Research impact
Source: https://www.york.ac.uk/research/impact/ Parent: https://www.york.ac.uk/research/
Our researchers work with individuals and communities around the world to make a positive difference.
We're collaborating with businesses, charities, governments and cultural organisations to advance knowledge, track societal shifts and develop transformative technology.
Explore our case studies and see how we're shaping a better future – in York, in the UK and globally.
Case studies
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No and Low Alcohol - understanding marketing and consumption and improving accessibility
Research in the Sociology department and School for Business and Society has improved our understandings of how people use No and Low (NoLo) alcohol drinks and the ways in which they are marketed, helping to inform policy and regulation. It has also led to the design and launch of materials and guidance to support venues to make NoLo products more visible and accessible for consumers.
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Integrating Knowledge for Food Systems Resilience
Systems of food production, trade and consumption are increasingly vulnerable. Political, economic and ecological shocks, climate change, new farming practices and shifts in consumer behaviour can all affect our ability to put food on the table.
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Unlocking the healthcare research benefits of machine learning
Our researchers are leading the call to apply the principles of open science to maximise the potential impact of machine learning in healthcare research.
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Shaping Performance: Working with The Royal National Theatre and the Royal Shakespeare Company to Bring Dickens to Life
Professor John Bowen, a world expert on Charles Dickens, has been working with actors, writers, and directors in Stratford and London to help shape their understanding of Dickens’s life and composition process when performing adaptations of his novels.
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Pearls, Sunflowers & Plantation: New Perspectives on Shakespeare’s England
Dr Lauren Working’s research presents ground-breaking new perspectives on how the Americas permeated Tudor and Stuart art and literature.
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Narratives of Coercive Control
Led by Dr Hannah Roche (University of York) and Professor Katherine Mullin (University of Leeds), Coercive Control: From Literature into Law is the first interdisciplinary project to investigate the relationship between imaginative writing and the law of coercive control.
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Performing the Jewish Archive: Measuring the impact of theatrical performance
Researchers at York are working with arts organisations to bring a remarkable collection of scripts, texts and plays composed by prisoners in a World War II Jewish Ghetto to new international audiences.
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Enhancing Competitiveness in Virtual Reality Production
Our research has helped a successful television company expand into immersive media production through an innovative Knowledge Transfer Partnership.
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Using data to drive new developments in competitive video games
Our researchers are opening up new opportunities for audiences to engage with competitive video games.
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Bioinformatics for the masses
Multi-Omics Research Factory (MORF) is a new tool created by experts at the University of York that brings the power of big data to researchers in industry and academia without the need for specialist programming skills.
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How can economics help address global health challenges?
The resources available to spend on healthcare are limited. Economics provides the tools to help ensure the delivery of ‘more health for the money’. York research has guided health spending in many parts of the world, including in Africa.
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Defeating prejudice around mental illness in schools
Our researchers are working in secondary schools to combat stigma against mental illness.
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Conflict resolution in protracted territorial conflicts
Across the world, conflicts arise over territory disagreements. But are there ways these conflicts can be resolved without violence and war?
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Bladder tissue research verifies safety concerns for a class of drugs developed for type 2 diabetes
Researchers have developed a collaborative approach to help further understand safety concerns surrounding bladder cancer in the use of dual PPAR agonist drugs.
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Setting the standard for digitally preserving archaeological information
In 1996 a team in the Department of Archaeology established the Archaeology Data Service (ADS), an internationally recognised digital archive.
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Using writing to promote wellness
A collaboration with a local women’s charity uses writing to enhance emotional health and build resilience through the delivery of a therapeutic expressive writing group.
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Raising engagement in randomised control trials
Recruiting and retaining participants in research trials is vital, but can often be problematic. We’re finding ways to improve this crucial research element.
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LGBT+ employee networks within the NHS
Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT+) individuals form an important part of diverse British workplaces. By better understanding staff networks, we can help to create more inclusive environments.
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Filling the evidence gap on haematological cancers
The Haematological Malignancy Research Network, established at York, provides essential data on leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma for clinicians, researchers and policymakers.
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Ensuring the right treatments are provided for patients with psoriasis
With over 100 million people affected by psoriasis globally, it is important to establish which treatments work best and are most cost-effective in improving quality of life for those with the disease.
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Spending Healthcare Resources Wisely
With an annual NHS budget in England of around £127 billion (2017/18), it is vital that decisions are made so that health care spending generates the greatest impact on the health of the population.
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Rights of EU nationals in the UK
We are shaping agendas on the rights of EU nationals residing in the UK through innovative academic and practice collaboration.
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The history of global health policy design and implementation
Our research is changing policy and practice at the World Health Organization (WHO) and its regional offices by working with them to promote institutional transparency.
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The way out of in-work poverty
Research on in-work poverty has informed the employment policies at three important employers in the city of York.
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Going greener at work
What motivates employees to make environmentally-positive choices in the workplace? We found many different drivers, which interventions to encourage positive behaviour need to take carefully into account.
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Changing shifts: evaluating the impact of extending working hours
We worked with a large NHS mental health trust to study the impact of changing staff shift patterns. Our findings allowed us to make recommendations for implementing changes for the benefit the organisation and its staff.
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Sensors for clean water: Working with communities to develop water monitoring technology
Researchers are working with residents on the remote South Pacific islands of Vanuatu to co-develop technology which will warn them when water supplies are unsafe to drink.
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Tackling air pollution and climate change together
Researchers at the University of York are working with organisations and governments around the world to help them better understand air pollutants and reduce their emissions.
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The Oaks disaster: bringing organisational histories to life
The worst industrial disaster of the 19th century was all but forgotten as its 150th anniversary approached. Our research produced a film that raised awareness locally, nationally and internationally, helping to create a local memorial and the National Workplace Day of Remembrance.
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Moving audiences
Providing the finest quality sound to an audience is a challenge. Particularly if the audience doesn't stay in one place.
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Developing resilient strategies for conservation under climate change
Researchers at York have identified the impact of climate change on biodiversity, how species might be at risk of extinction, and they have developed approaches to enable species to adjust to a warmer world.
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Improving sustainable oil palm
Researchers are working to improve the sustainability policies for protecting rainforest in oil palm landscapes. This research is helping to conserve biodiversity and reduce carbon emissions across large parts of the tropics.
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Improving the effectiveness of conservation areas in Africa
Researchers are working to improve the ways biodiversity is protected in Africa. This will tackle the global biodiversity crisis, protecting natural areas for people and nature.
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Managers and management in the NHS
Researchers examined the relationship between the number of managers in the NHS and clinical performance. Their findings show that, contrary to common perceptions, we need more managers in the NHS to improve patient outcomes.
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My home is not my home: amplifying the voices of migrant domestic workers
Migrant domestic workers are one of the most vulnerable and invisible groups of workers in the UK. Our participatory video project and associated exhibitions have helped them to articulate their needs to politicians and public audiences.
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Measuring social return on investment for the North York Moors
We measured the health and wellbeing benefits of the North York Moors National Park using a Social Return on Investment (SROI) approach. We found that the park creates positive impacts worth £7 for every £1 of government investment.
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Investigating the driving forces behind low pay and the gender pay gap
Our research conducted with the Low Pay Commission has made a new contribution to the understanding of wage inequality in the UK.
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Seeking safety in autonomous systems
We’re assuring the safety of autonomous systems to give confidence that they will work safely in even the most challenging environments.
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Poppy research creates new cough suppressant supply chain
Researchers at York have led the development of a new commercial, high-yielding noscapine poppy variety that has transformed the supply chain for the key ingredient in many cough suppressants.
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New directions in political economy
The University of York is embedded in a city with a long history of institutions concerned with inequality, such as the work of the Rowntree family. Our researchers focus not just on the causes and forms of recent inequality, but also how it might be addressed by community wealth building.
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Inspiring students and teachers of English Language
Research by experts at York is engaging teachers and students with the latest developments in linguistics, helping to build confidence, enhance results and inspire ambitions.
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Learning to read your baby's mind is good for their development
Parents’ ‘mind-mindedness' – the ability to ‘tune in’ to their young child’s thoughts and feelings – predicts wide-ranging positive aspects of children’s development, particularly in children from disadvantaged backgrounds.
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Supporting the sustainable management of tropical ecosystems
We have produced innovative tools and data-based insights to improve the management of ecosystems, benefiting these areas and the people and wildlife who inhabit them.
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Patient choice in practice: improving communication in healthcare consultations
Our insights from conversation analysis have helped doctors, nurses and medical students support patients in making choices about their treatment in the NHS and across the world.
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Tackling malaria with fast-track plant breeding
Researchers are working to improve the availability of artemisinin - the main component of the recommended malaria treatment. This will help farmers in developing countries provide a local solution to this ongoing global problem.
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Protecting the world’s marine ecosystems
Our research into the recovery of marine life in a protected area on the west coast of Scotland is just the latest example of our important work at the forefront of worldwide marine conservation and protection.
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Protecting vegetation from ground level ozone
We are developing risk assessment methods to measure the impact of ground level ozone on ecosystems to inform European atmospheric emission reduction strategies.
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Identifying the link between language problems and mental health issues in children
Our researchers are looking at what we know about the impact of language problems on children’s mental health.
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Enhancing the capacity of community health workers to deliver women’s health rights during epidemics
Brazil's community health workers (CHWs) are at the forefront of day-to-day health service delivery to women and children affected by Zika.
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Binaural audio for virtual and augmented reality
Immersive virtual and augmented reality experiences rely on 3D sound through headphones that is as close to real life as possible. This project looks at research undertaken at the AudioLab in collaboration with Google, which has set the global benchmark in binaural surround sound for virtual reality.
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Improving uptake and quality of cardiac rehabilitation
Through large-scale studies, our researchers examined how cardiac rehabilitation services could be improved.
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Software for crystallography supporting new drug development
Crystallographic software developed at York has underpinned the design of many pharmaceutical products.
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The protection of human rights defenders at risk
Our world-leading research is working at the heart of policy and practice surrounding the protection of human rights defenders.
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Disability and fuel poverty
Our research enabled a more nuanced understanding of why some households are more vulnerable to fuel poverty and how policy can support them.
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Modelling materials with ab initio electronic structure software (CASTEP)
CASTEP is a computer code used to develop new materials in the chemical, pharmaceutical, semiconductor, automotive and aerospatial industries. Research at York is ensuring the code retains its leading edge for calculating the properties of materials from first principles.
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Exposing the impact of social inequality
Why are rich, developed countries still affected by a range of health and social problems?
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South African jazz cultures and the archive
The South African jazz scene is one of the most active in the world, but decades of political upheaval means that its history is largely undocumented - and even young South African musicians aren't aware of its influence. Our research has created a permanent archive to ensure this rich musical heritage can be appreciated by everyone.
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How productive is the NHS?
Research from York measures the productivity of the NHS and influences the size of the NHS budget.
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Solving the dual burden of tuberculosis and tobacco smoking in South Asia
Our researchers have developed a practical solution for controlling tuberculosis in three South Asian countries by incorporating tobacco smoking cessation interventions into tuberculosis control programmes.
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Fuel that costs the Earth: How much green tax should be put on a litre of petrol?
Experts disagree on how to account for the cost of climate change. By surveying different views, Professor Mark Freeman and a group of researchers have identified social discount rates that many can agree on.
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Transforming teacher selection practices in developed and developing countries
In response to a widespread teacher retention crisis, we are developing a suite of innovative, culturally sensitive, evidence-based teacher selection and development tools.
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Deciding which health and care treatments should be nationally funded
Research from York has developed methods to make sure the NHS gets value for money from the treatments it funds.
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Allocating resources in the NHS
Research from York underpins how the healthcare budget is shared out fairly across England, reflecting the health care needs of the population.
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Predicting Infectious Complications of Neutropenic sepsis in Children with Cancer
Our research has greatly improved quality of care for children being treated for cancer and the impact of our work is being felt around the world.
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Paying for performance in healthcare
The UK National Health Service adopted the Quality and Outcomes Framework in an effort to improve the quality of general practice, but has it been successful?
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Improving care and treatment for prisoners recovering from drug and alcohol addiction
Our research has revealed a cliff edge of support for prisoners on release into the community. We are recommending the development of new approaches that link effective work in prisons with more substantial support on release
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Conditions, Welfare and Responsibility
We are leading an international network of researchers focusing on welfare conditionality within social security systems across the world.
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Encryption prescription for medical data
We’re part of an international research study investigating the use of advanced encryption to keep our medical data secure.
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Gaming grammar: using digital games to teach foreign languages
Our computer scientists are helping primary school children learn foreign languages with the help of digital games developed with digital and education researchers from the Universities of York and Reading.
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Raising Sri Lankan teachers’ awareness and understanding of specific learning difficulties
Students with learning difficulties can be at a serious disadvantage if their condition is not recognised. In Sri Lanka teachers aren’t trained to spot the symptoms of their students’ learning difficulties but our researchers are helping to change this.
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Writing by Muslims in South Asia and Britain
Dr Claire Chambers is a leading voice in the field of Muslim literary studies.
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Influencing air pollution policy and the UK government's Clean Air Strategy 2019
York research into air pollutants has shaped government policy and helped to improve air quality in our cities.
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Dreams, nightmares and complex trauma
Our research aims to advance the therapeutic understanding of trauma-related sleep disturbances and develop a therapeutic application of Professor Tom Stoneham’s Cultural–Social model of dreams.
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Fair access for postgraduate study
Our researchers are making postgraduate study more accessible to those who face inequalities in broader society.
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Can your accent be a barrier to your employment prospects?
The standard accents of English in the UK and other countries are generally regarded very positively, associated with traits such as intelligence, competence, reliability and industriousness, while non-standard accents are often not thought of so favourably. Our research investigates the impact these different perceptions may have on UK applicants’ access to employment in the elite occupations, in particular in the legal profession.
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Reducing waiting times in hospitals
York research informed guidance issued to Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development countries on reducing hospital waiting times.
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Identifying the phonetic characteristics of spoken threats
Most of us would agree that we can recognise a spoken threat when we hear one, and believe that we can judge whether the speaker intended an otherwise innocuously-worded phrase like "I know where you live" to be interpreted as a threat. But from an objective linguistic point of view, what does it mean to say that someone is using a ‘threatening tone of voice’?
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Enhancing the quality of psychological interventions delivered by telephone
We are seeking to improve the way psychological therapies are delivered by telephone, in order to ensure that people experiencing common mental health problems of anxiety and depression receive the care, information and support that they need.
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Halogens, stratospheric ozone and the Montreal Protocol
York research has informed the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer - an influential international treaty designed to protect the ozone layer.
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Challenging perceptions of Dickens
Professor John Bowen's research has palpably changed the conventional view of Charles Dickens and his work.
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Can eating Marmite alter your brain chemistry?
Our researchers are investigating how the health and function of the brain can be influenced by what you eat.
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Balanced harvest: mathematical underpinnings of a sustainable fisheries policy
Mathematical models developed by our researchers have improved understanding of the dynamics of marine ecosystems on an international scale.
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Improving food safety and traceability with mathematical methods
Mathematical techniques developed by our researchers allow complex food mixtures to be analysed and interpreted, ensuring compliance with food safety regulations and protecting public health.
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Implementing human rights and global health standards for noma
Our research developed a novel human rights approach aimed at improving the prevention and treatment of noma while addressing rights violations and discrimination associated with the disease.
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Remembering the Reformation
Researchers in the Department of English and Related Literature investigated how the Reformation was remembered, forgotten, contested and re-invented.
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Public health research ethics
Our researchers are developing new ways for Public Health England to ensure that their information-gathering activities are properly scrutinised and approved.
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Making effective security decisions for dying prisoners
Research as part of a PhD project in the Department of Sociology is informing how prison staff respond to seriously and terminally ill prisoners by contributing to new guidance on the use of restraints when a prisoner is receiving treatment in hospital.
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Increasing value for money in healthcare
Research at York has had a direct impact on how health technologies, such as cancer drugs, are evaluated and made available in the UK and internationally.
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Sleep for a better education
Teenagers’ body clocks are often poorly aligned to the school day, meaning that their ability to learn and retain information is compromised. Researchers are working on ways of shifting sleep patterns of adolescents to enhance memory.
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Improving homeland security with wearable gamma-ray detectors
Our research has enabled the development of wearable gamma-ray detectors for homeland security applications.
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Stained Glass Apocalypse: The conservation of the Great East Window, York Minster
Research by art historians at York has underpinned, shaped and enabled the conservation interpretation of the Great East Window of York Minster.
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Informing the way Parliament understands and presents its own history
We are influencing the debate on restoration and renewal of the Palace of Westminster, while enriching Parliamentary and public understanding of the origins of the House of Commons.
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Changing policy and public engagement for England’s largest heritage sector
Our research has changed national and institutional policy for heritage management and enhanced public engagement with English cathedrals and other sacred sites.
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Enriching understandings of immigration
The England's Immigrants project has made archival material of England's medieval migrants freely available through a new online database.
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Preserving and presenting Mesolithic heritage
Star Carr is internationally renowned in the archaeological world but was relatively unknown in the public sphere. Research at York enhanced the preservation and raised the status of this important site, securing its position on Historic England's Schedule of Monuments.
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Studying crustacean digestion to find greener biofuels
Our research into the digestive system of the gribble - a curious crustacean and the only animal known to have a sterile digestive system - may hold the key to sustainably converting wood into biofuel.
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Developing a genetic test to fight against ash dieback
Researchers at York led a pioneering study which opens up a new front in the battle against a disease affecting ash trees across Europe.
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Quantum communications and UK government policy
Researchers at York are influencing policy and funding decisions in quantum technologies and cybersecurity, at national and European levels.
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De Stijl and the Netherlands’ Cultural Canon
The Gemeentemuseum Den Haag is one of the best known museums of modern art in the world and our research has been instrumental to the characterisation of their De Stijl display.
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Security and protection of human rights defenders at risk
Through protection initiatives and efforts to enhance civic and political space, research by the Centre for Applied Human Rights (CAHR) is shaping the way states, civil society actors, donors and human rights defenders understand and respond to risks to human rights movements.