Brussels, 26 November 2025: The European Institute for Commercial Communications Education (edcom) and the European Association of Communications Agencies (EACA) are delighted to announce the winners of the Ad Net Zero x edcom Student Competition, created to empower students across Europe to imagine bold, creative solutions driving the advertising industry’s journey to net zero.
The Ad Net Zero Student x edcom Competition invites students to respond to a real sustainability-focused brief connected to the Ad Net Zero Action Plan, challenging them to develop innovative ideas that inspire behavioural change and demonstrate how advertising can support the transition to a low-carbon future. By merging creativity, strategic insight and environmental responsibility, the competition aims to nurture a new generation of purpose-driven communicators.
The competition is rooted in the structure of the Ad Net Zero Action Plan, made up of five core pillars known as Actions 1 to 5. These actions guide the industry in reducing carbon emissions across business operations, production, media planning and buying, awards and events, and the influence advertising has on consumer behaviour. Students were asked to reflect these principles in their creative approach, ensuring that their ideas align with real-world sustainability priorities within the advertising sector.
The team composed of Rory Harrison & Lélia Bterrani, from ISCOM: Institut de Communication et de Publicité, Paris, took first place in the 2025 edition of the competition, under the supervision of Rebecca Dry, Director of ISCOM’s International Communication Programme and Senior Professor.
Rory Harrison and Lélia Bterrani, winners of the 2025 edition, shared:
“Winning this competition has been incredibly rewarding, especially after several all-nighters on a tight deadline! We are truly proud to represent ISCOM and would like to thank Rebecca Dry, Edcom, and Ad Net Zero for giving us the opportunity to take part and put our creativity to work for such a meaningful cause. We are extremely grateful for the recognition.”
Kirstie Riedl, edcom President and Head of the Master Programme in Green Marketing at FH Wiener Neustadt, highlighted the strong level of creativity and commitment shown by the students. Mary O’Sullivan, Director European & International Markets at Ad Net Zero, noted that the exceptional quality of the submissions reflects the promising future of the industry and the importance of reinforcing sustainability as a core professional skill.
The winners of this year’s competition will have the opportunity to present and share their work at the EACA All Hands Meeting on 10 December, before regional leading industry figures and EACA Members.
The 2025 jury brought together an exceptional group of academic and industry experts from across Europe and beyond. Their combined experience ensured a well-rounded and insightful review of all submissions.
Jury members:
Rosie Hand, Head of Advertising and Communications, TU Dublin
Sam Hendra, Supporter Engagement Manager, Ad Net Zero (Global)
Magdalena Spisak, Head of Membership & Industry Relations, Ad Net Zero Poland and SAR
Kirstie Riedl, Edcom President / Head of Master Program Green Marketing, University of Applied Sciences Austria
Jenn Gunn, Head of Sustainability, Ad Net Zero New Zealand
Kate Goldsmith, Awards & Performance Director, IAPI Ireland
Nicolas Bordas, Chairman, TBWA Europe
Betty Tsakarestou, Associate Professor and Director of ADandPRLAB , Panteion University of Social and Political Science
Hannah Harrison, Chief Sustainability Officer, WPP
Ekin Ilyasoglu, Managing Partner, Logaritma & Ad Net Zero Turkiye
Arnoud Versluis, Edcom President / Program manager Creative Business, Breda University of Applied Sciences
Charley Stoney, Chief Executive Officer, EACA
Mary O’Sullivan, Director of European Markets, Ad Net Zero Europe / International Markets
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For more information, please contact Francesco Bottegal, Project Officer at Francesco.bottegal@eaca.eu.
Notes to Editors
About Ad Net Zero
Ad Net Zero is the advertising industry’s global, five-point climate action program, with the European chapter determined to be the leading force for sustainable change across the region. Action 5 of the framework focuses on leveraging advertising’s influence to support more sustainable consumer choices and behaviours, ensuring the industry is part of the climate solution.
About EACA
The European Association of Communications Agencies (EACA) represents more than 2 500 communications agencies and agency associations from nearly 30 European countries that directly employ more than 120 000 people. EACA members include advertising, media, digital, branding and PR agencies. EACA works closely with EU institutions to ensure freedom to advertise responsibly and creatively. For more information, visit www.eaca.eu. Connect with us on Twitter, Facebook & LinkedIn.
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