Alignment with Award Category
Dr. Contrafatto’s long-standing scholarly dedication, his leadership in internationally funded and collaborative research initiatives, and his sustained contribution to advancing sustainability and ethical accounting practices strongly align with the criteria for the Best Researcher Award. His interdisciplinary methods, commitment to social impact, and record of scholarly excellence position him as a leading figure in sustainability accounting
University of Sussex | United Kingdom
Profile
🎓Early Academic Pursuits
Education and Training
Dr. Massimo Contrafatto began his academic journey with distinction, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Milano-Bicocca, Italy, in July 2001 with a perfect score of 110/110. His dedication to excellence in business management and accounting was evident early on. This commitment led him to pursue a PhD in Social and Environmental Accounting and Reporting at the same university. During his doctoral studies, he spent an intensive 21 months as a visiting PhD researcher at Glasgow University, engaging deeply with the Department of Accounting and Finance and the Centre for Social and Environmental Accounting Research (CSEAR). Mentored by renowned academics such as Prof. R. Gray and Prof. K. McPhail, Dr. Contrafatto focused on understanding corporate motivations behind social and environmental reporting—an area that would shape his lifelong research agenda.
💼Professional Endeavors
Academic Positions
Dr. Contrafatto’s professional academic career began as a Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of Bergamo and the University of St. Andrews. He collaborated with eminent scholars like Prof. Jan Bebbington and Prof. John Burns to explore sustainability reporting within social enterprises. His early academic positions included Assistant Professor and later Associate Professor at the University of Bergamo, where he taught a wide range of accounting and sustainability courses. From 2016 to 2021, he held a tenured position as Associate Professor in Accounting and Accountability. In January 2022, Dr. Contrafatto was appointed Reader in Accounting for Sustainability at the University of Sussex Business School. He also serves as Director of the PhD Programme in Accounting and Finance and as the Convenor of the Research Mobilizing Group in “Sustainability, Accounting, Finance and Economics” (SAFE RMG). Additionally, he maintains honorary affiliations with the University of Dundee and has held teaching roles at Strathclyde and St. Andrews Universities.
📚Contributions and Research Focus on Accounting And Sustainability
A leading figure in sustainability accounting, Dr. Contrafatto has made significant contributions to the field of social and environmental accounting. His research encompasses sustainability transformation, decision-making, strategic management accounting, and the institutionalization of sustainability reporting. His interdisciplinary projects unite researchers across Europe, including those at the University Autonoma of Madrid, University of Urbino, Queen’s University Belfast, and University of Sussex. His ongoing projects—such as “Identities, Accounting and Decision-Making for Sustainable Transformation” and “Accounting and Accountability for COVID”—demonstrate his commitment to addressing real-world issues through accounting research. His work is often characterized by a qualitative approach and an emphasis on accountability, ethics, and corporate transparency.
🏆Accolades and Recognition
Dr. Contrafatto’s contributions have not gone unnoticed. He received the prestigious AIDEA Award for an outstanding research article in 2014 from the Italian Management, Accounting, and Finance Academic Association. His work continues to influence both academia and industry, and he regularly acts as a PhD examiner in Italy and the UK. His national academic qualification for full professorship in Italy further underscores his academic standing.
🌍 Impact and Influence
Community Impact
Over the years, Dr. Contrafatto has shaped the academic landscape of sustainability accounting and business ethics. Through his roles as lecturer, supervisor, mentor, and programme director, he has inspired a new generation of researchers and practitioners. His modules—ranging from “Contemporary Issues in Accounting” to “International Corporate Reporting” and “Advanced Qualitative Research Methods”—have empowered students to critically engage with pressing issues in accounting and sustainability. Moreover, his participation in international research projects and his leadership in organizing academic events, such as the 2023 Research Capacity Building Workshop at the University of Sussex, have contributed to the global academic community’s growth and cohesion.
🔮Legacy and Future Contributions