ANNUAL
REVIEW
2025

Welcome to our
2025 University Annual Review

professor charlie jeffery,
vice-chancellor and president

I have been inspired by the immense effort of everyone across the University to meet the many challenges facing the sector over the last year. Once again, despite those challenges, we have delivered a remarkable year of progress and there is so much to celebrate.

This Annual Review highlights our commitment to quality and a shared purpose of public good. It showcases our award-winning researchers answering some of the world's most acute challenges, our new ambitious initiatives to expand our global presence, and our innovative teaching and educational successes.

Every achievement demonstrates the dedication of our staff, students and alumni, and our connection with our city and region. Being named Community University of the Year is testament to that collective commitment. Together, we are making a difference that will bring benefits now and for generations to come. 

I hope that you will be inspired, as I am, by our community’s impact.

Thank you - your energy, creativity and dedication ensures we continue to be a university for public good.

UK top 12 and world top 170

The Complete University Guide and QS World University Rankings 2026

Award-winning researchers

York experts recognised for challenging the world's most pressing issues

Our NEW
India campus

University of York Mumbai set for 2026, further extending our reach

Becoming THE University of Opportunity

Our ambitious lifetime commitment to remove barriers so that no one is left behind

GLOBAL TOP 40 FOR SUSTAINABILITY

World's top 2% (39th in QS World University Rankings: Sustainability 2026), with pioneering campus geothermal initiative positioning us as a leader in sustainable energy innovation

Voted Community University of the Year

Prestigious award highlights our significant contribution to the local community and beyond

UK top 12 and world top 170

The Complete University Guide and QS World University Rankings 2026

Award-winning researchers

York experts recognised for challenging the world's most pressing issues

Our NEW
India campus

University of York Mumbai set for 2026, further extending our reach

Becoming THE University of Opportunity

Our ambitious lifetime commitment to remove barriers so that no one is left behind

GLOBAL TOP 40 FOR SUSTAINABILITY

World's top 2% (39th in QS World University Rankings: Sustainability 2026), with pioneering campus geothermal initiative positioning us as a leader in sustainable energy innovation

Voted Community University of the Year

Prestigious award highlights our significant contribution to the local community and beyond

RESEARCH

A record year as award-winning research highlights our local and global impact

Round-up

inspirational research

  • Food system: Research maps out 27 practical actions for a healthier, fairer and more sustainable UK food system. The recommendations by the FixOurFood team were published in a landmark special issue of the Royal Society’s journal.
  • Regional growth: New Mayoral funding will accelerate regional growth through key projects like BioYorkshire, Convergent Technologies in the creative sector, and community initiatives such as Walmgate Reframed.
  • Austen and Turner: University researchers marked 250 years of Jane Austen and JMW Turner with a major new exhibition celebrating their legacy and imagining a country house encounter at Harewood House.
  • Defossilisation: The Green Chemistry Centre of Excellence partnered with global chemicals company Synthomer to pioneer a new generation of sustainable, bio-based polymers.
  • Creative hub: The University launched the state-of-the-art CoSTAR Live Lab near Wakefield, a new research and development facility for the creative industries, funded by UKRI. 

The University launched the state-of-the-art CoSTAR Live Lab

The University launched the state-of-the-art CoSTAR Live Lab

“One of the most important things about York is its vibrant, interdisciplinary and inclusive research culture”
Professor Sarah Thompson, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research
  • Digital impact: A new study will inform government policy on the complex impact of smartphones and social media on young people's wellbeing and behaviour.
  • Boost for boozers: Researchers proposed a creative, collaborative and sustainable approach to pub crawls that could help safeguard the future of the traditional British pub. 
  • Blood cancer: New research aims to transform the treatments and improve outcomes for patients with aggressive forms of blood cancer.
  • Nature therapy: A study found that nature-based activities like gardening are an effective therapy for anxiety and depression, showing improvements similar to short-term CBT.
  • Economic impact: YorkTalks this year focused on ‘Doing Things Differently’. The final session of the day saw Andy Kerr, Director of Economy for the York & North Yorkshire Combined Authority, join to discuss unlocking the potential of the University’s research as a driving force for innovation and economic growth in the future.

RESEARCH WINS

Below, we showcase a selection of major research wins and grants received across our three faculties

Sciences

A mountain
of insights

The AFRI-CAN project, led by Professor Rob Marchant.

A €10m (£8.8m) grant has been provided for the project, which will investigate how East African mountain ecosystems and the communities who depend on them can survive and thrive in the face of climate change.

Arts and Humanities

Social and cultural evolution

The FORAGER project, led by Professor Oliver Craig.

A €10m (£8.8m) grant will help explore how hunter-gatherer communities across the Northern Hemisphere achieved major population growth, social complexity and resilience long before the advent of agriculture.

Social Sciences

Transforming health and wellbeing

BiBBS Achieve (Born in Bradford’s Better Start).

York academics collaborating on a £4.5m Wellcome Trust award. This ambitious eight-year study will investigate health and wellbeing inequalities among 8,000 children and families in Bradford, building an evidence base to transform national policy and practice.

Sciences

Fusion of
skills

Fusion Energy Training and Research, led by the York Plasma Institute (YPI).

A £3m share of £7.8m joint investment funding is provided through the UKAEA’s FOSTER Programme. This investment will develop the next generation of specialists via new master’s provision and research, crucial for delivering low-carbon fusion energy.


Sciences

Public health intelligence

PHIRST REACH, led by Professor Maria Bryant.

A £2.52m grant supports this collaborative evaluation and analytics team, which is designed to deliver high-quality, timely, and place-based evidence to inform public health policies and services.

Arts and Humanities

Uncovering ancient connections

The ZAMBEZI project, led by Professor Stephanie Wynne-Jones.

A £2.4m grant provided for this to project will explore the ancient social and material connections of the Zambezian region during the South Central African Iron Age.

Social Sciences

Policy path to resilience

REAL SUPPLY Research Unit (Phase 2), led by Dr Nils Gutacker.

A £2.34m grant has been provided for the project, which will continue high-impact research to inform policy and improve the efficiency of healthcare delivery.

Social Sciences

Supporting literacy skills

The Centre for the Advancement of Literacy: Research-led Outcomes and Nation-wide Change (CAL:ON Cymru).

Dr Cameron Downing is contributing to York’s £1.69m share of the Welsh Government–funded £8.2m programme.

Arts and Humanities

Contesting histories

Nubian Chronicles: Amplifying Marginalised Voices, led by Professor Ahmed El Antably and Professor Abdelmonham.

A £1.16m grant has been provided for the project, which will use digital heritage to reconstruct and amplify the contested history of the submerged cultural heritage of Lower Nubia.

“The quality, creativity and impact of our research are consistently inspiring. I am hugely appreciative of the dedication, effort, and professionalism shown by everyone involved in making our impressive research endeavour a reality.”
Professor Sarah Thompson, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research

EDUCATION

Improvements in rankings and student satisfaction highlight our innovative and dynamic teaching

“Overall, our institutional NSS response rate was the highest completion we have seen at York in the last ten years. This feedback is so important.”
Professor Tracy Lightfoot, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Teaching, Learning and Students
  • Clinic impact: 175 undergraduate and postgraduate students participated in 29 projects with 17 partner organisations in the University Sustainability Clinic.
  • Architecture launched: The new School of Architecture welcomed its first cohort in September 2025, with a focus on challenging current practices and prioritising sustainability.
  • Global learning: Our range of free Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) expanded again, with more than 40 courses now available, seven years after their initial launch.
  • New hub: Heslington Hall was adapted to serve as the new Faculty of Arts and Humanities hub, supporting interdisciplinary research, teaching, and events, and housing the Humanities Research Centre.
“I'd like to thank you once again for your creative and unwavering work to inspire and support our students - a truly collaborative effort across so many.”
Professor Tracy Lightfoot, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Teaching, Learning and Students

PARTNERSHIPS

Key initiatives represent significant opportunities for growth and expansion

  • Mumbai bound: A new campus in Mumbai, India, was announced, with the first students welcomed in 2026. Professor Vice-Chancellor Charlie Jeffery also accompanied the UK Prime Minister and leaders from across education, business and culture on a trade mission to India.
  • Europe hub: The University of York Europe Campus in Greece has been officially established. Known as CITY U.L.E., this expands our long-standing partnership with CITY College in Thessaloniki. The campus is set to become the highest-ranked international university operating in Greece, based on the Times Higher Education university rankings. 
  • Robotics collaboration: The York–Maastricht Partnership (YMP) hosted the first YMP-WUN Robotics Doctoral Summer School, with 18 students from six universities.
  • Key connections: Enterprise Works established the Founder Advisory Board. It will connect our alumni and business leaders with high-growth companies. 
  • Entrepreneurship opportunity: Our New Era for Female Entrepreneurship research united local business organisations. The project focused on strengthening opportunities for female entrepreneurs and enhancing their representation.
  • Sanctuary status: The University was re-accredited as a University of Sanctuary by the charity City of Sanctuary, supporting our ambition to be a University of Opportunity. 
  • Real pride: In a major city-wide initiative, we launched the Pride of Place Board. Chaired by Professor Kiran Trehan, this partnership unites employers and community groups to tackle deep-rooted social inequalities.
  • Progress on poverty: The Vice-Chancellor joined policymakers, academics, and other leaders at the National Opportunity Summit to outline essential solutions for addressing UK child poverty.


Professor Charlie Jeffery, Vice-Chancellor and President, accompanied the UK Prime Minister and leaders from across education, business and culture on a trade mission to India

Professor Charlie Jeffery, Vice-Chancellor and President, accompanied the UK Prime Minister and leaders from across education, business and culture on a trade mission to India

“This campus will tap into the vast potential of the Indian higher education market, which is projected to grow by 60% in the next decade”
Professor Charlie Jeffery, Vice-Chancellor and President
“Our partnerships across business, community and civic sectors continue to flourish. Such entrepreneurial vision drives transformative impact — unlocking unprecedented opportunities for students while empowering the region's economic and social prosperity.”
Professor Kiran Trehan, Pro-Vice Chancellor for Enterprise, Partnerships and Engagement

OUR STUDENTS

The depth and breadth of students’ talent continues to be a catalyst for some remarkable achievements

  • Volunteering impact: Over 770 students volunteered, contributing more than 6,900 hours to student union-led volunteering projects. This included our longest running volunteering project, the Tea and Coffee Club. £158,187 was raised for 63 charities.
  • Revolutionary invention: A York student, Maisy Whitehead, developed a bio-polymer. It is said to have the durability and versatility of conventional plastic while being entirely sustainable and biodegradable.
  • Air of success: University Radio York (URY) won awards in 11 categories at the national Student Radio Awards, including Best Technical Achievement.
  • Film stars: Student filmmakers received the Best Factual (long form) Award for HUNT at the prestigious Royal Television Society Student awards. The film also won Best Student Film at the International Motor Film Awards 2025. 
  • Intern winners: Maisie Clegg won Intern of the Year for her work with York Neighbours. Charlotte Vallis won Campus Intern of the Year for research on the Rowntree family's political influence.

Students at the Inclusive Impact Awards receive the Lighthouse Award for the All Should Eat volunteering project

Students at the Inclusive Impact Awards receive the Lighthouse Award for the All Should Eat volunteering project

“We are delighted by the numbers of students that continue to give their time to support the wider community.”
Professor Matt Matravers, Chair of the University’s Community Volunteering Committee
  • Having a ball: The largest ever Summer Ball was held, with 4,118 ticket sales. 
  • Good sports: At Roses, 1,127 students competed across 147 fixtures. A new community initiative, the Run to Roses 60km Challenge, was launched. This encouraged students, alumni and the local community to run, walk or move 60km across the 10 weeks leading up to Roses Weekend. To ensure Roses 2025 was more sustainable, single-use plastics were banned from the Fan Zone. No vendor sold beef, in line with the commitment to the Sustainable SU Charter. 
  • Getting your vote: At the 2025 Elections, 4,297 students participated, casting a total of 16,539 unique votes. Lewis Parrey was re-elected Union Affairs Officer. 
  • Creating a buzz: £3,567 was provided in Sustainable Development Grants. These helped student groups like Creatures on Campus - to buy trail cams - and the new Beekeeping Society - to purchase hives.
  • Must be love: Love York Awards winners included Eros Dalla Sega for the Liberation in Leadership award.

COMMUNITY

Our commitment to shared purpose inspires us in all we do

  • Global crises support: Discover how we rally together to help those most in need.
  • Community honour: We were named Community University of the Year in recognition of our Festival of Ideas. The award, from The Mail University Guide 2026, highlights our significant contribution to the local community and beyond. Over 54,000 people attended 263 in-person and online events in the 2025 York Festival of Ideas. Author and festival speaker Robert Garland said: "Nothing is more important in terms of maintaining a civil society than to engage with those who are curious in the way that you do."
  • Learning breakthroughs: We partnered with the University of Hull and the charity IntoUniversity to launch new learning centres in Grimsby and Bridlington. The centres provide academic support, mentoring and activities to help thousands of local young people who face barriers to higher education. 
  • Research inclusion: A pioneering initiative was launched to build inclusive research cultures. Valuing Voices for Equitable and Responsible Research was developed with Mahidol University in Thailand and funded by charitable foundation Wellcome.
  • Big effort: Staff and students supported The Big Community Challenge, helping to transform York’s outdoor spaces.
  • High impact: This year's Inclusive Impact Awards captured the many different ways we have helped to create a community without limits.
  • Staff recognised: The vital contribution of our technical staff was recognised on the national stage. Four York technicians were shortlisted for the acclaimed Papin Prize.
  • Award-winners: We celebrated the achievements of staff and student teams at the 2025 Green Impact Awards. Forty awards were presented to 28 teams, including two Bronze, four Silver, four Gold, and 14 Platinum awards.

Students supporting the York Pride Parade

Students supporting the York Pride Parade

“I have been particularly proud to see both our staff and student communities rallying together. It is a powerful reminder that the University of York truly lives its values.”
Professor Charlie Jeffery, Vice-Chancellor and President

SUSTAINABILITY

  • Global top 40: We ranked among the world's top 2% for sustainability. In the QS World University Rankings: Sustainability 2026, York was 39th out of more than 1,900 universities.
  • Sustainable vision: Sustainability Week saw 25 free events organised for staff, students and alumni to raise awareness about environmental and social issues
  • Green impact: The latest York Sustainability Plan was published, highlighting achievements from the academic year, including:
  • Initiated the £35m Deep Geothermal and low-carbon infrastructure project.
  • Increased solar power installation by 275%, reaching a total maximum production of 700 kWp (enough to power approximately 200 domestic houses).
  • Launched a Code of Practice for Sustainable Research.
  • Started the Responsible Futures Programme, which embeds sustainability principles into the curriculum.
  • Launched an energy-saving campaign, achieving savings of up to 10% of electricity and 15% of gas in trial buildings.
  • Completed a full revamp of the UoY Sustainability webpages.
  • Supported over 30 local schools through attendance at our climate action plan workshop.

EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY

  • Taking pride: Hundreds of students and staff supported York Pride, which included joining the York Pride Parade. 
  • Pay gap progress: Our Gender and Ethnicity Pay Gap Report highlights that females now make up 36% of the professoriate at York, an increase of three percentage points.

ALUMNI AND COMMUNITY SUPPORT

  • Global growth: Our alumni community grew to 183,430 globally.
  • New engagement: Following its launch in January, 4,000 alumni from over 80 countries have accessed the new York for Life platform.
  • Expert help: Our Alumni Advisory Board has completed its second year, providing expert insight to help shape engagement opportunities for our global community.
  • Cancer partnership: A first-time gift of more than £300,000 from Breast Cancer Now was provided for a project developing a robotic assistant for breast screening. Developed by Physics and the Institute for Safe Autonomy with York Hospital, the research is also supported by in-memory donations honouring Jane Hudson.
  • Special day: 789 donors gave to Giving Day, supporting four key causes. £270,606 was raised from alumni, students, staff and friends.
  • Good sports: During our third York Challenge Week, over 1,690 donors raised £53,892 to support 17 sports clubs.
  • Opportunity impact: Our mission as a University of Opportunity continues to be the most popular fund for support. On Giving Day alone, it raised £170,000. 1,133 donors are currently giving to the Opportunity Fund on a monthly, quarterly or annual basis.
  • The extra mile: Great York Walk participants raised £9,083 for Mentally Fit York. 
  • Board support: Chaired by our former Chancellor, Greg Dyke, our University of Opportunity Development Board launched.

ALUMNI WINNERS

“There is a strong sense of the University community dealing with our challenges and generating very significant new opportunities. It is a source of considerable optimism that this continues to be the response of the staff.”
Professor Ken Badcock, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Provost

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