Global Student Research Competition Focuses on Sustainable Finance Innovation

FIASI and Fordham University Announce 7th Annual Global Student Research Competition

The Fixed Income Analysts Society (FIASI) has partnered with Fordham University's Center for Research in Contemporary Finance and the O'Shea Center for Credit Analysis and Investment to launch the 7th Annual Global Student Research Competition focusing on sustainable finance in fixed income markets. This competition encourages undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate students from around the globe to submit their original research related to sustainable finance, which has become an increasingly critical area within the financial sector.

The main goal of this year's competition is to examine the integration of financially material Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors into the fixed income investing framework. By seeking to promote dialogue among students, academics, and practitioners, the competition aims to advance the conversation around how new technologies can help address the myriad sustainability challenges that both businesses and governments face today.

One of the key themes for 2027 is the exploration of the intersection of artificial intelligence, data center infrastructure, and fixed income markets. This includes investigating the financing necessary for AI and the development of data centers specifically through a sustainability lens. Participants are also encouraged to focus on vital topics like transition finance, climate adaptation, and resilience financing, underscoring the practical applications of their research.

Awards and Evaluation Criteria

Competing papers are subjected to rigorous evaluation in two distinct pools: undergraduate and postgraduate. Winning and runner-up entries will be eligible to receive grants of up to $5,000. Additionally, selected researchers will be honored during FIASI's Sustainable Finance in Fixed Income conference scheduled for April 27, 2027, in New York City. An interesting aspect to note is that receiving a grant does not prevent participants from subsequently publishing their findings in academic journals, providing a platform for wider academic engagement.

Eligibility and Submission Instructions

The competition is open to both full-time and part-time students pursuing degrees in business, economics, and related disciplines. Eligible submissions may encompass PhD dissertations, master's theses, undergraduate honors projects, or any comparable research output, including papers co-authored with faculty members.

Each submission must contain a cover page with written particulars such as paper title, author names, contact information, and any relevant corporate affiliations. Additionally, an abstract of no more than 150 words and the main research paper, which must not exceed 60 pages, are required. A detailed résumé for each author is also essential. It is important that the research reflects the student’s independent analysis and includes a disclaimer regarding its independence from current or previous employers.

The committee tasked with evaluating submissions will comprise academics, FIASI representatives, and industry practitioners, who will assess entries based on their originality, relevance, and methodological rigor.

Key Dates

The deadline for submissions is set for Monday, February 8, 2027. Interested students should send their papers to Joanna Kondratowicz at [email protected]. Notification of decisions is expected to occur before April 27, 2027, coinciding with the aforementioned conference.

This competition, co-funded by FIASI and Fordham University's Gabelli School of Business, represents a significant opportunity for students to contribute to ongoing discussions and research in sustainable finance, emphasizing the need for innovative thinking in financial markets today. For more details regarding the competition, please visit the official FIASI website.