YorkTalks 2025
On Wednesday 15 January 2025, hundreds of staff, students and members of the public joined us at the University of York for a day of inspirational short talks about the world-leading research happening at York.
This year, the theme was ‘Doing Things Differently’, with three related sessions: ‘The things around us’ took a new perspective on what surrounds us in our everyday lives; ‘The Things Within Us’ focused on our mental and physical health, and ‘The Spaces Between Us’ looked at the issues affecting our lives on a global scale.
New for 2025: YorkTalking
For our final session of the day we were joined by Andy Kerr, 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 driving force for innovation and economic growth in the future.
The discussion was chaired by Jennifer Williams of the Financial Times, and included 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, as well as our Vice-chancellor Professor Charlie Jeffery.
Professor Charlie Jeffery addresses the audience at YorkTalks 2025.
Session one
In this session we heard about new research to ensure technology is designed with the users in mind, by ensuring stakeholders are engaged in the design process; the case for nature based intervention when treating mental health issues; how print copies were made before technology came along, and why social media is stubbornly reinforcing the myth that housework is ‘women’s work’.
Session two
The alluring concept of non-invasive medical diagnostic tools opened session two, along with the fascinating research into the uniqueness of the human voice. We learned about efforts to treat mental health issues in the Bolivian prison systems, and the 'shocking' truth about whether electricity could be used to heal our bodies.
Session three
Session three began with a revealing talk on the challenges faced by Ghanaian teachers in hosting classes where pupils could speak any one of 80 languages. We heard from researchers striving to ensure Columbo’s poorer communities aren’t left behind by the city’s efforts to modernise. And finally, the University of York’s teaching methods, and the concept of whether or not we really ‘own’ our bodies were highlighted.
Session four
The fourth session of the day was a slight departure from our usual 15-minute format: we were joined by Andy Kerr, the Director of Economy for the York and 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.
Andy was joined by Jennifer Williams of the Financial Times who chaired the event, while 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, all outlined how the University will work together to play its part in delivering the Mayor’s vision for the region.
PhD Spotlight competition
This competition is an opportunity for postgraduate researchers from all disciplines at York to demonstrate the value of their research to non-specialist audiences.
- 1st place: Fedor Topolev-Soldunov, Smells, Tastes and Sounds of a War-Torn City: The Case of Leningrad Diaries
- 2nd place: Minahil Khan, Keeping liquids free from contamination
- 3rd place: Brandon Daniel Tipper, Classical to Clinical – How do we detect viruses and create new medication?
- People's choice: Minahil Khan, Keeping liquids free from contamination