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Advancing Research through philanthropy

Research is driven by creative and innovative thinking.

It is the discovery and application of new knowledge and ideas. It is fundamental to improving society, enabling economic growth and changing people’s lives for the better. In a world facing a climate transition, a migration crisis, global political turmoil and rapidly increasing inequality, research, and the right kind of research, is needed now more than ever. The independence and quality of research at UK Universities is internationally recognised, and of increasing value in a shifting global political context. 

Our research reflects our remarkable community. From a spark of curiosity and a desire to change things for the better, we explore the unknown and open up new ideas and opportunities for all.

a researcher in the Borthwick Institute leaning over a digital map
a person sat in the Univerity of York Lightstage research lab

York’s mission to be a University for Public Good drives our commitment to ask the tough and challenging questions and to acknowledge complexity. We have a responsibility to  develop profound insights and to find solutions to wicked problems. 

A key question we ask ourselves at York is not just what are we good at but what are we good for?

This is not easy and it takes a diverse community to make it happen.

Philanthropy and donors have been with us every step of the way and they remain crucial partners in optimistically pushing onwards in delivering research to make the world a better place. For over 60 years researchers at York have worked across disciplinary boundaries to answer complex questions - from founding the field of Health Economics and the establishment of our world class biomedical research facilities, through to today being at the forefront of safe use of AI in autonomous vehicles and leading the UK’s research to transform Adult Social Care. 

Today the power of philanthropy continues today to fuel research groups across disciplines at York. Through four major research institutes we are advancing mental health research, championing breakthroughs in biomedicine, exploring sustainability and leading research into opportunities for safe autonomy and AI. Through four major research institutes we are exploring human rights, poverty and opportunities for digital heritage. We are supporting early career researchers, pushing boundaries of human knowledge and working to solve the world’s biggest challenges.

University of York Environment and Geography marine researcher sat in a wearing diving equipment on the Isle of Arran

It’s not just what we do that counts, but the way we do it.

Driven by purpose, quality and a diversity of perspectives we want to work with you to do more.

You can read more about our research priorities by clicking below.

Macular Degeneration

Founded in 2023 by the University of York, in partnership with Hull York Medical School, the Yorkshire Macular Degeneration Fund supports cutting-edge research to improve diagnosis and treatment for AMD.

CHE/Thanzi MSC Studentships

The Thanzi Programme is a community of researchers, policy-makers, students and research support professionals, who deliver research designed to improve population health and reduce health inequities in Malawi, Uganda and Southern and East Africa.

Administative Fairness Lab

The Administrative Fairness Lab is a UK-based research group - led out of the University of York and University of Strathclyde - that advances the socio-legal understanding of administrative law.

YESI Fellowships

YESI's mission is to tackle global environmental sustainability challenges and deliver world-class collaborative interdisciplinary research on environmental sustainability.