Jake is Professor of Furniture at Nottingham Trent University, where he is Associate Dean, Research for the School of Art and Design, being responsible for all research activities in the School www.ntu.ac.uk/staff-profiles/art-design/jake-kaner. Prior to this role he was Head of Research at Bucks New University, which was flagged by RAE for its international profile in Furniture. Jake was originally trained as a cabinet maker and maintains his interest in furniture with projects such as the permanent exhibition at the Mackintosh House, 78 Derngate, Northampton, where he produced all the replica furniture for the guest bedroom and the hall lounge 78derngate.org.uk.
Jake has considerable experience in art and design research being a sub-panel member for REF14 (D34) and REF21 (D32). He is an active researcher in practice, history and theory covering making, materials and heritage. He is vice-chair of the Plastics Heritage European Association and the working group leader for ‘furniture and habitat’ for the H2020 COST Action 16226, Smart habitat for older persons www.sheld-on.eu. He is a strategic reviewer for the AHRC, an arts and humanities panel member for the British Council and a UNESCO Newton Prize reviewer.
Jake has recently (2020) been selected to co-chair the CHEAD Research Alliance with Sunil Manghani, where they will combine forces to extend the reach and vitality of the research alliance to meet the aims of the CHEAD strategy to support sector leads and early career researchers. He is a Fellow of the Leadership Foundation in Higher Education and has been a Fellow of the RSA and a Freeman of the City of London.
