An organized research unit (ORU) is an academic unit that York University has established to provide support for research development beyond the traditional academic units. Organized research units are established by charters approved by the Senate and only these entities can be known as a Research Center or Research Institute.

York University views the Organized Research Unit (ORU) as an important formal mechanism through which it can work to achieve its aspirations of collaborative strategic research leadership and development as well as other important research goals.

ORUs work very closely with graduate students on research. They also have a number of awards which are available to both undergraduate and graduate students.

Organized research units at York include:

1. The Centre of Artificial Intelligence and Society
2. The Centre of Indigenous Knowledges and Languages
3. The Centre for Research in Earth and Space Science