Kubra Duran’s dissertation was named the best in Scotland ahead of her graduation ceremony
A new PhD graduate has spoken of her pride at claiming a prestigious Scotland-wide award for the strength of her dissertation.
Kubra Duran has graduated from Edinburgh Napier University (ENU) with a doctorate in digital twin smart city applications.
Her ceremony at the Usher Hall came as she was presented with the Best Dissertation Award for 2026 by the Scottish Informatics & Computer Science Alliance (SICSA).
SICSA is Scotland’s leading alliance for computer science and informatics, replacing 13 universities across the Scotland.
Supervised by Professor Berk Canberk, ENU’s Head of subject for Cyber Security and Systems Engineering, Kubra’s final thesis was entitled: Digital twin for IoT-based smart city applications: modelling, communication and analysis perspectives.
Following two-and-a-half years of work on her PhD, Kubra will now continue her research at ENU as a Postdoctoral Fellow.
Reacting to her award, Kubra said: “I am honoured to receive the prestigious SICSA Best Dissertation Award 2026 for my PhD thesis.
“Receiving this award from SICSA, Scotland’s leading national alliance for Computer Science and Informatics, is a very special honour for me.
“I am so proud to represent my lovely university, Edinburgh Napier University on this very special stage.
“As a research enthusiast, my journey continues with even more passion to keep creating impactful outcomes.”
Kubra graduated alongside fellow students from ENU’s School of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment at Edinburgh’s Usher Hall.