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Research

Research at the University of York

Curiosity-driven, action-oriented research.

Driven by an extraordinary curiosity and a shared commitment to a better future, our research confronts the profound challenges of our rapidly evolving world.

We explore new perspectives, to learn and do things differently. We build knowledge together, from addressing social inequalities and injustice, through to climate change and the transformational potential of technology. We find tangible solutions by forging strong partnerships with people, organisations and communities across the world.

Our aim is to co-create research that brings benefits for generations to come.

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As a University for public good, our ambition is clear: we are determined to effect positive change by opening up new ideas and opportunity for all.

Professor Sarah Thompson, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Research

https://youtu.be/y6IrqXhrYfI

At the University of York we don't just observe change; we're a catalyst for it.

We opened our doors in the 1960s, an era of the civil rights movement, anti-war protests and counterculture. Our desire to make changes that improve the world around us was inherent in the University's original mission. It still is today and it will remain so in our future.

As we celebrate 60 years of research that confronts challenges head-on, join us in exploring the future impact our community is driving in the arts, humanities, social sciences and sciences.

Our research community

Research focus

Our research spans the arts, humanities, sciences and social sciences. These are just some of our major research projects happening now:

The Institute for Safe Autonomy

Our new £45m centre is at the forefront of research into safe robotics and AI-enabled autonomous systems

BioYorkshire

We’re working with partners on a clean, green future that will create jobs and boost inward investment

Sparks

Ambitious new research projects sparked by our community’s curiosity and a desire to improve the world we live in.

Departments and centres
Our research crosses disciplinary boundaries to develop new insights and solutions
Research performance
York is one of the world’s leading research-intensive universities

Research news

York research journeys - Professor Yvonne Birks

Although now a leading voice in social care research, Professor Yvonne Birk's route into academia was not a conventional one. After working as a nurse, she decided to do a degree in psychology and then return to nursing. 

In the end, it didn't quite work out that way. 

Read the feature

News

Bladder cancer may be caused by the body’s response to a common virus, new research suggests

3 December 2025

Bladder cancer might be caused by our cell’s response to a common virus which infects nearly everyone in childhood, according to new research led by scientists at the University of York.

News

Tougher action on criminal landlords needed to overhaul failing system

2 December 2025

Councils and police forces across the UK are failing to crack down on criminal landlords operating at the margins of the private rented sector, according to new research.

News

Ancient rubbish shows how early farmers learned to live with waste

25 November 2025

A new archaeological project aims to shed light on how Neolithic rubbish could help understand how Europe’s first farmers adapted to a more settled way of life.

News

Particle accelerator waste could help produce cancer-fighting materials, study suggests

24 November 2025

Energy that would normally go to waste inside powerful particle accelerators could be used to create valuable medical isotopes, scientists have found.

Research Strategy and Research Culture Action Plan

Research Strategy

At the University of York, the advancement of knowledge through the development of ideas, theories and concepts, and through collaboration with others, is done for public good. Our Research Strategy 2023-2030 lays out how we put this into action.

Research Culture Action Plan

The first strategic objective of the Research Strategy 2023-30 is to create a thriving research community. Our Research Culture Action Plan sets out our ambitions and plans for meeting that strategic objective by developing and growing our research culture.

Studying and career development

Explore our research degrees and fellowships, or find your new research role at York.

Postgraduate research

Research jobs

Fellowships

Collaborating with industry

World-leading research is happening in the heart of Yorkshire, and we can help your business be a part of it.

Whatever your business development needs, we can help.

Find out more

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Case studies

Find out how our researchers work with communities around the world to improve lives, gain cultural insights, track social changes and tackle inequalities.

See more case studies

Knowledge Exchange
Find out how we share our research knowledge.
Find out more
York Research Database
Search for research and explore connections.
Learn more
Research events
We showcase our research and encourage debate.
See our events
Research newsletter
We’ll send news of our newest discoveries, insights and events straight to your email address.
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