Skip to content Accessibility statement
Home>Research

Research at the University of York

Curiosity-driven, action-oriented research.

From climate change to robotics, we tackle some of the most pressing environmental, social and economic challenges facing our rapidly changing world.

By building positive partnerships and working closely with communities around the world, we're able to explore cultural insights, track societal shifts and deliver effective solutions as populations adapt to economic and global pressures. Our aim is to co-create research that brings benefits for generations to come.

As a University for public good, our researchers draw on academic excellence coupled with bold, creative thinking to change lives for the better.

Professor Matthias Ruth, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Research

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

A choir, lead by the choirmaster in the foreground, at rehearsal.

Sparks

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

Research news

York Research Journeys: Ian Hitchcock

Professor Ian Hitchcock is the Director of the Centre for Blood Research at York.

In his research journey, Ian talks about what inspired him to a life in haematological research, his determination to overcome challenges at school, and why, almost 25 years after starting out, he remains as focused as ever on finding ways to defeat cancer. 

Read his research journey

Research Strategy 2023-2030

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.

Studying and career development

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

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

Graphic showing fists and peace signs

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

Research themes

Explore how our research best meets the grand scientific, social and environmental challenges of our time.