CSEAR Congress at St Andrews Celebrates Connection, Community, and Global Impact

The 35^th International Congress on Social and Environmental Accounting Research brought a wave of energy to St Andrews this August, as scholars and practitioners from around the world gathered to share ideas, build connections, and inspire change. Hosted by the University of St Andrews Business School from 25 to 28 August 2025, the Congress celebrated CSEAR’s enduring commitment to collaboration and critical thinking in social and environmental accounting.

A truly global gathering in the spirit of inclusion and inspiration

With nearly 140 participants joining both in person and online, the Congress reflected the global reach of the CSEAR network. Delegates came from across Europe, the UK, Canada, France, Italy, the US, Mexico, Singapore and New Zealand. Many praised the Congress for its thoughtful organisation, dynamic sessions and warm, collegial atmosphere.

The hybrid format—combining in-person sessions with a dedicated online stream—enabled broader participation and accessibility. As visa challenges continue to affect academic mobility, the option to present remotely was a meaningful inclusion. “The ability to present online was a highly beneficial option for those who could not travel to the UK,” noted one participant.

Highlights from the Programme

• Emerging Scholars Colloquium (25 August)

  The 12^th ESC welcomed early career researchers into small-group peer-exchange discussions and mentoring sessions with leading scholars. It was a space for curiosity, encouragement and growth.

• Education Community of Practice (25 August)

  The ECoP workshop, From the curriculum to the classroom: reimagining accounting education, brought together Professors Chandana Alawattage (University of Glasgow), Susan Smith (UCL) and Danture Wickramasinghe (University of Glasgow) to explore new directions in sustainability-focused accounting education.

• Practitioners’ Forum (27 August)

  Led by Fiona Donnelly, Director of Sustainability at ICAS, this CSEAR/ICAS workshop united academics and practitioners to bridge theory and practice by co-creating governance and accountability scenarios.

• Keynote Address

  Professor Tim Ingold (University of Aberdeen) delivered a thought-provoking keynote that invited attendees to view social and environmental accounting through an anthropological lens.

The 2025 Congress was a celebration of shared values, global collaboration and the enduring strength of the CSEAR community.

CSEAR International goes on the road!

the 36^th International Congress on Social and Environmental Accounting Research will be hosted at Tampere University, Finland, 9-11 June 2026.

Photo: Charlotte Davies Photography