Accessibility statement

3. The research environment

3.1

The University of York is a leading research-intensive institution, with national and international recognition, and an excellent track record in the UK’s Research Excellence Framework. The University aims to build on its previous success through its Research Strategy, which is overseen by the University’s Research Committee.

3.2

The University is committed to the highest standards of research integrity within its research community, maintained with reference to a framework of University policies (including the Code of practice and principles for good ethical governance, the Code of Practice on Research Integrity and the Research Data Management Policy as well as legal and funder frameworks.

3.3

PGRs are provided with an appropriate research environment, that is: (i) where excellent research, recognised by the relevant subject community, is occurring and, (ii) where appropriate support is provided for engaging in, and learning about, research.

3.4

The University assures itself that departments are providing an appropriate research environment by: (i) YGRSB’s consideration of Annual Programme Review reports and URC’s consideration of Annual Departmental Research Review reports from departments, and, (ii) monitoring, by YGRSB, of the PGR experience. The University will take action to address any identified weaknesses.

3.5

A department, through its Graduate School Board, should assure itself that it can provide an appropriate research environment by considering whether for an individual PGR:

  • appropriate supervision of the proposed research topic can be provided by existing members of staff
  • there are sufficient numbers of PGRs and high calibre research-active staff in the PGR’s chosen field and related areas
  • there is an active, collegial research community to support the PGR, for example in terms of the provision of regular research seminars etc. 
  • the necessary facilities and training etc. to support the PGR can be provided.

Facilities and resources

3.6

Departments (working in conjunction with the relevant central services, eg Student and Academic Services, Humanities Research Centre and Research Centre for Social Sciences) are responsible for ensuring that PGRs have the facilities and resources they need to pursue their approved research. Guidance on the facilities and resources provided should be included in the department’s handbook for PGRs. Departments are also responsible for ensuring that PGRs undertaking work away from the University (eg fieldwork and research visits) have the facilities and resources they need.

3.7

Facilities and resources should normally include: (i) access to photocopying, and printing, (ii) library resources (including training and relevant electronic resources), (iii) appropriate computing provision for their research project (hardware, software, training and support), and (iv) where relevant (eg for laboratory-based subjects), access to specialist facilities and materials and/or technical support. Departments should also ensure that there is a well-publicised, equitable and transparent procedure for allocating funding for conference attendance.