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Our research

Bridging the sciences and humanities through archaeological research.

Our vision is that by combining the richness and rigour of innovative cultural approaches and science-based analysis, York will be regarded as one of the best places in the world to conduct archaeological research

We are recognised internationally as a leading institution for archaeological research tackling global issues that are both important and challenging.

The Research Excellence Framework 2021

  • We’re ranked 6th overall for our research according to the Times Higher Education’s ranking of the latest REF results (2021). And 100% of our research environment, the support we give to our researchers, is rated 4* - REF’s highest rating. We’re also rated 5th for the quality of our research outputs.

Learn more about the 2021 REF results

Research strengths

Our core strengths in human evolution and prehistory, Roman, medieval, historical and field archaeology are complemented by our specialisms in bioarchaeology, digital archaeology, African archaeology, buildings conservation and heritage, and experimental archaeology and artefact studies.

Reconstruction of the Star Carr site

Impact and engagement

As well as making an impact within national and international research communities, our research makes a difference to policymakers, practitioners and the public.

Highlights

The Centre for Digital Heritage is an international, interdisciplinary research centre exploring data management, analysis and visualisation.

Centres

We're home to several international research centres that bring together colleagues from across Europe to produce collaborative, interdisciplinary research.

Each of our centres promotes our ambitions to produce impactful covering the breadth of archaeological and heritage study.

Explore our research centres

Archaeology Data Service

We’re developing groundbreaking digital methods for storing and disseminating archaeological data to ensure it is accessible and sustainable.
The Archaeology Data Service is a non-profit organisation hosted by the University. The ADS is the leading accredited digital repository for heritage data generated by UK-based research.

We also host Internet Archaeology - an open access, independent journal which has been awarded the Directory of Open Access Journals Seal.