Research and public recognition of positive corporate ESG initiatives
In today’s business environment, companies are expected to generate profits while contributing meaningfully to society. This principle of doing well by doing good reflects that long-term business success is increasingly tied to positive environmental, social and governance (ESG) initiatives. From reducing carbon emissions to supporting local communities, promoting diversity, and ensuring fair labor practices, responsible companies understand that values-driven leadership creates lasting value for all stakeholders. A real challenge however in ensuring companies doing well by doing good is that many of the efforts company employees put their hearts into go unnoticed.
Objectives
To address this visibility gap, we propose a dual strategy to make positive corporate ESG initiatives more visible and impactful:
1. Recognition Programs: Establishing a press award for positive corporate impact news coverage (in the interest of the journalist covering them) and creating a fully public database documenting positive ESG initiatives (in the interest of the companies themselves)
2. Academic Research: Conducting empirical studies on the drivers, characteristics, and impacts of positive corporate ESG initiatives to provide data-informed insights into corporate sustainability behavior and their business outcomes, including stakeholder (clients, suppliers, financiers) reactions, such as improved procurement or financing terms.
Partner with us on Impact-Driven Business Research
The research team is seeking corporate partners to support this project through a research chair or targeted sponsorship. By partnering with us, your organization contributes to independent, data-driven research on positive ESG initiatives while helping to increase their visibility and impact in business practice, media, and stakeholder decision-making.
Interested? Contact foundation@vub.be
Kris Boudt, PhD – Professor of Finance and Econometrics and Founder CEO Sentometrics
Prof. Kris Boudt
Prof. Boudt is full professor with a strong track record in developing useful methodologies in risk management, capacity remuneration mechanism auctions, company data based on news articles. He has published extensively on the information value of textual documents (news, corporate disclosures) and received research awards for his work. He brings deep expertise in financial data analysis and ESG research.
Prof. Marie-Laure Vandenhaute
Prof. Vandenhaute is an associate professor specializing in behavioral economics and investigating corporate and stakeholder behavior. She has a strong track record in leading projects using both quantitative and qualitative methods. Her current research, conducted with Prof. Boudt and supported by the FSMA, analyzes stockholder transaction data to understand trading patterns in response to ESG controversies. She teaches Sustainability Reporting and Assurance, bringing both research and pedagogical experience to the team.
Marie-Laure Vandenhaute, PhD – Professor Accounting and Auditing
Donate now and make the difference!
Donate online or by bank transfer to the account number BE51 0013 6779 3562 of VUB with the reference GIFT FD62. Donations from € 40 are tax-deductible.