Rob Bauer wins prize with outstanding research on sustainable finance

The Outstanding Research Category of the Insight Investment - University of Oxford Prize for Greening Finance is awarded to Professor Rob Bauer for his ground-breaking work in sustainable finance and responsible investing particularly applied to pension funds. His influential studies on institutional investors' engagement with companies on sustainability issues have provided crucial insights into the effectiveness of shareholder activism in promoting corporate sustainability. His work on sustainability preferences in investments demonstrated to practitioners how clients’ or beneficiaries’ social and environmental values can be better understood and incorporated into investment decisions, enhancing both performance and alignment with stakeholder expectations. 

Professor Bauer's work on the financial performance of socially responsible investment strategies has been instrumental in challenging misconceptions and providing empirical evidence on the relationship between sustainability and financial returns. As the Director of the European Centre for Sustainable Finance at Maastricht University, he has fostered collaboration between academia and industry, translating research insights into practical applications for sustainable investing. Professor Bauer's commitment to rigorous empirical methods and his ability to bridge theory and practice have made him a leading voice in shaping the future of sustainable finance research and education.

Professor Bauer said: "I am truly humbled and deeply honoured to receive this prestigious award. It is a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved, including coauthors and partners in the pension and investment world. Hence, I share this recognition with those who inspired and supported me throughout the years. It motivates me to keep striving for a meaningful impact in our field.”

Abdallah Nauphal, Chief Executive Officer of Insight Investment, said: “While sustainability practices have evolved to become a significant consideration in long-term investment decision making, research linking finance and sustainability topics is still in its infancy. To better understand how decisions made by the investment industry are likely to influence the financial and environmental outcomes of tomorrow, investors need research incorporating rigorous financial analysis. The research prize recognises quality academic work but also highlights 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 Prize Panel and the founding Director of the Oxford Sustainable Finance Group at the University of Oxford, said: “The winners have not only advanced our understanding of how environmental challenges intersect with finance but also offered practical solutions that will shape more resilient and sustainable financial systems. At a time when the world faces unprecedented environmental and economic challenges, recognising and supporting such ground-breaking research and leadership is critical. I am deeply inspired by the contributions of all the recipients and excited to see how their work will influence the future of finance.”