The Australian Council of Superannuation Investors (ACSI) is calling for nominations for its 2018 Michael O’Sullivan ESG Rising Star Award.

One young professional from the superannuation industry with a passion for responsible investment will be awarded a scholarship worth up to $10,000 to boost their career and further the cause of integrating environmental, social and governance (ESG) risks into mainstream institutional investment best practice.

The ESG Rising Star Award was named in honour of Michael O’Sullivan, the late founding president ACSI and former CareSuper chairman. It aims to advance ESG integration and develop the next generation of advocates within the profit-to-member superannuation sector.

O’Sullivan, who died in 2012, was ACSI president for 10 years, to 2011. He is highly respected as a pioneer of the responsible investment movement in Australia and globally.

ACSI chief executive Louise Davidson says O’Sullivan’s legacy has influenced the approach to ownership rights and responsibilities taken by the organisation and the funds that make up its membership.

“He was committed to mentoring younger staff and teaching them about ESG integration, a tradition this award continues in his name,” she says. “An ideal candidate for this award will be passionate about environmental, social and governance issues, will understand the link between responsible investing and long-term value, and [will make] this a focus of their career in finance.”

The biennial award is open to professionals aged 40 and younger as of March 31, 2018, and working at one of the 32 Australian superannuation funds that are members of ACSI.

The winner will receive up to $10,000 to attend the Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) in Person conference, to be held in San Francisco in August, or the International Corporate Governance Network Annual Conference in Milan in June.

CareSuper chair Cate Wood says O’Sullivan passionately advocated to improve investment outcomes for fund members through sustainable thinking and action.

“He was a leader and an inspiration, and CareSuper is immensely proud to sponsor this award,” Wood says.

Completed entries must be received by 5pm on March 9, 2018. The winner will be announced at the ACSI Annual Conference on Thursday, May 17, at The Westin Hotel in Sydney. Click here to download a nomination form.