What are we doing (or could we be doing) to create an environment graduates can thrive in, and contribute towards the economy of Yorkshire? How are we responding to challenges and opportunities together? What works? At the 11 July conference, we’re focussing on the uniqueness of Yorkshire Universities’ (YU) mission, positioning, networks, and partnership activity, designed to …
Op-ed by Dr Peter O’Brien, Executive Director for Yorkshire Universities The higher education sector is one of the UK’s greatest assets, generating significant economic, social and cultural value. Research commissioned by Universities UK, in 2022, found that universities in England contribute around £95 billion to the economy and support more than 815,000 jobs, Higher education …
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.
Areas of Research Interest for the West Yorkshire Combined Authority are being developed to better connect regional data, evidence and policy.
Dr Peter O’Brien, YU Executive Director The 2025 Budget Statement, published last November, provided details on the Northern Growth Corridor. In advance of the Budget, news emerged about the appointment of Tom Riordan, as the Government’s first envoy for northern growth, who will work with Mayors, Ministers, businesses, universities and other partners to create an …
On Wednesday 14 January, Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves and Secretary of State for Transport Heidi Alexander announced plans for the Northern Powerhouse Rail. Yorkshire Universities (YU) has today welcomed the announcement by Government of new investment in transport infrastructure in Yorkshire, as part of a broader economic growth plan for the North of …
Professor Dave Petley, previous Chair of Yorkshire Universities (YU), introduces the report and details YU’s achievements over last twelve months: It is my pleasure to introduce the 2024/25 Annual Report as Chair of Yorkshire Universities(YU) during the period in question. This year, YU has continued to strengthen its influenceand impact within the national and regional …
Yorkshire Universities (YU) has responded to the Hull and East Yorkshire Local Growth Plan consultation and welcomes that the Hull and East Yorkshire Combined Authority has invited public comments on the draft Plan. Read the YU response to the Hull and East Yorkshire Local Growth Plan consultation here.
On Wednesday 26 November, the Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves presented the Autumn Budget. The Budget confirmed that Government will work closely with local leaders, universities, and Northern businesses on the Northern Growth Corridor to grow the economy and attract inward investment, with a plan for the Corridor to be set out by early …
This blog was originally published on the City-REDI blog. Rebecca Riley, Peter O’Brien and Helen Turner reflect on the Innovation for Growth summit – UKRI. Liz Kendall, Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) opened the summit with an analogy that, in 1996, Team GB finished 36th in the Olympic medal table a sobering …