IAFDS Testimonials

“The IAFDS Symposium in Madrid was an unforgettable experience and, as my first conference as a PhD student, it had a profound impact on me. From the very first moment, I had the feeling of entering a welcoming academic community rather than a formal event. The atmosphere was warm, genuine, and supportive, almost as if I had joined a large family where everyone was truly invested in helping each other to improve.

The feedback sessions were constructive and encouraging, offering insights that will shape the development of my research. I appreciated how approachable the professors were, and how open the other doctoral students were in sharing their ideas and challenges. Beyond the academic value, the symposium offered remarkable networking opportunities: I met colleagues and researchers from all over the world, many of whom have now become friends and potential collaborators for future projects.

For any doctoral student, especially those at the beginning of their journey, I would strongly recommend attending. It provides not only academic growth but also a sense of belonging, motivation, and inspiration that can truly make a difference.”

“I am currently a full professor of finance at the University of Vaasa in Finland. I first attended the IAFDS in 2013, which was hosted by the University of Bologna, Italy, as a final year PhD student, where I was fortunate to win the best paper award.

From studying at Bangor University as a PhD student, I have held academic posts at the universities of Leeds, Kent, and, now, Vaasa – throughout this time I have been a regular attendee and contributor to IAFDS and have introduced the event to the University of Kent and the University of Vaasa; the people I have met through the IAFDS network have been influential in my career — long-term collaborators, friends and informal mentors.

I believe the IAFDS community have played important roles in my career path as well as my publication successes including in journals such as the Journal of Corporate Finance. I look forward to many more years being a part of the IAFDS community!”

"IAFDS is one of the most valuable platforms for discussing and exchanging research ideas, sharing findings, and building meaningful academic networks. A distinctive strength of IAFDS is its emphasis on one-to-one interactions between PhD scholars and senior mentors, providing in-depth feedback that is especially valuable for early-career researchers. My recent experience at IAFDS in Madrid where I presented my research paper in a city rich in culture and history, was excellent and intellectually rewarding.

Given how highly competitive the academic job market in the UK, securing a position at SOAS University of London, one of the IAFDS host member universities, represents a truly full-circle moment for me. I am grateful to Professor David Hillier for envisioning and initiating this impactful symposium eighteen years ago, and I thank my Ph.D. supervisors Prof. Andrew Marshall and Prof. Chandra Thapa, mentor Dr. Biwesh Neupane, and colleagues at Strathclyde Business School for their continued support.” 

“IAFDS is one of the most rewarding academic events I take part in each year. The atmosphere is genuinely collegial, the feedback culture is world-class, and the students’ enthusiasm is always inspiring.

A particular highlight for me has been the Generative AI & Fantasy Pitching Workshop that Prof Charlie Cai and I introduced in 2024, refined in 2025, and are expanding again for 2026. The workshop blends PRF-based research design with AI-supported creativity, giving students a fun but meaningful way to sharpen both their serious research ideas and their broader thinking skills.

Watching teams work together—students and staff side by side—perfectly captures the spirit of IAFDS: supportive, developmental, and full of positive energy.”