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Former WTO Chief Economist Ralph Ossa appointed UBS Foundation Professor
Jul 2025

Press release

Ralph Ossa, who served as Chief Economist of the World Trade Organization (WTO) from January 2023 to June 2025, will take up the UBS Foundation Professorship of Economics at the Department of Economics of the University of Zurich (UZH) as of July 1, 2025. After two and a half years in Geneva, the internationally recognized economist is returning to academia.

Before joining the WTO, Ralph Ossa was already teaching and conducting research at UZH in the field of international economics, with a particular focus on policy-relevant questions. His work has included studies on the economics of trade wars and trade negotiations, as well as estimates of the gains countries derive from international trade.

During his time at the WTO, Ossa led the organization’s economic research agenda. He analyzed global trade flows, the implications of geopolitical fragmentation, the link between trade and environmental outcomes, and the economic impact of protectionism. His experience reaffirmed the importance of international cooperation and constructive dialogue between research and policy. “I am convinced that trade remains part of the solution, not part of the problem,” says Ossa. In Zurich, he now plans to resume in-depth academic work to develop evidence-based answers to the very challenges he encountered as Chief Economist of the WTO.

The newly established UBS Foundation Professorship, which Ossa is set to hold, is a key element of the long-standing partnership between the UBS Foundation of Economics in Society and the University of Zurich. The professorship is endowed with CHF 8 million over a 30-year period, with an option to extend to 60 years. In 2012, UBS Foundation committed CHF 100 million to support economic research at UZH with the establishment of the UBS Center for Economics in Society. This engagement was renewed in 2020 and increased by an additional CHF 27 million – now enabling the strong appointment to this new professorship.

Ralph Ossa, who served as Chief Economist of the World Trade Organization (WTO) from January 2023 to June 2025, will take up the UBS Foundation Professorship of Economics at the Department of Economics of the University of Zurich (UZH) as of July 1, 2025. After two and a half years in Geneva, the internationally recognized economist is returning to academia.

Before joining the WTO, Ralph Ossa was already teaching and conducting research at UZH in the field of international economics, with a particular focus on policy-relevant questions. His work has included studies on the economics of trade wars and trade negotiations, as well as estimates of the gains countries derive from international trade.

During his time at the WTO, Ossa led the organization’s economic research agenda. He analyzed global trade flows, the implications of geopolitical fragmentation, the link between trade and environmental outcomes, and the economic impact of protectionism. His experience reaffirmed the importance of international cooperation and constructive dialogue between research and policy. “I am convinced that trade remains part of the solution, not part of the problem,” says Ossa. In Zurich, he now plans to resume in-depth academic work to develop evidence-based answers to the very challenges he encountered as Chief Economist of the WTO.

Ralph Ossa is the UBS Foundation Professor of Economics at the Department of Economics of the University of Zurich.
Ralph Ossa is the UBS Foundation Professor of Economics at the Department of Economics of the University of Zurich.

Testimonials

Supporting research and education at the highest level is a key priority of the UBS Foundation. With Ralph Ossa, we are appointing a scholar who combines academic excellence with societal relevance.
President UBS Switzerland and member of the UBS Foundation Board
Dr. Sabine Keller-Busse
By appointing this professorship, we’re making a targeted investment in outstanding individuals and strong institutions. Our goal is to create conditions that allow internationally impactful research to flourish – and this is a perfect example.
Member of the UBS Foundation Board and Head Group Human Resources & Corporate Services at UBS
Dr. Stefan Seiler
With Ralph Ossa, we are not only welcoming back an outstanding researcher but also a dedicated and well-connected academic leader. His appointment strengthens Zurich’s position as a leading hub for economic research.
Director of the UBS Center and Professor at the Department of Economics
Prof. Ernst Fehr
I am convinced that trade remains part of the solution, not part of the problem.
UBS Foundation Professor of Economics
Prof. Ralph Ossa

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