ANNUAL
REVIEW
2022
“Thank you… we can be proud of what we, what you, have achieved.”
“Thank you… we can be proud of what we, what you, have achieved.”
Professor Charlie Jeffery, Vice-Chancellor and President
RESEARCH
Our bold, ambitious research continues to push the boundaries on major global issues, including climate change and sustainability.
Research round-up
- Perfect 10: We entered the top 10 for research quality in the Research Excellence Framework 2021.
- Research milestone: £80m was raised in research grants, our largest ever total.
- New ground: More than 900 research and related applications were written and supported.
- Sustainability progress: Research sustainability contributed to York becoming the eighth most sustainable university in the UK and 36th in the world in the QS Sustainability Rankings 2023.
Photo caption: The BioYorkshire project
Quote: Professor Charlie Jeffery, Vice-Chancellor and President
“Last year saw our best ever research grants performance”
“Last year saw our best ever research grants performance”
Projects and facilities
- Groundbreaking work: We launched the Institute of Mental Health Research, a hub for staff, students, alumni, donors and affiliates, who have ‘mental health’ as common ground in their work.
- Fusion energy: The York Plasma Institute is providing key scientific input to the design of the UK’s first demonstration fusion energy plant, called STEP. The site has now been selected at West Burton, just 50 miles south of York. Fusion has the potential to provide a near limitless source of zero carbon energy.
- Flag-bearer: BioYorkshire, a 10-year plan to transform Yorkshire into a UK hub for green innovation and enterprise, has been adopted by all the local authorities across North Yorkshire as their flagship economic development in the regional devolution deal they have agreed with Government. Science Minister George Freeman visited the initiative earlier in the year.
- In safe hands: The £45m Institute for Safe Autonomy officially opened and has already been awarded £1.5m to fund a solar farm.
- XR-factor: The Creative Media Lab opened at the Guildhall, providing XR Stories and its sister project, the Screen Industries Growth Network (SIGN), with a presence in the city centre.
Environment and sustainability project work
Environment and sustainability project work
Professor Lina Gega, Director of the new Institute of Mental Health Research
Professor Lina Gega, Director of the new Institute of Mental Health Research
...AND RESEARCH WINS
Some of the major research funding wins across our three faculties included:
Sciences
- Professor Damian Murphy was awarded £2.6m to build collaborative technology-led projects through academic and industry research partnerships for the next five years.
- Dr Meghan Halse was awarded £1.54m for the Hyperpolarised Portable NMR For Targeted Analytical Solutions Beyond The Laboratory project. The aim is to design and build portable instrumentation involved in obtaining structural information about molecules.
- Professor Neil Hunt was awarded £1m to build a two-dimensional infrared (2D-IR) screening tool, which will enable proteins or DNA to be cleanly measured. This could pave the way to 2D-IR use in drug design and biomedical analysis.
Social Sciences
- Professor Paul Gready was awarded £823,000, for Can the Arts Save Human Rights? Human Rights Truth-Claims in a Post-Truth Era. The project considers whether existing visual artistic practices highlight a downgrading of facts in human rights work.
- The Centre for Reviews and Dissemination (CRD) was awarded £6.42m to deliver 'Health Technology Assessment Reviews'. This research, which is a collaboration between CRD and the Centre for Health Economics, helps ensure national healthcare guidance is underpinned by rigorous and independent assessments of clinical effectiveness and value for money.
- The ESRC Vulnerability and Policing Futures Research Centre was awarded £10m to address the role of police and assisting vulnerable people in society. Key outcomes include understanding how best can the police and other services be harnessed to prevent and reduce vulnerabilities?
Arts and Humanities
- Professor Marcus Milwright was awarded £898,492 to research the changing craft practices throughout the history of Islamic Art.
- Dr Catherine Laing was awarded £1.27m for Identifying The Role Of Sensorimotor Feedback As A Mechanism For Language Learning In The First Three Years Of Life. The project includes advancing knowledge on vocal development to understand how this may serve as a ‘missing link’ between the language a child hears in the home and their vocabulary by school-age.
- Professor Emma Waterton was awarded £3.66m for the Heritage for Global Challenges Research Centre, which will examine how the systems, structures and institutions of power currently shape heritage.
EDUCATION
Our staff have continued to excel, while providing outstanding student support and invaluable input on a range of initiatives
Awards and rankings
- First rate: First in the Russell Group for academic support in the National Student Survey for the sixth year running (ranking seventh in the Russell Group overall), while moving up two places in the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023 league table to 17th.
- Accessibility success: Work to promote digital accessibility awareness and good practices was acknowledged with a national Collaborative Award for Teaching Excellence.
- Good times: York won International Collaboration of the Year and was shortlisted for Outstanding Support for Students and Outstanding Technician of the Year, in the Times Higher Education Awards 2022.
- Support success: The York Graduate Research School won the FindAPhd Outstanding Contribution to Postgraduate Student Wellbeing award for its PGR support and wellbeing activities.
Initiatives
- New schools: As part of the ‘programme for change’, three new Schools were launched in 2022: the School for Business and Society; School of Arts and Creative Technologies; and the School of Physics, Engineering and Technology.
- Postgraduate support: A region-wide consortium, led by York, has been awarded £3.6m to improve opportunities for under-represented postgraduate students by tackling ethnic inequalities in access to postgraduate research.
- Teaching changes: A key teaching project related to inclusive learning is diversifying and decolonising the curriculum. This project aims to promote ethical and empowering education for students.
- Grand designs: We are working collaboratively with students, York teachers, parents and community members to co-design the Westfield Learning Centre in the city. Fundraising began in July 2022, with the centre due to open in September 2023.
Photo caption: Students from the School for Business and Society
Quote: Professor Charlie Jeffery, Vice-Chancellor and President
“If you look at our REF performance, at our NSS results and much else, we are working at a level as good as or better than many bigger, financially stronger universities.”
“If you look at our REF performance, at our NSS results and much else, we are working at a level as good as or better than many bigger, financially stronger universities.”
School of Arts and Creative Technology students
School of Arts and Creative Technology students
School of Physics, Engineering and Technology students
School of Physics, Engineering and Technology students
Facilities
- New colleges: The Anne Lister College officially opened in January. The launch included a special event featuring TV writer Sally Wainwright. The David Kato College received its first intake of students in September.
- Centre of excellence: Architects ADP and O’Donnell + Tuomey were chosen to design the new Student Centre. The winning bid was selected by a panel including representatives from YUSU (York Students’ Union) and GSA (Graduate Student Association). Construction is due to start in 2023.
Community education
- On course: Our range of free massive open online courses continues to grow, with 25 now available, while the Centre for LifeLong Learning courses returned to in-person teaching. Additional online degree courses were launched, offering students greater flexibility as to how they study.
“Thank you for your part in creating a vibrant, inspirational, supportive and diverse community”
“Thank you for your part in creating a vibrant, inspirational, supportive and diverse community”
Ms Denise Jagger, Chair of Council
PARTNERSHIPS
Our partnerships and initiatives in the city, region and around the world, are creating new, exciting opportunities.
- Engineering change: The Building Industrial Engagement and Income Programme was launched, which aims to transform how the University will work with industry over the next 10 years.
- Seven up: We were ranked seventh globally in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2022 for our collaboration with international partners and ability to influence government policy and strategy around sustainable development.
- Doing the business: Enterprise Works - our entrepreneurial hub - was created in the city’s Guildhall. Business support services include Barclays Eagle Labs, which provides advice to entrepreneurs and businesses in the city. The Guildhall also won Commercial Building of the Year at the Yorkshire Post Excellence in Business Awards.
- Driving innovation: York joined the Northern Accelerator. The partnership, which consists of six Northern universities, supports academics to turn their world-leading research into highly investible, innovative businesses.
- First anniversary: The first full academic year was completed at CITY College University of York Europe Campus in Thessaloniki, Greece. Senior leaders from CITY College also visited campus and met with York colleagues.
- Course first: 40 students enrolled on our first co-taught, co-designed course (an MSc in Sustainable Business) with Maastricht University.
- Ukraine support: We signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Karazin Kharkiv National University in Ukraine. This will lead to staff fellowships and access to teaching materials, among other benefits.
- Language boost: In partnership with Surabaya State University in Indonesia, the National Centre for English Language Teaching Materials Development was established. York will provide support with the teaching of English and accessible, high-quality teaching materials that can be used by staff and students.
Photo caption: Vitalina Shevchenko, a student rector at Karazin Kharkiv National University, was awarded Master of the University at one of our graduation ceremonies
Quote: Professor Saul Tendler, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Provost
“We are offering both support and partnership to Karazin Kharkiv National University in the face of the destructive Russian invasion.”
“We are offering both support and partnership to Karazin Kharkiv National University in the face of the destructive Russian invasion.”
“I want everyone to feel like they've got the opportunity to thrive in our University”
“I want everyone to feel like they've got the opportunity to thrive in our University”
Introducing our new Chancellor, Dr Heather Melville
COMMUNITY
Our community continues to motivate us to achieve more and make a lasting difference.
Support
- Cost of living: A package of measures were provided for students, including a Household Energy Grant of £150 for all-student households living off campus; rent bursaries; subsidised food; as well as a support package for PGR students. A one-off cost of living payment was made to staff, while the Real Living Wage increase was implemented early.
- Results are in: A University Action Plan has been developed following this year’s Employee Engagement and Experience survey.
- Charity’s new home: Vice-Chancellor Professor Charlie Jeffery joined members of the homeless volunteer group, HOPING Street Kitchen, to mark one year since the charity relocated to the University’s King’s Manor grounds in the city centre.
- Access all areas: Over 230 students were supported through the Activities Access Grants, an increase of 172 compared to 2019. £11,223 was distributed to help students participate in YUSU societies, sports and volunteering projects.
Photo caption: Our community supporting the York Pride parade
Quote: Professor Charlie Jeffery, Vice-Chancellor and President
“Our ambition is that our expertise and its impact helps create the conditions needed for all parts of our society to flourish.”
“Our ambition is that our expertise and its impact helps create the conditions needed for all parts of our society to flourish.”
Projects and events
- Street project: The University and city partners established StreetLife, a city centre community project offering free workshops and immersive experiences.
- Big ideas: Almost 40,000 people attended 195 Festival of Ideas in-person and online events, with 220,000 website views across 153 countries.
- Good to talk: YorkTalks was again hosted online, with a series of 15-minute talks, with topics including Robotic Colonisation of the Universe.
- Run-away success: More than 70 staff, students and alumni took part in the Yorkshire Marathon to raise money for Mentally Fit York.
- On the ball: Our Campus played host to the Women’s French and Australian teams taking part in the Rugby League World Cup.
Awards and achievements
- Award-winners: Our staff have continued to have an incredible impact across departments and schools.
Sustainability
- Green innovation: The Environmental Sustainability Academy at York launched a Sustainability Clinic for undergraduate students and York Living Labs.
- One vision: One Planet Week 2022 was about Equity and the Local Economy, with events on local food, the climate crisis, practical actions and sustainable businesses.
- Stirring success: The YORCUP initiative passed the million mark for the number of single-use plastic cups that were stopped from going into landfill in just three years.
- Food for thought: The Fix Our Food community project aims to change the Yorkshire food system and inform change across the UK and beyond.
Supporters
- New milestones: During 2021/22 York Unlimited reached £100m funds raised and 100,000 hours volunteered. Our alumni community expanded to surpass 150,000 in over 180 countries.
- Scholars: The Equal Access Scholarship programme is providing funding support for 11 scholars affected by the war in Ukraine. There were 25 recipients of the Laidlaw Undergraduate Leadership and Research Scholarship.
- Giving thanks: 864 donors helped raise £239,680 in just 36 hours during the York Unlimited Giving Day. Donations will help students and support mental health causes.
- Walking tall: 121 walkers took part in The Great York Walk, raising £22,000 for Mentally Fit York.
- Bright future: York for Life, the future of alumni engagement at York, was researched and developed with 1,600 former students. It is due to launch next year.
Professor Helen Smith at StreetLife
Professor Helen Smith at StreetLife
Natalie Walter, Michael Morpurgo and Clare O’Connell presented Carnival of the Animals at Festival of Ideas
Natalie Walter, Michael Morpurgo and Clare O’Connell presented Carnival of the Animals at Festival of Ideas
Mamoon, one of our Equal Access Scholars
Mamoon, one of our Equal Access Scholars
The Great York Walk
The Great York Walk
Equality and diversity
- EDI firsts: The EDI Exchange - one of the University’s transformation initiatives - was launched at our first Inclusive Impact Awards.
- Pride celebrations: Our community was out in force to celebrate York Pride, which included raising the Progress Pride Flag on Greg’s Place and supporting the York Pride parade.
- Career boost: The White Rose Equity in Leadership project was launched to enhance the career development of staff members from Black, Asian and other Minority Ethnic groups.
Announcements
- New era: Dr Heather Melville OBE became the University’s seventh Chancellor following the end of previous Chancellor Sir Malcolm Grant’s five-year tenure.
- Big welcome: Three new board members were appointed to the University Executive Board: Professor Karen Rowlingson, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences; Professor Andy Dougill, Dean of the Faculty of the Sciences; and Harvey Dowdy, Director of Technology, Estates and Facilities (DTEF).
- Farewell: Professor Saul Tendler will be retiring in August 2023. Professor Tendler has been Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Provost since September 2018.
OUR STUDENTS
Our inspirational students continue to excel while helping our community to thrive.
- Outstanding recognition: Winners of the Love York Awards and YUSU Excellence Awards were praised for making a huge difference to student life, including wellbeing and volunteering.
- Student experts: The Student Expert Panel held Middle Ground. Staff and students from diverse backgrounds tackled issues relating to race, class and intersectionality.
- Roger that: In the YUSU Elections, 47 candidates took part, 34,897 votes were cast, and £3,306 was raised for charity. Pierrick Roger was voted President. In the GSA Leadership Elections, Viviane Yuxin Cao was re-elected President.
- High note: Both student unions again hosted large-scale events at the heart of campus including YUSU’s Freshers’ Festival - with headliner Harlee - and the GSA Welcome Festival. New students were invited to a free comedy night, headlined by Marcus Brigstocke.
- Good sports: Over 1,000 York students travelled to Lancashire to support our sports teams in the annual Roses tournament. York were sadly defeated, but are still out in front overall with 28 wins to 27.
- Walk this way: Students from across the University organised and hosted Regal Beings, York’s first ever multicultural fashion show. The event used fashion, food and educational displays to celebrate students from a host of different cultures.
Photo caption: Members of the Student Expert Panel
Quote: Professor Charlie Jeffery, Vice-Chancellor and President
“Our students' energy and potential here at the University and beyond inspires us all.”
“Our students' energy and potential here at the University and beyond inspires us all.”
York lost in this year's Roses - but stay ahead in overall total wins
York lost in this year's Roses - but stay ahead in overall total wins
Freshers' Festival on Campus West
Freshers' Festival on Campus West
The Love York Awards
The Love York Awards
Pierrick Roger receives the news he'll be the next YUSU President
Pierrick Roger receives the news he'll be the next YUSU President
- Standing with Ukraine: Students at the University of York fundraised and gathered essential aid items, such as toiletries, clothing and food, to support Ukrainian refugees. The appeal called for donations to the Red Cross and the UN Refugee Agency. Students also held a campus vigil.
- Innovator: Hull York Medical School student Ayush Balaji won the Moonshot Award for Innovative Thinking for his ‘Cardio-Couple’ device.
- Role models: Two students were shortlisted for Yorkshire Asian Young Achiever Awards. Ekansh Kapoor has run a number of student-focused campaigns and Benji Chandra was nominated for helping homeless people.
- Club together: £81,800 was raised by our student fundraisers through YUSU’s RAG, clubs, societies, volunteering projects, and colleges at York. Those that benefited included 48 local, national and international charities and causes.
- Volunteering: Students who made outstanding contributions in the local area were recognised at the Student Volunteering Awards. Projects included our Tea and Coffee Club, which brings together students and older people living in the community. Sessions involved board games, quizzes and bingo, where prizes were handed out to the winners. All Should Eat, which is the organisation of food collections on campus for local food banks, raised over £700 in student donations. In total, 1,134 volunteers were involved in 23 projects during the 2021/2022 academic year.
TOP 10
for research quality
in the UK
(Times Higher Education ranking of the
Research Excellence Framework 2021)
1st
in the Russell Group for
academic support in the
National Student Survey
£80m
research income –
highest ever recorded
40,000
people attended the
Festival of Ideas
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