed by alumnus Max Foster, showcase the festive, non-formal atmosphere at venues like sbarc | spark.
Who is hosting the 2026 event?
Cardiff University’s President and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Wendy Larner, will host the 30(ish) Awards celebration. Professor Larner has been a fixture in these events, presenting accolades at the 2025 gathering where winners reconnected amid global travels.
Her leadership emphasises celebrating early-career impacts, as seen in her role at the October 2024 ceremony.
In a LinkedIn update from Cardiff University, the event’s prestige is underscored by her involvement:
“The event will be hosted by Cardiff University’s President and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Wendy Larner.”
This continuity builds anticipation for 2026’s networking-focused evening.
What is the 1976 UAU men’s rugby reunion?
The 1976 UAU men’s rugby champions have reunited in Cardiff for a golden reunion, commemorating 50 years since their triumph in the University Athletic Union competition. This gathering evokes nostalgia, aligning with the campus’s spring revival theme. While specific details on participants remain emerging, it parallels historic rugby milestones in Cardiff, such as the Arms Park fixtures.
The reunion ties into broader alumni engagements, offering a platform to reminisce about university sports heritage. Cardiff’s rugby legacy, including 1976-era matches at Cardiff Arms Park with attendance up to 30,000, provides context for the champions’ legacy.
Why visit the Students’ Union now?
Alumni are invited to
“head back to the Students’ Union and relive the good times,”
complementing the awards and reunion. Cardiff Students’ Union serves as a premier venue in the city’s heart for events, fostering connections. This call resonates with initiatives like the Big Reunion Weekend on 17–19 July 2026, featuring talks, festivals, and concerts post-graduation.
As promoted by Cardiff Students’ Union and the university, these returns create buzzing atmospheres for catch-ups. The venue’s role in alumni nostalgia enhances the spring events’ appeal.
How do past 30(ish) Awards inspire 2026?
The awards’ history boasts remarkable winners, such as 2025’s Dr Feyikemi Akinwolemiwa, Mohammad Al-Khalili, and others spanning innovation and activism. In 2024, honourees included Konstantinos Kousouris and Sarah Lynn, celebrated at sbarc | spark. The 2025 ceremony on 23 October, hosted by BBC Radio 1 presenters Sam MacGregor (BSc 2020) and Danni Diston (BA 2019), drew global participants.
Cardiff University shared on LinkedIn:
“Game-changing alumni recognised at awards ceremony… winners of the 2025 30(ish) awards returned to Cardiff.”
These stories fuel nominations, proving the awards’ role in amplifying positive community impacts.
What makes these events unique?
Eschewing formality, the 30(ish) Awards and related reunions prioritise inspiration over tradition. The rugby champions’ gathering evokes 1970s athletic glory, while Students’ Union visits offer tangible nostalgia. Professor Larner’s hosting ensures high-level endorsement.
Overall, these March 2026 announcements signal a thriving alumni ecosystem at Cardiff University, blending recognition, history, and reconnection. With deadlines approaching, participation promises enduring legacy.
