On the last day of January 2025, Uppsala University in Sweden conferred honorary doctorates on 18 distinguished academics, continuing a tradition that has been upheld since 1600. Among the honourees was Anette Mikes, Hertford’s Fellow in Accounting and Management. Her work has significantly contributed to the field of accounting and financial management, particularly in risk management, where she has pioneered in-depth case studies within the financial sector.

Anette’s research has been instrumental in shaping contemporary discussions on how organisations understand and manage risk. Her work has not only deepened academic knowledge but also influenced industry practices, particularly in financial institutions and corporate governance. In recent years, her focus has expanded to encompass ethics, sustainability, and the study of man-made disasters – critical areas in an era marked by environmental and social challenges.

A key aspect of her contributions has been bridging the gap between academia and practice. This commitment is exemplified by her role in establishing The Oxford Ministry for the Future, an initiative designed to create a multidisciplinary network of scholars and practitioners who collaborate to influence global conversations on climate change and sustainability. Supported by Hertford College, Saïd Business School, the Smith School of Enterprise and the Environment, and Global Canopy, the initiative fosters actionable insights that drive policy and business decisions towards a more sustainable future.

Anette expressed deep honour at joining Uppsala University’s long-standing tradition and its distinguished academic community in her address to the university. Read more about this lecture here: Honorary doctor lecture with Anette Mikes: Climate risk and the politics of hope – Uppsala University

Congratulations Anette!