53 interviews, multiple workshops and honest scrutiny of what's working and what needs to improve. From embedded Policy Fellows to nearly £10 million leveraged for the region, our phase one evaluation demonstrates what we've learned and advises where we go next. Read the report: lnkd.in/emxi2qvm

🎙️ New Podcast Episode Alert: "Gerrin' on wi' it" Episode Four is live! In this episode, Paul Hayes spoke with Y-PERN Policy Fellow Dan Olner about what it's really like to work as both a university researcher and an embedded analyst within SYMCA. Take a listen here: lnkd.in/e6TFKgYV

"What counts as evidence?" In our latest blog, Faye Esat from HDRC Doncaster and Ben Russell from Get Doncaster Moving present a simple infographic that maps the different types of evidence that teams can use in their decision-making processes. Have a read here: lnkd.in/erJuX3fK

📊Y-PERN's latest research exposes how abrupt move-on deadlines, fragmented responsibilities, and rental market discrimination create predictable pathways into destitution for newly recognised refugees at the very moment they need stability most. 📄 Read the full report: lnkd.in/evZTBqw2

New policy brief shows the transformative impact of universal free school meals 🍽️📚 ✓ Enhanced readiness to learn ✓ Improved pupil wellbeing ✓ Notable improvements in attendance ✓ Reduced lateness Read the full policy brief & Policy Fellow Rebecca's blog on the Y-PERN website. lnkd.in/ewPRSPab

A nice story by @yorkpress.bsky.social for Y-PERN Policy Fellow Rebecca Kerr at @york.ac.uk on her skills analysis work. The report for York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority "says the region is well educated, but it suffers both skills shortages and a lack of skilled jobs" lnkd.in/eZB5WD4f

Are you a researcher, policymaker or professional working in the field of AI? Sign up to this dedicated networking session on Speed networking: Artificial Intelligence to expand your network and build new relationships. www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/speed-netw...

Join the latest UPEN online seminar to explore how universities might better understand and meet the needs of Strategic Authorities. Hear from representatives from South Yorkshire, West Midlands & East Midlands. 📆 29 Oct 2025 ⏰ 12–1pm 🌐 Online Register: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/working-wi...

Includes a post by me about prototyping better open econ tools by testing/learning. "Do data work openly where we can. It will support collaboration and learning / will help build a shared sense of ground truth / will avoid wheel reinvention." Interested? Lemme know. y-pern.org.uk/blog/prototy...

Our October Newsletter is live! 🎓 Exciting developments in Yorkshire's HE & policy landscape! 📊 New labour market analysis for York and North Yorkshire 🗳️ Upcoming webinar on extending voting rights 📖 Blogs from our data expert on his latest project & YPIP's recent policy session shorturl.at/FGCKY

A West Yorkshire Early Years Workforce Plan has been developed by Bradford Birth to 19 and West Yorkshire Combined Authority. Informed by researchers, including Y-PERN Policy Fellow Tom Haines-Doran, it aims to create huge improvements in Early Years provision across the region. lnkd.in/ewK4RUcX

Webinar alert! 🗳️ Will the kids be alright? Implementing 'Votes at 16' An important discussion on one of the UK's most significant democratic reforms led by Y-PERN's Andy Mycock 📅 Wednesday, 29th October 2025 at 2pm 🔗 Register via Eventbrite: lnkd.in/ePcvuTNi

The latest Y-PERN newsletter is packed with insights on community-led growth and knowledge mobilisation across Yorkshire & Humber. Read September's edition: lnkd.in/eAUSkXTY] Interested in community development, local governance, or knowledge exchange in Yorkshire & Humber? Subscribe today!

Our new briefing is about the role of universities in their local economies. The short version is - places don't need a university to be prosperous, but where cities have them they are sizable chunk of the local knowledge economy.

🎓In ‘university towns’ students make up more than 10 per cent of the local population In this context, our latest briefing sets out the role universities play in the local economies of different cities across the UK. Read more 👇 buff.ly/qhkNzSi

There is still time to respond to the Leeds Local Plan consultation before it closes on 15 September. Read our blog on the importance of evidence to inform planning so that places work for people and planet: medium.com/policy-leeds... Respond to the consultation using the link in the post below.

Read insights from our expert panel session in July on how we can plan for great places to live that also take into consideration the many pressures from crises in cost-of-living, health, energy and environment. And how research evidence can help with this. medium.com/policy-leeds...

🔔 Podcast alert! Ep 5 of PlaceCast from ‪@lpiphub.bsky.social‬ explores the evolving relationship between academia & policymaking through the lens of place-based leadership. Listen now to discover why aligning research with real-world policy needs is more critical than ever. tinyurl.com/mr3mzcc2

Thank you to all that attended #YPERN2025 and to those who left us feedback. The conference brought together an inspiring mix of people interested in advancing evidence-based policy in our region. If you attended and would like to share your experience of the day please email [email protected]

"The message is clear: networks like Y-PERN are not just helpful—they’re essential. They enable collective action, deeper engagement, and better outcomes for all." University of Huddersfield's Head of Policy Chris Hewson shares his insights from #YPERN2025 in our latest blog. lnkd.in/epnDu2yM

How do we collaborate to tackle challenges? In a video from #YPERN2025, Engagement Director Kersten discusses how Y-PERN is driving inclusive growth in the region and the huge opportunities that #Devolution presents to get academics & policymakers working together. www.youtube.com/watch?v=XjN5...

In our latest blog Policy Fellow Pratichi Chatarjee highlights the housing challenges refugees face in West Yorkshire following research at @huddersfielduni.bsky.social to help identify opportunities to better align asylum support with local homelessness prevention efforts ➡️ lnkd.in/euKdc9Mz

We're delighted to present our #YPERN2025 conference video - hot from the videographers. Can you spot yourself? Two weeks ago, 200 people got together to discuss #policy, #people and #place and reflect on the last three years of Y-PERN's programme and the impact it has had. lnkd.in/eMD7hCjZ

At #YPERN2025 we asked delegates to sum up in one word, what they see as the key opportunity for research-policy collaboration in a devolved Yorkshire. This is what they said: "Collaboration" and "skills" came out on top. Do you agree with our delegates? Leave a comment below!

#YPERN2025 showcased the transformative power of devolution in Yorkshire & Humber! Thanks to all that attended! Re-live the day here: lnkd.in/evG8xEW5 With 15,000 academics working together with policymakers, we're not just talking about collaboration – we're delivering it.

🎉 Our Y-PERN Impact Report is now live! 🎉 After 3 years of bridging academia and policy across #YorkshireAndHumber, we're proud to share our Impact Report: lnkd.in/ee5Rq-S5 Special thanks to all our university and policy partners who made this possible! 🤝 #YorkshireResearch #PolicyImpact

Policy challenge workshops were electric! ⚡ Academics, policymakers & other stakeholders from #YorkshireAndHumber collaborated on real regional challenges - collaborative problem-solving at its best. The ideas emerging from these sessions could shape our future! #CollaborativeInnovation #YPERN2025

In our 2nd panel session at #YPERN2025 we discussed - The importance of people, place and partnerships in driving policy change - The value of the region's academics - How to maximalise the opportunities to make better futures in #YorkshireAndHumber And much more... #AcademicPolicyEngagement

Brilliant insights from our devolution session at #YPERN2025 We discussed: - Opportunities for Mayors in #YorkshireAndHumber - The need for local understanding - The benefits of data - Skills strategies and local business needs - The importance of community-led research Thanks to our speakers! 🙏

Powerful opening from #YPERN2025 Conference Chair Kersten England, alongside @tracybrabinmayorwy.bsky.social Prof Tim Thornton, Councillor Carole Pattison and Harpreet Uppal MP. We're asking "how do we involve our communities to develop strategies for the best future for #YorkshireAndHumber?"

🎯 It's conference day! #YPERN2025 is kicking off at The @hudunipress.bsky.social Ready to explore how devolution is reshaping university-policy collaboration across Yorkshire & Humber? #YPERN2025 #AcademicPolicy #YorkshireDevolution #PolicyEngagement

📣Last week our Senior Programme Manager Kayleigh attended #ARMA2025. In the 'devolution revolution' panel session she discussed Y-PERN's learnings for place based collaborations, the role of Policy Fellows, and considerations for future grant proposals that seek to connect research with #policy.

Discover how embedded Policy Fellow @danolner.bsky.social has collaborated with South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority in a blog originally posted by @sheffielduni.bsky.social Data to make South Yorkshire an even better place: lnkd.in/dMruceqB #PolicyEngagement #DataScience #EconomicGrowth

“[This] investment will be another vital step in facilitating the use of academic research capacity for policy across the UK.” our Academic Director & UPEN co-chair, Andy Brown Read about a £5.9 mil award to Universities Policy Engagement Network (UPEN) ➡️ lnkd.in/et4bz2pC #AcademicEngagement

Not long to go until our Y-PERN 2025 conference It will bring together examples of success and impact achieved through academic and policymaker #collaborations across the #YorkshireandHumber region. To find out more and get your #conference tickets visit: lnkd.in/ea6mQKkC

We've been in the studio recording VO for a #devolution animation by the talented Kieran Leppington for our upcoming conference. Many thanks to Nandar from @leedsbeckett.bsky.social @leedsartsuni.bsky.social and to Andy Mycock for lending us his brilliant vocal skills. Sign up➡️ lnkd.in/ea6mQKkC

👀 We've just pushed send on our latest #newsletter Are you a subscriber? If not, why not? Subscribe for all the latest academic policy engagement news, events and opportunities in the Yorkshire and Humber region here: lnkd.in/ep5NsEXT 📖 And view our latest newsletter here: lnkd.in/e8kEzxTY

At Y-PERN we embrace a 'network of networks' approach to enhance #academicpolicyengagement In our latest long-read blog, Academic Lead John Hudson reflects on Y-PERN's model, exploring key questions about flexibility, collaboration, and resource allocation. Read the blog here – lnkd.in/eXTYQKbP

Ahead of our discussion on #Devolution at our 2025 conference, we re-share two blogs: What can we learn from international evidence on devolution? lnkd.in/edqmGkmN Devolution in Hull and East Yorkshire presents a chance to engage communities differently lnkd.in/eCPPpCVs Sign up: lnkd.in/eJeeTYvC

📣Y-PERN and the @universityofhull.bsky.social are committed to collaborating with mayor Luke Campbell and the newly formed #Hull and East Yorkshire Combined Authority to drive regional growth and prosperity. Read our Regional Report to discover recent collaborative initiatives.➡️ lnkd.in/emrZBa-u

Our conference "Y-PERN 2025: Bridging academia and policymaking" is now next month!! We will be celebrating our successes, impacts and the policy changes that have been achieved through academic and policymaker collaborations across the #Yorkshire region. Reserve your spot today➡️ lnkd.in/ea6mQKkC

✨Our South Yorkshire report highlights how colleagues at @sheffieldhallamuni.bsky.social and @sheffielduni.bsky.social have collaborated with the @southyorksmca.bsky.social on a Skills Strategy, which aims to address skills shortages through evidence-based measures. Read it here➡️ lnkd.in/erUvAVSQ

🚨 Check out the latest report co-written by INE's Alison Clarke and the team at CAPE - Capabilities in Academic-Policy Engagement, 'Hidden Talents: Core Competencies of Knowledge Mobilisers Working in Public Policy'➡️ t.co/gy2G8XT6dT

Our April Newsletter is here! Click on the link below for: 🤝 Y-PERN Conference registration details 📜 Two new reports on Early Years Education & Childcare and Skills 📰 News about our fabulous Network tool 👩‍💼Opportunities and news from throughout the #YorkshireandHumber network ➡️ lnkd.in/eByws67C

Great piece from @kerstenengland.bsky.social and Paul Hayes about the positive impact of programmes such as Y-PERN; fostering ongoing relationships between higher education and local government. 💡🤝 #LocalGovernment #Universities #PolicyInnovation ➡️https://tinyurl.com/59h8426v

🌟 Exciting News from Yorkshire & Humber! 🌟 Following our recent Yorkshire & Humber Networks event, we're thrilled to share a new interactive tool that highlights the networks fostering research-policy engagement in our region! 🚀 Look!👉 lnkd.in/e5txnguf #Yorkshire #networks #interactivetool

Register for the Y-PERN 2025 Conference: Bridging Academia and Policymaking in Yorkshire & the Humber today! Delegates will engage in discussions surrounding academic-policy collaboration aimed at regional development and share ideas for future growth strategies. View agenda ↪️ lnkd.in/ea6mQKkC

Yesterday Y-PERN Policy Fellows from across the Yorkshire and Humber region met at Cloth Hall Court in Leeds to share updates on their recent projects and discuss #policyengagement learnings. Colleagues also reflected on their experiences and the role and responsibilities of Policy Fellows.

📣Catch Y-PERN Policy Fellow Neil Barnett's #blog on local authority evidence-informed policy-making 🔍 He explores the use of evidence in policy making from the 1960's and shares thoughts on local and combined authorities and their relationships with research centres. 📖Read here: lnkd.in/e7jGXDHk

⭐Our new report on The Early Years Education and Childcare System in West Yorkshire in collaboration with @westyorkshireca.bsky.social explores how the #WestYorkshire #Earlyyears childcare system can better support children, families, and the economy. ➡️ Read the full report here: bit.ly/3E0UwlK