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York-Maastricht Partnership

A dynamic collaboration between the universities of York and Maastricht, intended to develop a deep and lasting relationship and built around excellent research, education and knowledge exchange.

The York-Maastricht Partnership (YMP) is a major strategic partnership between Maastricht University and the University of York, intended to develop a deep and lasting relationship and built around excellent research, teaching and knowledge exchange.

Our mission

Our mission is to develop innovative and multilayered research collaborations that will address societal challenges, develop new skills and networks, train new generations of researchers, and drive impact.

Why York and Maastricht? 

We are two of the world’s leading "young" universities, united by a problem-solving DNA. By combining York’s research excellence with Maastricht’s pioneered Problem-Based Learning (PBL) model, we offer a unique ecosystem for high-impact research. Together, we provide a "living lab" across the UK and Netherlands to research and test ideas that change how we teach, live, and protect our planet.

Two cities, one vision

Our vision is to build a sustained research bridge between York and Maastricht that enables our community to solve problems neither institution could tackle alone. By connecting our expertise in fields ranging from sustainable agriculture and robotics to healthcare and cultural heritage, we aim to lead the academic contribution toward a more sustainable and resilient society.

Students sitting on a bench at University of York's Campus East

York and Maastricht

Young universities
founded in living memory on the basis of academic excellence and increasing access to higher education.
Maastricht is =131st
in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings, 2026.
York is =154th
in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings, 2026.
Passionately international
institutions with a commitment to social responsibility and to the power of universities to have a positive impact at a local, national and global level.

Celebrating five years of the York Maastricht Partnership

  • We've hosted nine summer schools and student conferences.
  • Over 60 students have participated in a co-taught YMP programme or module.
  • We have set up study abroad agreements in six subject areas.
  • We have funded 14 collaborative research projects.
  • YMP researchers have secured £4,607,000 in external research funding.
  • York and Maastricht researchers have published 110 co-authored articles and books since 2019.

What we do

  • Work to identify research synergies and potential new York-Maastricht collaborative research projects, and host networking and research development workshops.
  • Identify and share research opportunities and funding in the UK, EU, and internationally with colleagues across York and Maastricht.
  • Provide advice on applications for YMP seed funding and travel and workshop funding.
  • Encourage the development of collaboration in education across York and Maastricht, whether for formal joint programmes or informal activities.
  • Encourage virtual and in-person staff and student mobility between York and Maastricht.
  • Support the sharing of best practice in teaching, research, and higher education administration through organising workshops and other events.
  • Work to develop links with industry partners and civil society for knowledge exchange.
  • Organise and host YMP seminars and events for colleagues and partners.

Would you like to know more? Contact us at ymp@york.ac.uk

Our research themes

Contact us