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The York Policy Engine

Welcome to The York Policy Engine

The York Policy Engine (TYPE) is the University of York's commitment to ensuring that our world-leading research informs the decisions that shape society. The demand for bold, evidence-driven answers to society's toughest challenges has never been greater. By bridging the worlds of research and policymaking, we connect our academic community with decision-makers, convene expertise around complex policy challenges, and build the partnerships, skills and opportunities that enable evidence to inform policy, advance the University's public good mission, and create meaningful real-world impact.

If you’d like to find out more about how we could support you with your work, take a look at our Guide to Requesting Support from TYPE . This page provides an overview of our offer to colleagues, FAQs, and advice on how best to get started. Using the information on this page might help guide your thinking and will also help us respond more quickly and effectively to your enquiry should you get in touch.

Find out more about The York Policy Engine and our work

Poverty and Progress? 125 years on from Rowntree’s study of life in York

2026 marks the 125th anniversary of Seebohm Rowntree’s groundbreaking Poverty: A study of town life. A forensic study of living conditions in York at the turn of the 20th century, which broke new ground in the measurement of poverty.

To mark the anniversary of this seminal work on poverty in York, the University of York’s Cost of Living research group has published a contemporary response to this work, exploring new evidence on modern living standards in the city.

Read the report

What we do

At The York Policy Engine (TYPE), we create the conditions for research to inform policy by building the skills, connections and opportunities that enable meaningful engagement.

We build confidence and capability by delivering training, resources and development opportunities that equip academics, professional services colleagues and PhD researchers with the knowledge and skills to engage effectively with policymakers.

We connect evidence with decision-makers by identifying opportunities for research to inform policy and supporting colleagues to engage with policymakers at all levels.

We convene expertise and build partnerships by bringing together researchers, policymakers and external partners to respond to emerging policy priorities, strengthen networks and build collaborations that maximise the impact of York's research.

Find out about the Policy Engine's portfolio of resources and training opportunities designed to support your policy engagement journey.
Read the latest policy briefs and reports produced by researchers at University of York.
Explore our collaborative projects and partnerships, bringing together expertise from across the University of York with policymakers, practitioners and organisations to address complex policy challenges.
Learn more about our four policy research groups, each aiming to harness cross-disciplinary expertise within the institution to target important policy challenges at both a regional and national scale.

Read our news and blogs

News

30 September 2026

The Social Change Catalyst blog for September 2026 comes from Dr Daniel Kyereko, Senior Lecturer and Associate Professor in Education and Social Justice with the Department of Education at the University of York

News

25 September 2026

In a new blog from Jed Meers, Senior Lecturer at York Law School and Co-Director of the Administrative Fairness Lab) and Vanessa Boon, Senior Policy & Advocacy Leader, the Equality Trust, shares three key lessons for the UK Government as it prepares to activate the new Class Unit.

News

10 September 2026

The York Policy Engine is pleased to welcome two new members to our team. Kate Questa will join as Project Manager for the New Horizons Fund, while Professor Brian Ferguson MBE will join us as a Senior Advisor.

Meet the Policy Engine