The York Policy Engine to launch three new Policy Research Groups
The York Policy Engine is establishing three new University of York Policy Research Groups with colleagues from the Administrative Fairness Lab, the Institute of Mental Health Research and XR Stories.
As a university for public good, the intention of these groups is to harness cross-disciplinary expertise within the institution to target important policy challenges in the region and on a national scale. TYPE will support the groups to convene colleagues from across the institution, catalysing policy activity and elevating the visibility of evidence generated by the groups and their potential for impact.
These groups will be similar to TYPE’s existing Cost of Living Research group which has proved an effective model of collaboration, capitalising on York’s tradition of ground-breaking research on poverty, inequality, social justice, social policy and politics.
As a result of a competitive process, we selected 3 areas of strength at York that all have a role to play on a regional and national scale.
The Law and Process policy group
Chaired by Prof Joe Tomlinson, Director of the Administrative Fairness Lab, this group will address questions presented by the new Labour government at the intersection of law, process, and policy. York’s expertise in evidence-led and expert-led analysis of key areas of relevant policy areas, such as housing, infrastructure, social policy, health policy, and social care will all have a contribution to existing and emerging complex law and process challenges. Underpinned by one of the most policy-focused Law Schools in the country, this group is well placed to address urgent issues under the new government.
Children and Young People’s Mental Health policy group
Chaired by Prof Lina Gega, Director of the Institute of Mental Health Research, the Children and Young People’s Mental Health policy research group will provide cross-disciplinary evidence-based responses to improve emotional wellbeing and life satisfaction in children and young people. The group will draw on a breadth of expertise from colleagues across the institution including the Hull York Medical School (HYMS); Health Sciences; Psychology; the Centre for Health Economics; Economics and Related Studies; Education; Computer Science; the School of Art and Creative Technologies; and the School for Business and Society. It will aim to demonstrate to policymakers how mental health care pathways and interventions can become more effective and to advance policymakers’ understanding of ‘what’ and ‘how’ modifiable risk factors in schools, families and the wider society can affect mental health outcomes.
Creative Industries policy group
This group will be chaired by Prof Damian Murphy, Director of XR Stories/XR Network+ It will capitalise on existing links and forge new connections into the creative industries sector by drawing on expertise from other colleagues in the institution across the School of Art and Creative Technologies, Sociology, Psychology, Computer Science, Archaeology, School of Physics, Engineering and Technology AudioLab and the School for Business and Society. The group will build on opportunities currently being established with the new Combined Authority as it develops a wider creative industries and cultural sector strategy for York and North Yorkshire. It will focus on influencing the development of our region in terms of its creative economy, emphasising the important place that culture and creativity holds for York and North Yorkshire, as well as part of the UK-wide Governmental Creative and Cultural Industries Policy.
We look forward to working with the new groups in the coming months as they begin to establish themselves, develop their own membership and objectives, and begin making an impact on real-world policy issues. If you are interested in learning more please get in touch.