Professor Geraldine Ryan

Biography

Prof. Geraldine Ryan (MA, Ph.D.) is Professor of Corporate Finance, Deputy Dean of Cork University Business School (CUBS), and CUBS Vice Dean of Accreditation at University College Cork (UCC). With 25 years of experience in teaching, examining, and leading programmes, she is known for her dedication to delivering high-quality, research-led education. Her teaching spans all levels, from undergraduate to executive education, and she has developed nearly 30 unique modules, reflecting her versatility and commitment to student development.

Prof. Ryan’s research is focused on three core areas: Business Finance and Entrepreneurship, Corporate Innovation and Performance, and Renewable Energy Investment, with much of her work directly contributing to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly around sustainability and energy transition. Her work has been published in top-tier journals like Energy Policy, Business Strategy and the Environment, and Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews. Her expertise in sustainable finance, which aligns with UCC Futures - Sustainability, addresses the vital role of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors in financial decision-making, sustainable business models, and long-term financial performance.

Her current research projects include several funded initiatives such as Circular Economy, Co-Wind, MISTRAL and CABBBIE. A significant part of her work focuses on understanding social acceptance of renewable energy projects, particularly around wind energy, and she is part of the Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) Steering Group, tasked with evaluating the socio-economic impacts of renewable projects on local communities. Prof. Ryan is also active in policy research, investigating the financial mechanisms supporting innovation and eco-innovation, particularly in the renewable energy sector.

In her administrative roles at UCC, Prof. Ryan has played a key part in the strategic development of academic programmes and enhancing teaching methodologies. As Vice Dean for Accreditation, she drives the school’s efforts to meet and exceed global accreditation standards, and as Deputy Dean, she works to ensure CUBS continues to deliver world-class education in business. She is also highly involved in interdisciplinary research, bridging the gap between theory and practical solutions, particularly in the fields of finance, sustainability, and corporate innovation.