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Come and be part of an engaging exploration into some of the fascinating research taking place at York. Join us on Wednesday 15 January 2025 for an exciting series of free short talks highlighting the breadth and depth of our research.

This year, the theme is ‘Doing Things Differently’, with three related sessions: ‘The things around us’ takes a new perspective on what surrounds us in our everyday lives; ‘The Things Within Us’ focuses on our mental and physical health, and ‘The Spaces Between Us’ looks at the issues affecting our lives on a global scale.

All the events are free but you do need to get a ticket. You can attend a single session or all four, just book the tickets you need for the sessions you'd like to attend.

New for 2025: YorkTalking

We’ll be joined by Andy Kerr, incoming Director of Economy for the York & North Yorkshire Combined Authority, for a discussion focused on unlocking the potential of the University’s research as a force for innovation and economic growth in the future.

Chaired by Jennifer Williams of the Financial Times, Andy will be joined by our Vice-chancellor, Professor Charlie Jeffery, along with Professors James Chong, from our Department of Biology; Helena Daffern, from our School of Physics, Engineering and Technology;  John Hudson, Academic Director for The York Policy Engine and Sarah Thompson MBE, from the Institute for Safe Autonomy.

Book your place now

YorkTalks 2024 panellists answering questions from the audience following their individual spotlight talks. 

Photography and video recording will take place during YorkTalks, which may be used for marketing purposes by the University of York. If you have any concerns or would prefer not to feature, please email communications-support@york.ac.uk. For further information about how we use photography or video that includes you, please see our privacy notice.

Venue and directions

YorkTalks 2025 takes place in the Ron Cooke Hub at the University's East Campus.

We recommend using public transport to reach our campuses. The U1 and U2 buses from the city centre stop at the Field Lane car park, close to the venue. Pay and display car parking is available, but very limited.

See our maps and directions pages for more information.

Session one, 9.15am to 11am: The things around us

  • Chair: Tom Collinge, Deputy Director of Progressive Britain

Session two, 11.30am to 1pm: The things within us

  • Chair: Rob Parsons, Northern Agenda Editor

Session three, 1.45pm to 3.15pm: The spaces between us

  • Chair: Emma Lindsell, Executive Director of Strategy, Performance and Engagement, UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)

Session four, 3.45pm to 5pm: YorkTalking - unlocking research as a force for innovation

  • Chair: Jennifer Williams, Northern England Correspondent, Financial Times

Throughout the day: PhD Research Spotlight competition

The PhD Research Spotlight competition, run by the York Graduate Research School and the Building Research and Innovation Capacity team gives postgraduate researchers from all disciplines the opportunity to communicate their research to a non-specialist audience.

Our finalists create interactive displays to demonstrate their research, providing an opportunity to develop their communication skills and gain valuable experience of public engagement.

Come and meet our finalists throughout the day during YorkTalks to learn about the exciting research talking place at York, and vote for your favourite display to win the People's Choice prize.

York Ideas

York Ideas is a year-round series of events led by the University of York to educate, entertain and inspire. As a University for public good, based in a city of ideas and innovation, we're committed to engaging with diverse audiences and widening participation in education.

Find out more about York Ideas