Sparks: Igniting innovative research

Sparks is an ambitious research programme linked to our vision as a University for Public Good.

Launched in 2023, the Sparks Programme is a strategic initiative designed to foster and accelerate emerging research areas with high potential for growth and impact at the University of York.

Sparks projects are innovative, interdisciplinary initiatives that explore new research areas, benefiting from dedicated team leadership and flexible funding. It aligns with the University's strategic aims to carry out curiosity-driven and action-oriented research, and creates a community without limits to deliver science for public good.

The Sparks Programme has enabled research teams to dedicate time and resources to developing new initiatives. With 28 staff across 11 departments involved, Sparks has facilitated collaboration and several interdisciplinary research. The program's support has resulted in the development of 13 sub-projects under the three Sparks.

Administrative Fairness in Healthcare

An abstract image of people walking around a maze - pic: Suzie Q Yin, Unsplash

The Administrative Fairness in Healthcare project, is solidifying the University of York’s position as a leading center for the study of administrative fairness in public services. The project has supported early career researchers exploring mental health and smoking cessation, examined administrative fairness issues in healthcare contexts.

Administrative Fairness in Healthcare

The Equitable Technology Lab (ETL)

The Equitable Technology Lab (ETL), is redefining technology development through a transdisciplinary approach. The ETL is focused on environmental sustainability, healthcare, and international development, aiming to develop context-specific technologies and foster interdisciplinary collaborations.

The Equitable Technology Laboratory (ETL)

The YorVoice project

A choir, lead by the choirmaster in the foreground, at rehearsal.

The YorVoice project is establishing a hub for interdisciplinary voice research, funding six impact-driven sub-projects involving 16 researchers and 9 student research assistants. The project has cultivated a community of over 60 researchers from 12 departments and plans to host the UK and Ireland Speech Conference in 2025, enhancing its national visibility.

YorVoice

Next steps

As the first round of Sparks projects draws to a conclusion in 2026, and the selection of future cohorts has been paused while the programme is evaluated. The insights gained will inform the program's future development. The Sparks Programme represents a significant investment in research excellence at York, fostering a vibrant and innovative research environment.