# Research at the University of York
**Source**: https://www.york.ac.uk/research/
**Parent**: https://www.york.ac.uk/study/international/
Curiosity-driven, action-oriented research.
At York, our research focuses on real-world impact. This is a place where brave and independent minds work together towards a better future for all.
Since we opened our doors in the early 1960s, we’ve put people and society at the heart of our work.
Our research addresses societal inequalities, moves us towards a sustainable future and finds better ways to ensure technology is safe and trusted. We seek new treatments for physical illness and greater understanding of mental health issues. And we explore our heritage to better understand human experience in the past, present and future.
Today, our commitment to driving positive change through research and innovation is stronger than ever.
## Related links
- [Read about our Research Strategy 2030](https://features.york.ac.uk/research-strategy-2030/)
- Download the strategy PDF - [Research Strategy 2023-2030 (PDF](https://www.york.ac.uk/media/abouttheuniversity/missionstrategies/researchstrategies/UoY_ResearchStrategy.pdf " (opens in a new window)")
## Research Highlights newsletter
Want to stay connected with the University of York's research community? Our monthly research newsletter features a curated mix of news, events, and success stories delivered straight to your inbox.
[Sign up to Research Highlights](https://www.york.ac.uk/research/research-newsletter/)
> From pioneering research to transform the bioeconomy, to ensuring safe and trusted technologies and harnessing the potential of digital creativities, our researchers work across academic disciplines and forge trusted partnerships which drive positive change and opportunity for all.
[Professor Sarah Thompson](https://www.york.ac.uk/about/organisation/ueb/sarah-thompson/) MBE, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Research.
[Research excellence](https://www.york.ac.uk/research/performance/)
Awarded joint 10th in the Times Higher Education ranking of the Research Excellence Framework 2021.
[Academic performance](https://www.york.ac.uk/about/rankings/)
York is one of the world’s leading research-intensive universities.
[Global impact](https://www.york.ac.uk/research/impact/)
We work with individuals and communities around the world to help shape a better future for all.
## Our research expertise
Our world-leading interdisciplinary research centres, schools and initiatives enable us to work across academic boundaries and in partnership to support innovation, economic growth and create new knowledge.
[Discover our departments and centres](https://www.york.ac.uk/about/departments/)
### [The Institute for Safe Autonomy](https://www.york.ac.uk/safe-autonomy/)
The first research institute in the UK focusing on the safety of autonomous systems and robotics.
### [NIHR School for Social Care Research](https://www.york.ac.uk/business-society/research/sscr/)
The national home of research excellence for adult social care.
### [York Biomedical Research Institute](https://www.york.ac.uk/biomedical-research-institute/)
Advancing discoveries in biomedical science to positively impact health and wellbeing.
## Research news
News
### [Ancient societies ‘far more democratic than assumed’, study suggests](https://www.york.ac.uk/news-and-events/news/2026/research/ancient-societies-democratic/)
18 March 2026
Democracy may be far older and more widespread than previously thought, according to a new study of ancient civilisations.
News
### [National study aims to break down barriers to volunteering in heritage and nature sectors](https://www.york.ac.uk/news-and-events/news/2026/research/inclusive-volunteering/)
10 March 2026
The University of York has partnered with some of the country’s leading museums and heritage organisations to help people from diverse backgrounds access volunteering opportunities.
News
### [York academics elected Fellows of the Academy of Social Sciences](https://www.york.ac.uk/news-and-events/news/2026/research/academy-of-social-sciences-2026/)
9 March 2026
Two leading York academics have been awarded the title of Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences in recognition of their outstanding contributions to these fields.
News
### [York’s medieval Guildhall built on Jewish–Christian cooperation, study finds](https://www.york.ac.uk/news-and-events/news/2026/research/guildhall-jewish–christian-cooperation/)
7 March 2026
Historians have uncovered evidence that York’s Jewish community was closely involved in the creation of key medieval institutions just decades after the 1190 massacre at Clifford’s Tower.
## Research Features
[Explore the stories](https://www.york.ac.uk/research/research-community/) behind our remarkable research community at York and discover what drives our researchers towards a better world.
### [Yvonne Birks - Making real change through social care research](https://features.york.ac.uk/york-research-journeys/yvonne-birks/)
### [Helen Cowie - Uncovering the animal voice of the past](https://features.york.ac.uk/york-research-journeys-helen-cowie/index.html)
### [Mariana Lopez - Combining sound design and wellbeing](https://features.york.ac.uk/york-research-journeys/mariana-lopez/index.html)
### [Sara de Jong - Representing hidden voices from Afghanistan](https://features.york.ac.uk/york-research-journeys/sara-de-jong/index.html)
##### Book extract: The Good Society
For three decades, Professor Kate Pickett has researched systemic inequalities in society and campaigned for policy change that makes a tangible difference to people's lives.\
\
In an extract from her new book, *The Good Society: And How We Make it*, Professor Pickett argues that we already hold the blueprint for how to create fairer, healthier, and more prosperous societies and that it is time to make this vision a reality.
[Read the book extract](https://features.york.ac.uk/the-good-society-extract/)
## Collaborating with industry
World-leading research is happening here in the heart of Yorkshire, where place-based innovation drives societal and economic transformation.
We can help your business be a part of it, whatever your needs. Access cutting-edge facilities to support for local businesses and training in York, the UK’s top-rated city for good growth.
[Collaborate with us](https://www.york.ac.uk/business/)
### [Rail networks](https://www.york.ac.uk/business/rail-innovation/)
York was at the heart of the rail revolution in the 1800s. Now we're driving the future of intelligent rail systems through new research partnerships.
### [CoSTAR LiveLab](https://www.york.ac.uk/research/costar-livelab/)
A groundbreaking creative industries research and development facility which is redefining the future of live performance.
### [BioYorkshire](https://www.bioyorkshire.co.uk/)
An innovative public-private partnership harnessing York and North Yorkshire’s unique capabilities in the bioeconomy.
## Research culture
Our [Research Culture Action Plan](https://www.york.ac.uk/research/research-culture-action-plan/) sets out our sector-leading approach to building a strong research culture together.
From Postgraduate researchers to research leaders, we equip our staff with the skills, expertise and environment needed to nurture a thriving and vibrant research community.
- [Valuing voices](https://www.york.ac.uk/research/valuing-voices/)
- [EDI Research Centre](https://www.york.ac.uk/research/edi-research-centre/)
- [Next generation Research SuperVision Project](https://www.york.ac.uk/research/supervision-project/)
## Research degrees and career development
**Explore our research degrees and fellowships, or find your new research role at York, with support from [York Graduate Research School](https://www.york.ac.uk/research/graduate-school/).**
### [Postgraduate research degrees](https://www.york.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-research/)
### [Find a fellowship](https://www.york.ac.uk/research/fellowships/)
### [Browse research jobs](https://jobs.york.ac.uk/wd/plsql/wd_portal.list?p_web_site_id=3885&p_function=map&p_class_type=Role%20type&p_class_value=Research&p_title=Research%20jobs)
Our impact
Explore case studies from researchers working with communities around the world towards positive change.
[Read case studies](https://www.york.ac.uk/research/impact/)
Research events
Join us to explore our innovative and thought-provoking research.
[Learn more](https://www.york.ac.uk/research/events/)
Find an expert
Search for research and explore connections.
[Find our researchers](https://pure.york.ac.uk/portal/en/)
Research newsletter
For news about our latest discoveries, insights and events delivered straight to your inbox.
[Sign up](https://www.york.ac.uk/research/research-newsletter/)
## Related links
- [Read about our Research Strategy 2030](https://features.york.ac.uk/research-strategy-2030/)
- Download the strategy PDF - [Research Strategy 2023-2030 (PDF](https://www.york.ac.uk/media/abouttheuniversity/missionstrategies/researchstrategies/UoY_ResearchStrategy.pdf " (opens in a new window)")