Home
News and events
News
2024 news
Events
Doing things differently - regional prosperity to come under the spotlight at YorkTalks 2025

Doing things differently - regional prosperity to come under the spotlight at YorkTalks 2025

Posted on 12 December 2024

The annual research showcase event YorkTalks takes place next month, which this year will explore how the University is influencing the delivery of the Mayoral growth plan through the power of its world-leading research.

YorkTalks 2024 panellists answering questions from the audience following their individual spotlight talks.

The event - on 15 January at the Ron Cooke Hub - will see the fourth and final session dedicated to regional economic growth for public good.

The final session of the day, ‘YorkTalking: the debate,' will include a keynote speech from Andy Kerr, the incoming Director of Economy for the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority. This will be followed by responses from some of our leading academics and leaders on how the University is shaping its research, teaching and skills agendas to support regional economic growth.

Mayoral growth plan

The session will explore how the University is influencing the delivery of an ambitious mayoral growth plan through the power of its world-class research and teaching, showcasing:

Creative industries - York and North Yorkshire lead the UK’s creative industries with a hub of experts in music, live production, film, TV, gaming and more. What difference does this make to skills in the region and to providing opportunities?
Bioeconomy - how is sustainable food production, green energy and the development of new products bringing investment to the region and shifting us towards a green economy?
Institute for Safe Autonomy - as the only institute in the world dedicated to the safe, ethical and socially responsible use of autonomous systems, artificial intelligence and machine learning, how can we best support the national agenda in this rapidly-developing field?
Equitable growth - how does our research ensure that economic growth in the region makes opportunities accessible and focused?

New perspectives

Chaired by leading journalist Jen Williams from the Financial Times, the session will also include a Q&A with the audience and closing remarks from the University of York’s Vice Chancellor Professor Charlie Jeffery.

Earlier in the day, 12 researchers will deliver 15 minute presentations on their areas of research followed by a 30 minute Q&A.

This year, the theme is ‘Doing Things Differently’, with three related sessions: ‘The things around us’ takes a new perspective on what surrounds us in our everyday lives; ‘The Things Within Us’ focuses on our mental and physical health, and ‘The Spaces Between Us’ looks at the issues affecting our lives on a global scale.

Research highlights include greener paths to mental health, the cultural and social impact of housework and the uniqueness of the human voice.

Curiosity-driven

Professor Matthias Ruth, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research at the University of York, said: “The University of York was established in the 1960s - a time when the status quo was being challenged. Our distinctiveness as a University is brought to life through our vision and our research.

“We celebrate extraordinary individuals with different ideas, views and ways of thinking and doing. And we come together, as one community, to create something greater for all of us.

“Our researchers will provide insights and knowledge about our curiosity-driven research and its role at the heart of our mission as a university for public good and how we are playing a vital role in helping to deliver prosperity for the region.”

Spotlight competition

Research students will also be showcasing their work throughout the day in the PhD Research Spotlight Competition. They will be on hand at their exhibitions to answer any questions that attendees have.

YorkTalks 2025 runs from 9.15am to 5pm on Wednesday 15 January 2025 and you can attend the whole day or a single session by booking free tickets. Explore the full programme via the YorkTalks web pages.