York Graduate Research School Board

York Graduate Research School Board reports to Senate via University Research Committee.

Terms of reference

The York Graduate Research School Board (YGRSB) oversees the work of York Graduate Research School which is responsible for postgraduate research provision at the University.

Contact us

Chair: Professor Paul Wakeling
Dean of York Graduate Research School

For agendas and minutes: PGR Quality and Governance

academic-quality-pgr@york.ac.uk

To develop, monitor the implementation of, and review the vision, strategy and policy for YGRS.
To champion postgraduate researchers (PGRs) within the University, including the contribution that PGRs make to the University's research strategy, and to promote a research culture, at all levels within the institution, that is supportive of PGRs.
To identify national and international developments relating to postgraduate research (PGR) provision and ensure that appropriate action is taken so that York remains competitive with other research intensive institutions.
To monitor the development and delivery of strategic PGR initiatives, including Doctoral Landscape Awards and Doctoral Focal Awards and similar, and international collaborations with a significant PGR component to ensure they meet their objectives;
To oversee the allocation of PGR funding within the University, to ensure accountability, transparency and consistency in decision-making.
To develop, monitor and review the University's recruitment and admissions strategy for home and international PGRs.
Through the work of its sub-committees, to:

- assure the standards of PGR programmes, and to monitor and promote the enhancement of the quality of the academic experience of PGRs.
- coordinate and oversee matters relating to the personal and professional development of PGRs and their wellbeing.

8. To act as a Board of Studies for interdisciplinary PGR programmes.
9. To promote equality, diversity and inclusion in relation to all the above.

Ex officio

Dean of YGRS (Chair), Professor Paul Wakeling
Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research, Professor Matthias Ruth (Alternate: Associate Pro-Vice Chancellor Research Professor Sarah Thompson)
Associate PVC for Teaching, Learning and Students, Professor Steve King (Alternate: Pro-Vice Chancellor for Teaching, Learning and Students Professor Tracy Lightfoot)
Director of Postgraduate Research Social Sciences, Dr Claire Smith
Director of Postgraduate Research Sciences, Dr Gianluca Tempesti
Director of Postgraduate Research Arts and Humanities, Professor Craig Taylor
Director of Research Innovation and Knowledge Exchange, Justine Daniels
Academic Registrar, Mr Tom Banham
Union Affairs Officer, University of York Students Union, Mr Lewis Parrey (Alternate: Academic Officer)

Nominated

Academic from the Faculty of Arts and Humanities: Dr Sethina Watson (until 31/7/25)
Academic from the Faculty of Sciences: Professor Sean Sweeney (until 31/7/25)
Academic from the Faculty of Social Sciences: Professor Carolyn Snell (until 31/7/27)

In attendance

PGR Support Officer (Secretary), Dr Juliet James
Deputy Head of Student Administration (PGRs and Casework), Mr Tom Richens
YGRS Project Officer, Mr James Parker
Director of Student Support Services and Representation, The University of York Students' Union: Ms Rachel Barber

Quoracy: one third of ex officio and nominated members.

Terms of appointment

Nominated members are put forward by the relevant Faculty. Nominated members should be current or former Graduate Chairs (or similar eg DTP/CDT leads) and/or have considerable experience of supervising PGRs. For nominated members, the standard term of office is three years and maximum term is six years.