Researchers head to University of York Mumbai to lead new initiatives
Posted on Tuesday 5 May 2026
Professor Bob Doherty, from the University of York’s School for Business and Society, and Professor Benjamin Poore, from the School of Arts and Creative Technologies, will spearhead new industrial partnerships, research projects, public events, and student learning opportunities.
The two secondments are the first to be announced by the University - after a call for interest and selection process in the autumn - with more opportunities for York researchers to work at and collaborate with the new campus to follow.
Professor Doherty, during his secondment, will serve as Director of Research for University of York Mumbai, working towards the new research strategy, with the aim of fostering knowledge exchange between the UK and India across sectors ranging from food security to the creative arts.
Food security
An expert in regenerative business, Professor Doherty currently heads the FixOurFood programme, a major UKRI-funded project focused on transforming the food system to one that is sustainable for both human and planetary health.
In Mumbai, Professor Doherty will work with industrial partners to discuss the bioeconomy and food security, whilst also launching the new Management and Marketing degrees.
Professor Doherty said: “There is so much to learn from the India context, particularly in areas such as food security, biotech, entrepreneurship, sustainability, and creative industries.
“Developing research connections between York and Mumbai is not only key to creating a positive impact on communities, the environment, and public policy, but also in establishing industry collaborations that will open doors and support students in their future career ambitions.”
Professor Benjamin Poore, a leading expert in theatre and historical drama, will look to build connections with key cultural organisations in India, such as the National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) and the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC), to develop research partnerships and career networks for students.
His work at the University of York Mumbai will include establishing public events, and workshops for students and creative artists, that explore the potential of stage and screen performance centred around the historical connections between India and Britain.
Professor Poore, author of works such as Sherlock Holmes from Screen to Stage, will also work with cultural practitioners in investigating how adaptations from classic and contemporary fiction represent the past in India, as well as teach students at the Mumbai campus on topics including stage and screen adaptation, historical drama, and play development.
Globally significant
Professor Poore said: “There is nowhere more exciting working in the creative industries than Mumbai. With its globally significant screen industry and award-winning performers of theatre, film and television, we can innovate and nurture ongoing cultural exchange.
“Jobs in this industry are in demand all over the world. Particularly in light of emerging creative technologies, we want to bring the heritage of both our cultures to future generations of screen and stage audiences in new and interesting ways.”
The University of York Mumbai will focus on five interdisciplinary research themes: Sustainability & Food Security; Responsible Business; Culture and Creativity; Health and Wellbeing; and Future Technologies.
Partnership
Professor Lindsay Oades, Provost of University of York Mumbai, said: “We are looking forward to Professor Doherty and Professor Poore joining our York-Mumbai community this summer, as their research and partnerships will equip our students with real-world insights that are essential to solving the challenges of today and tomorrow.”
University of York Mumbai, based in the Powai Business District of the city, will offer undergraduate and postgraduate programmes from September 2026 in Computer Science with Artificial Intelligence and Cyber Security, Business, Economics, and the Creative Industries.
Programmes in emerging fields - AI, cybersecurity and the creative industries - will be delivered with global industry input, boosting job readiness in high-demand sectors and opening career pathways for Indian learners.
Applications for degree programmes are open and more information can be found on the University’s Mumbai webpages.
