Skip to content Accessibility statement
Home>Department of Archaeology>Research>Centres

The Department of Archaeology hosts several international research centres. We bring together colleagues from the arts and humanities, sciences and the social sciences, producing collaborative, interdisciplinary research.

At York, we have a globally-renowned reputation and a diverse research output. Each of our centres promotes our ambitions to produce impactful research covering the breadth of archaeological and heritage study.

Our research tackles challenging issues from the origins of human behaviour to contemporary heritage management. 

Our research centres

Our centres cover a range of disciplines: bioarchaeology and biomolecular research; pioneering techniques in digital heritage; the conservation of historic buildings; material and artefacts analysis; and how we can use our shared heritage to build a sustainable future. 

BioArCh

BioArCh has a unique concentration of expertise in bioarchaeology, with internationally-recognised strengths in the analysis of human, animal and plant remains and molecular techniques - proteins, lipids, DNA and stable isotopes.

Centre for Digital Heritage

The Centre for Digital Heritage is a collaborative research centre drawing staff from across all three faculties, as well as global partners, encouraging creative approaches to the development and use of digital technologies to study the past.

Centre for Artefacts and Materials Analysis

The Centre for Artefacts and Materials Analysis brings together staff whose expertise focuses on artefacts and materials. We employ cutting-edge scientific methods and theoretical frameworks to organic and inorganic objects from all archaeological periods.

Heritage for Global Challenges Research Centre

The Heritage for Global Challenges Research Centre brings attention to how heritage is made, governed and understood. It is funded by the Leverhulme Trust.

Centre for Conservation Studies

The Centre for Conservation Studies leads research, education and training in the conservation of cultural heritage for students and professionals around the world.

York Africa Research Network

The York Africa Research Network connects scholars working on African topics across the University. It focuses on a range of research interests including environment and sustainability, health and wellbeing, and history and culture.

Archaeology Data Service

The Archaeology Data Service (ADS) is an accredited digital repository for heritage data. Its research into digital preservation and access has put the UK at the forefront of archiving developments throughout the world.

Explore research partnerships and collaborate with the ADS. Beyond the data repository it offers Internet Archaeology, an open access digital journal for archaeology, and news items and blogs discussing current research activities.

Visit the ADS

Partner centres

As well as hosting our own research centres, we collaborate with partner departments and organisations at York and beyond.

Leverhulme Centre for Anthropocene Biodiversity

The Leverhulme Centre for Anthropocene Biodiversity is an interdisciplinary research centre investigating the complexities of biodiversity change in the Anthropocene, funded by the Leverhulme Trust.

Centre for Anatomical and Human Sciences

The Centre for Anatomical and Human Sciences is an affiliate research centre of Hull York Medical School. At York we focus on the evolution and biomechanics of musculoskeletal systems.

Centre for Medieval Studies

The Centre for Medieval Studies at York is one of the world’s leading centres for postgraduate study and research into the Middle Ages.

Centre for Renaissance and Early Modern Studies

The Centre for Renaissance and Early Modern Studies is a flourishing interdisciplinary community devoted to the study of the long 16th and 17th centuries.

Centre for Eighteenth Century Studies

The Centre for Eighteenth Century Studies is a renowned centre for interdisciplinary research in the 18th century, with a lively research community and an MA programme.

Centre for Modern Studies

The Centre for Modern Studies is a vibrant interdisciplinary research centre dedicated to study of the period from 1830 to the present.

Interdisciplinary Global Development Centre

The Interdisciplinary Global Development Centre applies interdisciplinary expertise to research, teaching and partnerships, addressing global development challenges in innovative ways. The Centre aims to create sustainable change that directly benefits communities in developing countries around the world.

Centre of Excellence in Mass Spectrometry

The Centre of Excellence in Mass Spectrometry is a joint initiative between the Departments of Biology and Chemistry, and disciplines in Archaeology and Environment and Geography. It offers interdisciplinary expertise and access to a broad range of mass spectrometric instrumentation.

Centre for the Study of Christianity and Culture

Christianity and Culture is a leading multidisciplinary research centre, combining expertise in history, archaeology, literature, art history, theology, with cutting-edge technology. The Centre carries out research, and works with major heritage sites to develop innovative visitor resources.