York University conducts purposeful research that advances knowledge and creates positive change. Our research excellence is defined by its inter- and transdisciplinary perspective, inclusive lens and collaborative approach.
Since the University’s founding in 1959, York researchers have been at the forefront of many of the most important scholarship and discoveries over the last half century.
From Canada Research Chairs to Killam Prize Winners to Fellows of the Royal Society of Canada, York’s world-leading experts make innovation their tradition and are consistently recognized for their high-calibre research, global mindset, and commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.
Our research and innovation enterprise is as diverse as the York community itself. York supports research and innovation done in service to social responsibility and a more equitable future.
Top 40
Ranked among the top 40 universities in the world for advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development goals (THE Impact Rankings 2023)
Research Powerhouse
A record high of $121M+ in externally sponsored research income in 2022/2023
Comprehensive Education
Consistently ranked one of Canada’s Best Comprehensive Universities (Maclean’s 2023)
$318.4M+ Research Initiative
York is the lead institution of a $318.4M+ first-of-its-kind inclusive next-gen technology research program called Connected Minds
3,100+ Publications
York researchers authored more than 3,100 scholarly publications in 2023, a new institutional precedent (SciVal 2023)
30 Organized Research Units (ORUs)
York operates 30 ORUs, unique centres of research excellence for participatory, community-engaged research programs across multiple disciplines
UN Centers of Excellence
York is the only university in Canada with four major United Nations Centers of Excellence, including the UNESCO Chair
Innovation Leader
YSpace, York’s entrepreneurship and innovation hub, supported more than 200 ventures from ideation to growth, generating over $86M in revenue (2022-23)
Latest News
Featured Organized Research Units
Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Society
The Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Society (CAIS) unites researchers who are collectively advancing state-of-the-art theory and practice of artificial intelligence (AI) systems, law, governance and public policy.
Centre for Indigenous Knowledges and Languages
The Centre for Indigenous Knowledges and Languages supports research involving both traditional and contemporary knowledges, as care-taken, shared, and created by Indigenous scholars located in the University and Indigenous knowledge holders from communities.
Global Labour Research Centre
The Global Labour Research Centre (GLRC) engages in the study of work, employment and labour in the context of a constantly changing global economy.
Find a Researcher
Connect with researchers, scholars and creators at York University with Discover York Academics.
Research Excellence
Our Research Chairs
York U is home to some of the most prestigious Research Chairs in the country. Chairholders, including both Canada Research Chairs and York Research Chairs, are at the forefront of their fields.
Research Awards Celebration
Each year, the President and the Vice-President Research & Innovation take the opportunity to acknowledge York’s award-winning research community and recognize their remarkable achievements in an annual ceremony.
Research Impact Canada
Established by York University and the University of Victoria in 2006, Research Impact Canada (RIC) is a national network of more than 20 universities across the country that help universities and other organizations in Canada maximize the impact of research for their communities.
