On 2 July 2026, the Doctoral Seminar in Empirical Corporate Finance was held at the University of Konstanz (Germany) as part of the academic cooperation between Kyiv National Economic University named after Vadym Hetman (KNEU) and the University of Konstanz. The seminar was organized within the framework of the German-Ukrainian University Network (DUHN) and as part of the University of Konstanz's 60th anniversary celebrations. The joint scientific event was initiated by Prof. Oleg Tereshchenko, Head of the Department of Corporate Finance and Controlling at KNEU, and Prof. Axel Kind, Head of the Chair of Corporate Finance at the University of Konstanz.

The seminar brought together doctoral students from the Department of Corporate Finance and Controlling at KNEU and early-career researchers from the University of Konstanz. Participants presented the results of their research projects, with each presentation followed by an open academic discussion involving faculty members and researchers from both universities. The seminar was preceded by an intensive lecture series on empirical methods in corporate finance, delivered during February and March 2026.

The research presented by KNEU doctoral students addressed current issues in corporate finance, financial markets, and the impact of geopolitical risks on corporate decision-making.

Ruslan Lepskyi presented the study “Basic Materials Stock Returns under a Geopolitical Shock: Evidence from the 2026 Iran War,” which examined stock market reactions to geopolitical shocks. The study analyzed changes in the returns of companies in the basic materials sector following major international conflicts.

Maryna Bohach presented the paper “Geopolitical Exposure and Firm-Level Investment: Evidence from the 2022 Russian Invasion of Ukraine,” which investigated how Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine and the resulting increase in geopolitical uncertainty affected corporate investment activity.

Luiza Makhauri presented the research “The Impact of Conflict Intensity on the Financial Indicators of Ukrainian Enterprises,” focusing on the effects of the intensity of military hostilities on the financial performance of Ukrainian firms. The study examined how different dimensions of wartime risk influence firms' financial resilience and their ability to adapt to wartime conditions.

Young researchers from the University of Konstanz also presented their work during the seminar. Patrick Deufelintroduced the paper “Pricing Physical Climate Risk: Causal Evidence from Hurricane Landfalls,” which examined the impact of physical climate risks on firm valuation and financial markets.

Chiara Laußer presented the study “Assessing the Ability of Life-Cycle Models to Match Empirical Evidence on Divorce,” which evaluated the extent to which life-cycle models can explain empirical patterns related to divorce and household behavior.

Each presentation was followed by an in-depth discussion of the research findings, empirical methods, econometric models, and potential directions for future research. This seminar format provided young researchers with valuable professional feedback, facilitated the exchange of academic experience, and created opportunities to discuss future international research collaborations and joint publications. In addition to the doctoral seminar, KNEU doctoral students participated in other scientific and academic events organized at the University of Konstanz as part of its 60th anniversary celebrations. These activities provided an opportunity to become acquainted with the University's academic environment, expand professional networks, and discuss future directions for Ukrainian-German academic cooperation. The joint scientific event enabled young researchers to present their work to the international academic community, strengthen their scientific communication skills, and receive expert recommendations for the further development of their research projects. Upon successful completion of the program, each participant was awarded an international certificate and received 6 ECTS credits.