Named Professorial Chairs
Our research is driving significant global societal change and improvement, but we need a space to futureproof our commitment. This will be a vital part of our planning within the new Derby Business School.
We are proposing the establishment of several Professorial Chairs in areas of critical importance in today’s rapidly changing world. We aim to generate philanthropic donations to fund these positions and their research activities.
Professorial Chairs are afforded the highest academic honour the University can bestow upon a distinguished faculty member and will be dedicated to advancing research and knowledge in their specialist field.
To establish a research hub of this gravitas and importance requires funding of £500,000 over a five-year period. A named Professorial Chair is one of the most prestigious ways to associate with an academic position and the research developed. Your investment would support the teaching and research work of a high-profile and internationally recognised Professor, leading an impactful research hub tackling some of the world’s most pressing issues.
Our goal is to have Professorial Chairs in the following areas:
Carbonomics
Carbonomics, the economic consideration of carbon avoidance, generation, capture, and utilisation, is an emerging field of paramount importance. Goldman Sachs has identified it as a key driver for sustainable economic recovery and companies are increasingly seeking carbon neutrality and are willing to invest in high-quality carbon offsets.
By establishing a Professorial Chair in Carbonomics, the University will play a
significant role in advancing this critical field and contributing to a sustainable and green economy.
Environmental and Climate Change Law
Given the international community’s commitment to addressing climate change, there has been increasing recognition in the UK and globally for developing expertise in current trends or issues in environmental and climate law.
Building on a growing reputation in this area through the endowment of a Professorial Chair will enable the University to position itself as a thought leader in an area of expertise that is relatively untapped.
Business Innovation and Productivity
Embracing innovation and productivity is critically important for the overall economic development and wellbeing of societies.
The Professorial Chair aims to accelerate the work of the research centres for business and supply chain improvement to advance knowledge that would support businesses to expand and innovate.
FinTech
The UK economy is moving rapidly towards a digital landscape and a transformative surge in FinTech has redefined the landscape of the financial services sector.
The Professorial Chair can help shape the future of FinTech through rigorous research, impactful collaborations and the development of strategies that foster innovation, address sector challenges, and bring wider benefits to society.
International Trade and Policy
As the global economy becomes increasingly interconnected, complex and volatile, there is a rising demand for experts capable of navigating the intricate landscape of international trade and politics to deliver innovative solutions.
The Professorial Chair will position the University at the forefront of these trends, reaffirming its commitment to creating a better world and acting as a catalyst for positive global change.
Leadership and Governance
A drive by the UK government to develop leadership skills of individuals from underrepresented backgrounds and different sectors was given further impetus following the Covid-19 pandemic.
Derby is renowned for its inclusive leadership development programmes and the Professorial Chair will lead the University in developing leadership skills research that is practice oriented, with a view to ensuring impact is direct and adds value to stakeholders.
Economic Growth and Productivity
SMEs play a crucial role in the Midlands economy in spite of this, there is an ‘SME drag effect’ on overall regional economic growth.
Universities have a significant role to play as ‘Anchor’ institutions and a Professorial Chair will focus on driving regional growth and productivity, ensuring universities are oriented towards their impact on local economies, businesses and regeneration.
Innovation Management
The rise of digitalisation, such as AI, Big Data Analytics and Additive Manufacturing, is influencing the innovation processes and strategies of organisations across the globe, presenting huge challenges as they look to gain competitive advantage.
The Professorial Chair will lead cutting-edge research to facilitate the advancement of theory and practice.
Corporate Responsibility and Ethics
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and ethical behaviour are crucial in the contemporary business landscape. By embracing CSR and ethical principles, organisations create an environment that helps to develop brand loyalty, mitigate reputational risk and attract and retain top talent.
The Professorial Chair will catalyse research excellence by leading research initiatives and knowledge exchange that make an impactful contribution to the local and wider business communities, while positioning the University as a hub for ethical business.
Investment banking
Investment banking is crucial in providing innovative solutions to steer complex financial landscapes. As this landscape evolves, academic and professional expertise in sustainable finance, financial modelling, and portfolio optimisation will ensure cutting-edge research and industry-oriented education in this vital domain.
The Professorial Chair will create opportunities to address market trends within this ever-evolving sector and will lead initiatives to integrate sustainable finance, fintech, blockchain and data analytics into the curriculum, equipping our students with the ability to address the contemporary challenges of modern finance.
Entrepreneurship
Small businesses and entrepreneurs have an important role to play in the economy but SMEs and entrepreneurs face several challenges from having appropriate leadership skills and adequate resourcing, through to financing and strategic vision. The rise of digitalisation, such as AI, Big Data Analytics and Additive Manufacturing, is influencing the innovation processes and strategies of organisations across the globe, presenting huge challenges as they look to gain competitive advantage.
The Professorial Chair would help to explore and address some of these challenges and enhance a strong legacy of small business and entrepreneurial research at Derby Business School.
If you are interested in funding a Professorial Chair, contact us: development@derby.ac.uk
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