Ning Sun wins IPMA Graduate Research Award

Ning Sun, a PhD candidate at University College London, has been awarded the Graduate Research Award at the International Project Management Association (IPMA) Global Research Awards Gala. The ceremony took place on 16 April during the 14th IPMA Research Conference in Bogotá, where over 100 scholars and practitioners gathered to recognise leading contributions to project management research.

Ning received the award for her study, “Dynamic Value Creation over the Project Life Cycle: A Paradox Perspective,” supervised by Dr Jean Xu and Professor Martina Huemann. Her research advances understanding of how value is created in projects by examining how competing demands are navigated across the project life cycle through a paradox lens.

This recognition reflects the growing international impact of research at UCL, particularly in shaping contemporary debates on project management and value creation. It also highlights the relevance of Ning’s work to real-world challenges in complex projects, bridging theoretical insight with practical application.

The research aligns with the mission of the Bartlett School of Sustainable Construction and UCL more broadly, emphasising interdisciplinary approaches, societal impact and engagement with practice. By addressing tensions in value creation, the study contributes to ongoing discussions around sustainability and governance in the built environment—key priorities within the Bartlett’s research agenda.

Ning Sun said: “I am deeply grateful to the International Project Management Association for this recognition. I would especially like to thank my supervisors, Jean Xu and Martina Huemann, for their invaluable guidance and support—this achievement would not have been possible without them. I am also thankful to colleagues and faculty at The Bartlett School of Sustainable Construction, as well as members of the Project Hub, for their ongoing encouragement and insightful discussions. This recognition motivates me to continue developing my research and contributing to the field.”