Research at the University of York

Curiosity-driven, action oriented research.

From climate change to robotics, we tackle some of the most pressing environmental, social and economic challenges facing our rapidly changing world.

By building positive partnerships and working closely with communities around the world, we're able to explore cultural insights, track societal shifts and deliver effective solutions as populations adapt to economic and global pressures. Our aim is to co-create research that brings benefits for generations to come.

As a University for public good, our researchers draw on academic excellence coupled with bold, creative thinking to change lives for the better.

Professor Matthias Ruth, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Research

Research focus

Our research spans the arts, humanities, sciences and social sciences. These are just some of our major research projects happening now:

The Institute for Safe Autonomy

Our new £45m centre is at the forefront of research into safe robotics and autonomous systems

BioYorkshire

We’re working with partners on a clean, green future that will create jobs and boost inward investment

Departments and centres

Our research crosses disciplinary boundaries to develop new insights and solutions

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Research performance

York is one of the world’s leading research-intensive universities

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Research news

More than half of UK households to be in fuel poverty by the new year, according to new report

More than half of households in the UK, or 15 million people, will have been pushed into fuel poverty by January 2023, according to a new report authored by York academics.

Posted on 8 August 2022

System that allows harmful bacteria to grow could be ‘interrupted’, say researchers

Researchers at the University of York have shown how bacteria capture important nutrients to allow them to grow and survive in the body.

Posted on 4 August 2022

Researchers map human immune system for the first time

Researchers have created the first complete map of the network of connections that make up the human immune system, showing how immune cells communicate with each other.

Posted on 3 August 2022

Study shows audio experience in virtual reality can be ‘authentic’

Researchers at the University of York have shown that creating sound in virtual reality that mimics people’s everyday interactions with the ’real’ audio-visual world has benefits over a movie-type sound experience.

Posted on 3 August 2022