Podcast: Gerrin' on wi' it series - Harnessing diverse research capabilities across 12 universities for a Yorkshire shared mission

In this episode of "Gerrin’ On Wi’ It", Dr 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.

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Peter reflects on the unique partnership between the region’s 12 universities, their work with local and combined authorities, and the remarkable journey since signing the 2021 Memorandum of Understanding, which laid the groundwork for major initiatives like the Yorkshire and Humber Policy and Engagement Network (Y-PERN) and the Yorkshire Policy Innovation Partnership (YPIP). Peter identifies that the diverse landscape of Yorkshire is bound together by a strong sense of identity which creates a basis for shared purpose and shared agendas.

Together, they discuss what effective collaboration looks like, why trust and communication matter, and how shared regional identity helps Yorkshire speak with one voice.

Peter also looks ahead to the challenges and opportunities for the sector, including sustaining this work, strengthening connections with communities and policymakers, and ensuring universities continue to play a meaningful civic role in the region.

This episode was recorded on 16 December 2025. If you would like to get in touch, please contact contact@y-pern.org.uk. A transcript of this episode is available.

Acronyms explained:

• Y-PERN – Yorkshire and Humber Policy and Engagement Network
• UPEN – Universities Policy Engagement Network
• YU – Yorkshire Universities
• YPIP – Yorkshire Policy Innovation Partnership
• YHC – Yorkshire and Humber Councils
• MOU – Memorandum of Understanding

Helpful links:

• https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/levelling-up-the-united-kingdom
• https://www.universitiesuk.ac.uk/
• https://www.russellgroup.ac.uk/our-universities
• https://www.unialliance.ac.uk/
• https://www.n8research.org.uk/
• https://whiterose.ac.uk/
• https://www.parallelparliament.co.uk/APPG/yorkshire-and-northern-lincolnshire
• https://www.transportforthenorth.com/northern-powerhouse-rail/
• https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/post-16-education-and-skills-white-paper

About the speakers:

Dr Andy Mycock

Andy Mycock is a political scientist with extensive experience of academic public policy engagement. As Chief Policy Fellow for the Yorkshire and Humber Policy Engagement and Research Network (www.y-pern.org.uk) he collaborates with a wide range of academic, government and non-government stakeholders across the region and UK and internationally. Andy is also Cross-Programme Lead for the University Policy Engagement Network and is an elected trustee of the Political Studies Association. He chaired the Kirklees Democracy Commission (2016-2018) and was recently appointed to the UK Ministry of Housing Communities and Local Government College of Experts.

Dr Peter O'Brien, Yorkshire Universities Executive Director

Peter leads the Yorkshire Universities’ (YU) Executive Team, and he is Company Secretary for the Limited Company and Charity. With over two decades’ experience, as both a senior practitioner and academic, Peter has driven YU’s increasing and influential policy engagement and activity in Yorkshire. He has worked extensively, at a senior level, across the north of England, and he has published widely on a range of matters relating to local and regional development. Peter is a Commissioner on the Yorkshire and Humber Climate Commission, and he also represents YU and the higher education sector on many high-level regional groups and committees.