SMBC Group Research Fund Launched for ICS to Drive Sustainable Finance Studies

Supporting innovative and impactful research

Hitotsubashi University Business School, School of International Corporate Strategy (ICS) is pleased to announce the launch of a new research grant opportunity, the SMBC Research Fund, aimed at advancing studies in sustainable finance and related fields. This initiative will provide critical support to ICS faculty and DBA students pursuing impactful research.

Background and Purpose

The fund is tied to the upcoming endowed lecture, "SMBC Group Sustainable Finance," set to be delivered and managed by Prof. Kei-Ichiro Inaba in January 2025 (AY 2024-2025). With a total fund of 4.2 million yen, the SMBC Research Fund will finance research projects not only in the area of sustainable finance but across other disciplines that address sustainability challenges.

Advancing Knowledge in Finance and Sustainability

This grant reflects ICS's ongoing commitment to fostering research activities in the field of finance, with a particular emphasis on sustainability. It aims to encourage projects that deepen understanding of sustainable finance, helping researchers explore innovative solutions and approaches that address pressing environmental, social, and governance issues.

Since this fund is a key part of our efforts in sustainable finance, it's essential that our messaging aligns with the broader Thought Leadership goals at ICS. This fund not only supports impactful research but also positions ICS as a leader in the conversation on sustainability.

The ICS community recognizes that expanding knowledge in these areas is vital as financial business and investing are expected to be supportive to sustainable development goals.

Application and Review Process

The review committee for the fund consists of Dean Prof. Emi Osono, Prof. Erica Okada, and Prof. Kei-Ichiro Inaba. Applications will be accepted monthly, with a rolling deadline at the end of each month.

Eligibility and Guidelines for DBA Students

An important aspect of the fund is to welcome applications from young faculty members and DBA students.  DBA students interested in applying must ensure that their ICS supervisors are part of the research group and serve as co-authors on the resulting papers. This requirement underscores the fund's commitment to quality mentorship and academic rigor.

Publication Expectations and Impact Goals

Grant recipients are expected to aim for high-impact dissemination of their findings. Specifically, researchers are encouraged to target publication in peer-reviewed journals ranked Level 2 or higher in the Academic Journal Guide. This standard reflects the fund's objective of contributing to the global academic community through quality research outputs that advance knowledge in sustainable finance and sustainability.

Gratitude to SMBC Group for Their Generous Support

The ICS community expresses its sincere gratitude to SMBC Group for their generous contribution and vision in establishing this fund. Their support not only enables vital research in sustainable finance but also empowers the next generation of scholars and professionals to drive meaningful change. The collaboration between SMBC Group and ICS is a testament to the importance of industry-academic partnerships in tackling global challenges.

The launch of the SMBC Research Fund represents a significant opportunity for ICS faculty and students to engage in research that aligns with contemporary global challenges. The ICS community is excited about the potential breakthroughs that could arise from projects supported by this grant.