The Vulnerability & Policing Futures Research Centre is pleased to announce that it has secured funding through the University of York to continue its work beyond the end of its initial five-year ESRC grant from May 2027.
9 October 2026
Established in 2022 through funding from the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), alongside support from its host institutions, the University of York and the University of Leeds, the Centre has brought together researchers, practitioners, policymakers and people with lived experience to reshape how the police and other organisations work together to reduce harm among vulnerable people in society. Its work has addressed issues including exploitation by county lines drug networks, online child sexual exploitation, domestic abuse, modern slavery, as well as the policing of mental health and homelessness.
The Centre’s next phase will be supported by a two-year investment from the University of York’s Faculty of Social Sciences and a 12-month extension to the ESRC grant utilising the underspend from the original award.
The University of York funding will enable the Centre to transition to a diversified funding model, collaborating with other University researchers and partners, acting as a ‘hub’ to secure new research grants and deliver on the Centre’s civic mission.
The extension to the ESRC grant will allow some of the Centre team to remain in post to focus on completing delayed projects and delivering impact and knowledge exchange work related to the Centre’s research.
From May 2027, the Centre will become a York-led research entity, continuing to work closely with colleagues at the University of Leeds and our wide range of partners across research, policy and practice both within the UK and internationally. Building on the strong foundations established over its first five years, the Centre will continue to produce research that informs policy and practice and supports organisations to work together more effectively to address vulnerability and reduce harm.
Professor Kate Brown, Co-Director of the Centre (School for Business and Society), said:
“These two funding streams provide an important opportunity to build on the relationships, learning and momentum developed during the Centre’s first five years. We’re grateful to the University of York for continued investment in the Centre and excited to continue working with partners across research, policy and practice to improve responses to vulnerability in policing and crime-related contexts.”
Centre Co-Director Professor Adam Crawford (York Law School) added:
“The Vulnerability & Policing Futures Research Centre was established to generate evidence and foster collaboration around some of the most complex challenges facing policing and public services. This next phase will allow us to build on what has been achieved so far, strengthen existing partnerships, and develop new opportunities for research and impact.”
Professor Nina Caspersen, Interim Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, said:
“The Faculty of Social Sciences is pleased to support the ongoing contribution of the Vulnerability & Policing Futures Research Centre to tackling major societal challenges such as county lines drug networks, online child sexual exploitation, domestic abuse, modern slavery, as well as the policing of mental health and homelessness. By carrying out the most rigorous research, working in partnership with key stakeholders including those with lived experience, the Centre is helping to change lives, systems and practices for public good.”