Professor Rob Bauer, professor of Finance at the Maastricht School of Business and Economics and holder of the Peter Elverding chair, is the winner of the Greening Finance Prize 2024. This prestigious award was presented by Oxford University. The Outstanding Research category was awarded to Bauer for his groundbreaking work in the field of sustainable financing and responsible investment, particularly as applied to pension funds.
Bauer’s influential studies of the involvement of institutional investors in companies in the field of sustainability have provided crucial insights into the effectiveness of shareholder activism in promoting corporate sustainability. His work on sustainability preferences in investments has shown practitioners how to better understand the social and environmental values of clients or beneficiaries and how to include these in investment decisions, thereby improving both performance and alignment with stakeholder expectations.
Professor Bauer’s work on the financial performance of socially responsible investment strategies has helped to dispel misconceptions and provide empirical evidence for the relationship between sustainability and financial returns. As director of the European Centre for Sustainable Finance at Maastricht University, he has promoted collaboration between academia and the business community by translating research insights into practical applications for sustainable investment. Professor Bauers’ dedication to rigorous empirical methods and his ability to bridge the gap between theory and practice have made him a leading voice in shaping the future of research and education in the field of sustainable finance.
“I am truly honoured to receive this prestigious award. It is a testament to the hard work and dedication of all those involved, including co-authors and partners in the pension and investment world. I therefore share this recognition with those who have inspired and supported me over the years. It motivates me to continue striving for a meaningful impact in our field.” – Prof. Rob Bauer
Abdallah Nauphal, Chief Executive Officer of Insight Investment: ’Although sustainability practices have become an important consideration in long-term investment decision-making, research linking finance and sustainability issues is still in its infancy. To better understand how investment industry decisions are likely to affect tomorrow’s financial and environmental outcomes, investors need research that incorporates valuable financial analysis. The research prize recognises high-quality academic work, but also emphasises the urgent need for closer collaboration between investors and academics to provide evidence that can increase the resilience of the financial system.’
Dr Ben Caldecott, chair of the awards panel and founder of the Oxford Sustainable Finance Group at the University of Oxford: ‘The winners have not only improved our understanding of the interaction between environmental challenges and finance, but have also proposed practical solutions that will lead to more resilient and sustainable financial systems. At a time when the world is facing unprecedented ecological and economic challenges, it is crucial that we recognise and support such pioneering research and leadership. I am greatly inspired by the contributions of all the winners and I am eager to see how their work will influence the future of the financial world.’