For over 25 years Emerald Publishing has celebrated the research community’s commitment to research with impact. With a comprehensive awards programme recognising and rewarding interdisciplinary research, outstanding contributions of authors and reviewers, case writing, and outstanding doctoral research, we feel a closeness to the communities we serve and have a sense of pride championing this great work. And, of course, we are proud to continue our partnership with EFMD to deliver an annual ‘Outstanding Doctoral Research Awards’ (ODRA).

We’re especially passionate about aligning everything we do with the UN SDGs. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015, provides a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future. At its heart are the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are an urgent call for action by all countries – developed and developing – in a global partnership. They recognize that ending poverty and other deprivations must go hand-in-hand with strategies that improve health and education, reduce inequality, and spur economic growth – all while tackling climate change and working to preserve our oceans and forests¹

The last year has been extraordinary and challenging on a global scale. We’ve seen unprecedented change and disruption to our lives and the society we live in. There has never been more need for positive change. So, in January 2021 we signed the SDG publishers compact², demonstrating our move to support the UN SDGs, calling for research to be published that can help solve real-world issues. This has seen a focus on mission-based research to support the UN SDGs, calling for research to be published that can help solve real-world issues such as the creation of a fairer society, supporting healthier lives, quality education for all, and mitigation of the climate crisis.

By positioning the SDGs front and centre in our work as a responsible publisher, we can give particular focus to commissioning and showcasing work in four key areas related to these goals. One of these goal areas is Responsible Management, which aims to champion researchers, practitioners, policymakers and organisations who share our goals of contributing to a more ethical, responsible and sustainable way of working.

EFMD aims to develop socially responsible leaders and managers so there is a clear synergy between our two organisations. As long-standing partners, we were able to work together to refresh and refocus the ODRA programme and we are delighted that EFMD will support and partner Emerald on the new Responsible Management ODRA.

Not only did we think it was important to align the award to SDGs, we also felt it was important to offer a prize that could help further support the goal. So, in addition to a cash prize of £1000, the winner will also enjoy the benefits of working with our partners Editage to create a bespoke and engaging research summary which will be widely distributed to help the research reach the right audience and get into the hands of those who can make a difference.

If you (or anyone you know!) have completed doctoral research between 15 Jan 2018 and 28 February 2021 covering any of the following areas that contribute to a more responsible world, then we encourage you to apply:

• Food poverty and security
• Sustainable supply chains
• CSR and greenwashing
• Reducing inequality
• Responsible and ethical marketing
• Business continuity and disaster recovery
• Innovation and digital economy
• Social responsibility
• Responsible economics

To apply, visit: Emerald and EFMD outstanding doctoral research awards | Emerald Publishing (emeraldgrouppublishing.com)

References:

1. United Nations: The 17 Goals. https://sdgs.un.org/goals
2. SDG Publishers Compact: https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/sdg-publishers-compact/