Steph Morris, YU AssociateSteph Morris examines the role of universities in driving economic growth and makes the case that universities must be properly resourced to maximise their potential as economic engines for their places. Universities as engines for growth Listening to Tom Riordan, Envoy for Northern Growth, speak at recent events, it is clear that …
It has been announced today (Monday 22 June) that Professor Charlie Jeffery CBE, Vice-Chancellor at the University of York, and Chair of Yorkshire Universities (YU), will take up a new role as Vice-Chancellor at the University of Southampton from October. Commenting on today’s announcement, Dr Peter O’Brien, YU Executive Director, said: “I would like to …
On Monday 8 June 2026, Yorkshire Universities and Calderdale Council launched a ‘Live Project’ pilot aimed at supporting safer and more inclusive roads across Calderdale and West Yorkshire. A new collaborative project, funded by Yorkshire and Humber Councils, is supporting efforts to create safer and more inclusive roads across Calderdale and West Yorkshire. The project brings …
Remarks by Dr Peter O’Brien on a panel at the launch of The Civic Exchange – University of Leeds on Thursday 30 April 2026. I have worked in partnership and collaboration roles for over twenty years. The structures and the institutional architecture may have changed, and they will continue to change, but the principles and …
Kate Hainsworth sets out some thoughts on what neighbourhoods mean for Yorkshire and Humber and how higher education institutions in the region could support local communities and places.
For the Commission on research for better economic growth Peter O’Brien sets out how the rest of the country should think about London when it comes to competition, collaboration and success.
A new report by the Yorkshire and Humber Policy Engagement and Research Network (Y-PERN) provides a unique study of how devolution has affected relationships between Strategic Authorities (SAs) and Local Authorities (LAs) across Yorkshire and the Humber during a period of considerable political and policy change.
Understanding Impact, Building for the Future: Evaluating Y-PERN’s Phase One
Speech by Dr Peter O’Brien to the University of York and The York Policy Engine (TYPE) Catalyst Dinner, at the Guildhall, York, on Tuesday 10 February 2026. Good evening. Thank you for the opportunity to say a few words about the unique value that The York Policy Engine (TYPE) and the University of York bring …
In episode two of Gerrin’ On Wi’ It, Andy Mycock talks with Dr Peter O’Brien, Executive Director of Yorkshire Universities, about how collaboration is shaping the future of Yorkshire and the Humber.