Aston University and the Institute of Export and International Trade (IOE&IT) have today (9 November) announced the signing of a funded chair agreement. IOE&IT is providing £150,000 over three ­­years, with an option to extend for a fourth year.

Aston Business School’s Professor Sangeeta Khorana, chair of the IOE&IT’s Academic Board and an international trade expert with over 25 years of academic, management consulting and government experience, will take up the funded chair position.

The role will involve providing policy notes, briefing documents, research papers, guidance on funding applications and training.

The University’s vice-chancellor and chief executive, Professor Aleks Subic, and IOE&IT’s director-general, Marco Forgione, signed the agreement at the official opening of Aston University’s new corporate headquarters at John Cadbury House.

IOE&IT, established in 1935 to support UK businesses in growing their international markets and trade, is the leading association for exporters and importers. It provides education and training to professionalise international trade in the UK and around the world.

Speaking about her appointment, Professor Khorana said:

“Receiving the IOE&IT endowed chair is a true honour, and I am excited to embark on this journey of research and collaboration.

“In a world where international trade is increasingly important and complex, the chair presents an opportunity for me to apply my knowledge.

“It will allow me to work alongside businesses and policymakers to feed into trade policies that promote economic growth and enhance global trade relationships.”

Professor Subic added:

“I am delighted that Professor Sangeeta Khorana has been awarded the endowed Chair of IOE&IT. 

“This significant milestone in our partnership with IOE&IT reflects our mutual interest and dedication to research and innovation in international trade policy and the commitment of the IOE&IT to working with outstanding researchers in this field at Aston University.”

IOE&IT director-general Marco Forgione said:

“We’re pleased to be able to announce the funding of this chair with Aston University. It’s an exciting development that further extends IOE&IT’s academic remit.

“There are so many important innovations, changes and challenges in international trade at the moment and it’s vital we give ourselves the time and space to research and understand how all these developments could play out and how trade policy might need to adjust to reflect this.”