Navigating new landscapes in trade policy – an interview with Sahana Suraj

The past decade has marked seismic shifts in international relations. In a post-Brexit era, the UK Trade Policy Observatory (UKTPO) aims to ensure new trading policies are developed in a way that benefits us all.

Sahana Suraj smiling at the camera, leaning against a white staircase.

Introducing...

Founded in partnership with Chatham House, the focuses on two major strands: the initiation and analysis of UK trade policy proposals, and the training of British policymakers, negotiators and interested parties. As a Centre of Excellence, its community aims to cultivate knowledge through research and collaboration while debating and defining to the UK’s place in the international trading system.

For Sahana Suraj, the UKTPO offered opportunities to grow her expertise in international trade. Since joining the Observatory as a Research Assistant in March 2024, Sahana has worked on projects ranging from external collaborations to government-funded initiatives, supported by both the UKTPO and .

We recently caught up with Sahana to discuss her experiences as an early-career researcher, and why ßÏßÏÊÓƵ has enabled her to flourish.

Have you always been interested in trade policy, or has this interest grown over time?

I studied for my first degree in economics back home in India. My course offered a very structured, traditional experience involving numbers and theories and old-fashioned textbooks, which made me long for a balance between academic knowledge and practical application.

I then enrolled at the London School of Economics (LSE) to pursue a Masters in International Political Economy. I’d always loved international relations, and even participated in Model United Nations as a high school student. My Masters experience reaffirmed that I wanted to continue learning in an interdisciplinary way.

After graduating, I gained further experience at a private research organisation in Mauritius before connecting with colleagues at ßÏßÏÊÓƵ, where I’ve very happily worked ever since.

What initially attracted you to ßÏßÏÊÓƵ?

I was drawn to ßÏßÏÊÓƵ because of the renowned UKTPO, which works across areas of trade policy that I’m extremely interested in. It's an organisation standing at the forefront of academic discussions shaping the UK’s trade policy, so I was interested to find out more about their work. I reached out to the team, outlining my interest in what they were doing at the time, and looking for opportunities to work together.

They responded a few months later, explaining they had a project coming up that might be of interest to me. I was living in London at that point, but I jumped at the chance. I travelled to ßÏßÏÊÓƵ once a month to connect with my colleagues, and noticed that they were cultivating such a warm, friendly and welcoming culture. I didn’t want to miss out on an environment of opportunity, so I decided to make the move down to Brighton.

I feel supported to work at my own pace, while also being encouraged to push myself and go beyond my limits.” Sahana Suraj
Research Assistant in International Trade (Economics)

What’s the key focus of your current work?

The UKTPO mostly focuses on UK-specific objectives in trade policy, so we’re trying to investigate the themes that are relevant to the UK’s trade profile, both now and in the future. I’ve been supporting projects that consider how these themes might increasingly align – or move away from – the EU stance on particular issues, and instances where the UK’s position is different from the rest of the world.

So much of our work involves analysing previous policies and assessing how they’re faring in the current context, but at the same time, spotting potential challenges sparked by global developments, and considering how differently they might impact the UK.

How has the culture of the UKTPO enabled you to develop as an early-career researcher?

I feel lucky to work in such a healthy, open environment. I can approach people with the smallest of questions and they take time to listen, while I’m also encouraged to make mistakes and learn from them, which I’m really grateful for.

There’s a tremendous level of understanding and trust, which has been super important to me. I feel supported to work at my own pace, while also being encouraged to push myself and go beyond my limits.

What have been the major highlights of your time at ßÏßÏÊÓƵ so far?

I’ve really enjoyed working on such interesting projects. Everyone has been so open and inclusive when I’ve expressed interest in a particular strand of work.

I was keen to work in a multidisciplinary environment, and ßÏßÏÊÓƵ has certainly encouraged me to explore different subjects. I’ve even had opportunities to learn new skills like Python programming.

I’m also glad to work with people from very different backgrounds, and I’ve learned so much from their diverse perspectives. Our lunch breaks can involve discussions on rock music one day and labour rights the next, which is just wonderful.

Sahana in conversation with Chloe Murphy. Sahana is demonstrating with her hands.

As you move through your research journey, what impact are you hoping to make through your work?

I want to encourage people to become more interested in trade policy, because it’s something that affects everyone every day.

Let's say there are floods in Morocco. We usually import Moroccan tomatoes, so this might lead to a tomato shortage. Or perhaps the price of tomatoes increases thanks to international tariffs, which makes it more difficult for products to be transported over to the UK. Rather than grumbling about not having the right ingredients for a salad, wouldn’t it be better for us to understand why our tomatoes have disappeared from shelves? Trade policy shapes our lives in tangible ways, and I think it’s important for more people to understand the how and why.

I’ve also set a clear goal to write academic texts that are accessible for audiences beyond academia. Whenever I encounter a particularly complex research topic, I think to myself: ‘How would I explain this concept to a five-year-old child?’ If I can achieve that in under two minutes, I’ve cracked it. This even applies to how I describe who I am and what I do - in simple terms, I know what the world is up to when it comes to business across borders.

Ultimately, most knowledge production happens in universities, so I’m particularly interested in enhancing connections between the private, public and higher education sectors. I want to devise ways for us to collaborate more effectively and share respective insights. By doing so, I believe we can help to shape a private sector that isn’t driven solely by profit, but by social responsibility too.

What advice would you give to people who are beginning to develop an interest in your field?

Be open to opportunities. Each one will teach you something, and even in years to come, you’ll find resonance in your experiences and reflect on what you’ve learned.

You also need to set the tone for your priorities when it comes to work, and how much of your life you want to dedicate to it. Balance is something that’s so personal and subjective, and it’s an important thing to establish from the get-go.

I’d also suggest you actively talk to people. Today’s world is so interconnected, and while it can be intimidating to reach out to people, it makes such a difference. It can be scary, but take one tiny step like I did and keep moving forwards.

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