Prof. Stefano Ramelli tells us more about his studies, interests and current research in the interview below. 

Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Milan, Italy.

Where did you go to University? 
First in Milan, then Edinburgh, and then Zurich for the PhD. Three beautiful cities.

Who was your main PhD Advisor?  
My primary advisor during the PhD was Alexander Wagner, and we are still working together on several exciting projects.

What is your main research focus? 
My main research area is corporate finance with a strong behavioral and sustainable finance perspective.

What research are you working on right now that you are really excited about and why? 
An important topic in my research agenda is the role of companies and investors in the energy transition and how environment-related concerns influence financial markets. For instance, I am currently revising a paper exploring the implications of climate policy risks in portfolio investing and management. Finance can and should play a critical role in accelerating the energy transition. And we, as finance scholars, have the ability and responsibility to provide insights into this and other societal challenges of our times.

What is the next financial problem you plan to work on? 
Among other projects, I recently started looking at how finance and large corporations are perceived in society, and the economic consequences of this perception. I look forward to releasing a new working paper on this topic soon.   

What do you like about finance research? 
I love that it allows me to explore and better understand important aspects of our complex society and human behavior. It’s also my way of putting my creativity and curiosity to work, and collaborating with people I like.

Tell us something exciting that happened to you in the last five years (it doesn't have to be related to research)? 
In the last five years, my wife and I had two beautiful kids, we both finished a PhD and generally enjoyed life. A pretty exciting period overall!

What was your "dream job" when you were a child? 
For a period, I wanted to become a chef. Now I teach and write about finance, but I still have a passion for cooking.  

What do you do in your spare time? 
I have always been a bicycle enthusiast and have bikes of all types. Cycling is my way of relaxing and finding myself. And I love spending quality time with my family and friends.

What is your favorite song? 
A classic great for an energy boost, "It's a long way to the top (if you wanna rock 'n' roll)" by AC/DC.