Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin) has officially opened nominations for its 2026 TY TrailblazHER™ Awards, a flagship initiative designed to celebrate and empower young women across Ireland. This program, part of the university’s broader commitment to advancing gender equality, seeks to identify outstanding female Transition Year (TY) students who demonstrate exceptional talent, leadership, and potential in their communities.
The awards ceremony is scheduled for March 2026 at TU Dublin’s Grangegorman campus. The program features nine distinct award categories, ensuring that a wide spectrum of achievements is recognized. These categories span creative arts, athletic prowess, social impact, community service, leadership, and other forms of contribution, reflecting the diverse talents and passions of young women throughout the island of Ireland.
A Platform for Recognition and Growth
Dr. Aoife Blowick, Senior Manager for TrailblazHER™, emphasized the program’s core mission at the launch. “These awards recognize not just achievement, but potential,” she stated. “The TY TrailblazHER™ Awards are about empowering young women to see themselves as the leaders, innovators and changemakers of tomorrow. At TU Dublin, we are proud to support TrailblazHER™ in creating opportunities that encourage young women to dream bigger and go further.”
This initiative directly addresses a critical need: providing visibility and encouragement to young women at a formative stage in their lives. By celebrating their accomplishments, the awards help build the confidence necessary to pursue ambitious goals in higher education and future careers.
Who Can Be Nominated and How
Nominations are open to all female Transition Year students enrolled in secondary schools across the island of Ireland. The program welcomes nominations from a broad network of individuals who work closely with these students, including school staff, sports coaches, youth workers, volunteers, and mentors in the arts or music. There is no limit to the number of nominations an individual can submit, encouraging widespread participation.
The nomination process itself is a valuable opportunity. It provides schools, community organizations, and clubs with a platform to showcase the impact of their work and the achievements of the young women they support on a national stage at TU Dublin.
Benefits for Nominees
Beyond the honor of receiving an award, nominees gain significant advantages. Winners are in the running to win cash prizes for themselves and their schools. More importantly, they gain exposure to industry leaders, role models, and mentors, opening doors to development opportunities that can shape their future paths.
How to Get Involved
For educators, coaches, and community leaders, nominating a student is a straightforward way to invest in a young woman’s future. The process is designed to be accessible and impactful.
Nomination Deadline: Nominations will close at 5:00 PM on Friday, 13 February 2026.
Learn More: For full details on the award categories, nomination criteria, and the submission process, visit the official TU Dublin TrailblazHER™ page.
Explore the TY TrailblazHER™ Awards and submit your nomination today.
The Broader Impact of the TrailblazHER™ Initiative
The TY TrailblazHER™ Awards are a key component of TU Dublin’s wider TrailblazHER™ initiative, which is dedicated to creating a more equitable and inclusive environment for women in technology and beyond. By focusing on the Transition Year, the program intervenes at a crucial moment when students are making decisions about their future subjects and career paths.
Initiatives like this are vital for addressing the gender gap in STEM fields and leadership positions. They provide tangible evidence that young women’s contributions are valued and that there is a clear pathway for them to succeed in traditionally male-dominated arenas.
Building a Supportive Ecosystem
The awards foster a supportive ecosystem that connects young talent with established professionals. This network can provide guidance, inspiration, and practical advice, helping to demystify career paths and make them more accessible. For the nominees, it’s an affirmation that their community and a major technological university are behind them.
Take the Next Step
If you know a young woman who is making a difference in her school or community, now is the time to act. Nominating her for a TY TrailblazHER™ Award could be a pivotal moment in her development, providing recognition and opportunities that will last a lifetime.
For those interested in the broader work of TU Dublin in promoting gender equality and innovation, you can discover more about the TrailblazHER™ initiative here.
Have questions about the nomination process or the awards? The TU Dublin team is available to provide guidance. Contact TU Dublin for more information.
