Celebrating a Successful Start to 2026 for Our Research Community
Academics and PhD students are making an impact across our subject groups, from new publications and conferences to contributing to workshops.
4 February 2026
Publications
Our researchers have published new work across economics, management, accounting, and finance. They are addressing real-world issues from policing and innovation to climate risk and whistleblowing.
Football matches and policing: Evidence from London
Professor Nils Braakmann (co-authored with James Read, Andy Chung and Gennaro Rossi)
This study looks at whether football matches lead to more violent interactions between police and civilians, using data from the Metropolitan Police Service.
It finds a small increase in use-of-force incidents on match days in boroughs hosting games, especially near stadiums and for matches involving popular clubs or those with violent fan bases. There is no evidence incidents are displaced elsewhere, and any increase is modest compared with other large public events.
Entrepreneurial orientation and innovation performance: do breadth and depth of external knowledge search matter?
Dr Jungho Kim and Dr Chiara Marzocchi
Industrial and Corporate Change, Oxford University Press
This study contributes to expanding knowledge of the boundary conditions between entrepreneurial orientation (EO) and innovation.
Firms may not always benefit from increasing internal EO levels. This is due to constraints on managerial attention and a trade-off between attentional breadth and attentional intensity.
The study addresses that resources for managerial attention for internal EO implementation and external knowledge search are limited. It provides insights on the correct balance required between EO and search breadth and depth levels when strategising to improve innovation performance.
These considerations are especially meaningful for firms with limited resources for managerial attention and learning capacity. Examples include SMEs or young firms.
From civil disobedience to networked whistleblowing: What national security truth-tellers reveal in an age of crackdowns
Professor Iain Munro (co-authored with Kate Kenny)
The Conversation US
Drawn from their latest book on whistleblowing and national security, the authors ask:
- What happens when whistleblowing requires breaking the law?
- What role does civil disobedience play when moral dissent means facing prosecution?
Expand or Avoid: Microfinance Credit Risk and Climate Vulnerability
Dr Iftekhar Ahmed (co-authored with Ivan Diaz-Rainey, Dung Thuy Thi Nguyen, and Helen Roberts)
The paper explores how climate risk is reshaping financial inclusion through microfinance institutions (MFIs).
Climate risk is already shaping financial inclusion. Supporting MFIs to manage climate risk is therefore not just a financial stability issue in the developing world. It is in fact central to an inclusive and sustainable future.
The Future of Accounting and Finance: Embracing Technology, Digitalisation, Sustainability, Education, and Employability
Dr Vu Trinh (co-edited with Thinh Pham)
Sustainable Finance book series (Scopus-indexed)
Guest lectures and seminars
Colleagues have also shared their expertise beyond Newcastle. They have delivered guest lectures and seminars at partner institutions and international events.
Gangs of London: What Online Gang Territory Maps Reveal About Crime and Policing
Dr Diego Zambiasi and Professor Nils Braakmann
University of Southampton, UK
This guest seminar offered fresh perspectives on crime and urban dynamics.
The Engaged Global School
Goa Institute of Management, India
Professor Almanos represented the Business School at the European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD) Seminar.
Conferences
Business School researchers continue to contribute to leading academic and practitioner conferences. They present new research and engage with global audiences.
OBBS 13th HRM Research and Alumni Conference
Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, UK
The theme of Dr Yarrow's keynote address was "HRM in the Age of AI: Readiness, Research, and Real-World Practice". Emily said: “It was a real pleasure. Thank you to all attendees who asked such pertinent and interesting questions.”
Dr Yarrow also spoke at the NHS North West Chief People Office Network meeting about her AI and hiring research.
Accounting Research Institute (ARI)
Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Malaysia
Dr Iftekhar explored potential research collaborations in social finance innovation for a sustainable and just future.
Dr Ahmed said: “Inequality and social injustice remain key global issues. They will become even more pressing as we work towards delivering a just transition. Yet these concerns often receive limited attention in mainstream financial decision-making.
"The discussion extended well beyond research collaboration. It identified several promising avenues for long-term partnership. They strongly align with Newcastle University’s vision of being a world-leading institution—advancing knowledge, generating creative solutions, and addressing complex global challenges.
"I am sincerely grateful to ARI’s leadership and staff for their meaningful engagement and generous hospitality, particularly Director Zuraidah Mohd Sanusi and Deputy Directors Nor Balkish Zakaria and Sharifah Norzehan Syed Yusuf."
European International Business Academy (EIBA) Conference 2025
Athens, Greece
Dr Wang had the opportunity to present his paper on Regional Export Promotion. This was a collaboration with:
- Professor Yingqi Wei
- Professor Frank McDonald
- Dr Yan Emma Liu
- Dr Giles Blackburne
- Dr Chenhui Jiang
Funding
Recent funding successes are supporting international collaboration, ethical innovation, and research with long-term social impact.
Building Ethical AI Mindsets for Innovation, Mobility, and Sustainable Technopreneurship (AIMS)
Funding source: British Council
The AIMS Project will:
- build ethical AI and digital innovation skills for students and young innovators
- foster innovation and technopreneurship tackling real-world SDG challenges
- enable cross-border collaboration and mentorship across ASEAN and the UK
- promote inclusive, participatory learning practices
- develop scalable networks and resources for long-term impact
The project is supported by the UK-Malaysia-ASEAN+3 Going Global Partnerships Grant 2025 scheme. Dr Ramli is Principal Investigator. He is working alongside representatives from:
- University of Leeds, UK
- International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM)
- Srinakharinwirot University, Thailand
Appointments
Our colleagues regularly take on new editorial and leadership roles both within the Business School and beyond. They contribute their expertise to the wider academic community.
Dr Sara Zaeemdar
Congratulations to Dr Zaeemdar, who has been appointed Associate Editor of Culture and Organization.
You can learn more about our colleague achievements:
- on our social channels
- through our regular updates on the news section of our website