UQBS researchers appointed to leading national financial system network

30 Mar 2011
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The University of Queensland Business School (UQBS) can now lay claim to hosting Australia’s leading research network dedicated to improving the efficiency and integrity of Australia’s financial system.

Two UQBS researchers have recently been appointed to the Financial Integrity Research Network (FIRN) – Associate Professor Karen Benson is Chair of the Governing Council and Professor Renee Adams is the new National Convenor.

Associate Professor Benson said her vision for the new FIRN was to provide opportunities for Australia’s leading financial researchers to network and collaborate via cutting-edge educational and research programs.

She said FIRN’s mission was to enhance the integrity and efficiency of Australia's financial system, and to establish itself as the hub of research excellence across markets in Australia and the Asia-Pacific. “FIRN’s programs have a major impact on the strength and governance of Australia’s financial markets” Professor Benson said.

“Many of our members have had the opportunity to work with world-class research leaders due to these programs.”

Professor Adams said as the new convenor there would be a greater focus on improving the educational opportunities for higher degree students and young researchers.

“High-achieving PhD students will receive extra special attention this year by the network with a series of masterclasses delivered by visiting global finance research sector leaders,” she said.

Both female Professors are internationally recognised research leaders in finance holding key advisory positions within the finance industry.

Winning the opportunity to host this prestigious research network comes fresh on the heels of the recent Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) survey results for UQBS.

UQBS was equal highest in Australia with the Australian National University and the University of New South Wales.

FIRN’s institutional members include a number of leading Australian universities and research organisations, all of whom achieved high results in the recent ERA research survey.

Professor Adams said the focus of FIRN research for 2011 onwards would be innovation and new technology that supports the mission.

“Our research outcomes will address pressing problems in the finance industry and threats associated with this key component of Australia's international competitiveness,” she said.

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