From June 13 to 15, 2024, 55 doctoral candidates and professors from southern Germany, Austria, and Switzerland gathered at the University of Liechtenstein for the International Doctoral Seminar, following an invitation by Marco Menichetti, Dean of the Liechtenstein Business School and Professor of Sustainable Finance.

The IDS (International Doctoral Seminar) has been hosted annually for many years by different universities. The last time it was held at the University of Liechtenstein was in 2011. Since then, the event has continued to evolve and has become an important platform for emerging researchers in the field of finance.

Dedicated entirely to banking and financial research topics, the event offered a space for presenting and discussing current research findings. This year’s program featured 13 presentations, including two contributions from doctoral candidates at the University of Liechtenstein: Lukas Salcher addressed the challenges of predictability in finance in his talk “Lost in Translation: How Predictability Turns into Performance,” while Merlin Bartel explored the global dimension of financial factors in “How Global is Factor Predictability?”

A highlight of the seminar was the joint dinner on Friday evening, which welcomed key representatives from the financial industry: David Gamper, Managing Director of the Liechtenstein Investment Fund Association (LAFV), Fredy Wolfinger, President of the Association of Independent Asset Managers in Liechtenstein (VUVL), and Simon Tribelhorn, Managing Director of the Liechtenstein Bankers Association, contributed their perspectives and presented the Liechtenstein financial center.

Marco Menichetti emphasized the importance of connecting academic research with real-world practice. He noted that engaging with leading industry practitioners can motivate and inspire young researchers. According to Menichetti, events like these not only support academic growth but also encourage the discussion of practical questions and the development of innovative solutions.

The International Doctoral Seminar at the University of Liechtenstein once again demonstrated the value of collaboration between universities. Such events not only support young academics but also strengthen ties to the industry. The resulting partnerships and networks are invaluable for the future of financial research.