R&D residencies for University of York technicians
The XR Stories research and development (R&D) residencies for University of York technicians provides access to specialist infrastructure, equipment and support to enhance existing research and technical activities.
The programme is open to teaching, research and support technicians employed at the University of York. It provides an opportunity for technical staff to conduct self-directed research or professional technical development on a project of their choice to explore advanced extended reality (XR) solutions in the XR Stories’ immersive R&D lab and office space.
Residents will be able to use the XR Stories lab and office in The Guildhall on a part-time basis for up to six months. Activities undertaken during the residency can be directly aligned with, or in addition to, the resident’s daily work.
Residents will have access to a range of XR technologies across the following key areas, and ad-hoc support from the XR Stories team, including a creative technologist.
- Virtual production
- Virtual characters and performance capture
- Virtual archiving
- Virtual reality
- Spatial audio technology
PCs with Unreal Engine, and a variety of handheld smart devices will also be available.
Residents without the need to use equipment, but who are undertaking research and professional development in the creative, immersive or digital sectors are also welcome to make observations in the lab.
Objectives
The R&D residency programme for University of York technicians aims to enable residents to:
- Undertake research and professional development embedded within a practical environment dedicated to R&D in XR.
- Develop a relevant project ready to apply for potential further funding and/or develop a new research output or project ready for dissemination.
- Undertake knowledge exchange and forge new partnerships with the XR Stories team and members of the project’s creative network in York and the wider region.
How to apply
- Download and read the guidance document to find out more about the programme including information about eligibility criteria and expected residency outputs.
- Submit your application form by 5:00pm on Thursday 25 June 2026.
Timeline
- Applications open: 13 May
- Applications close: 5pm on Thursday 25 June
- Review and selection of residents: 29 June – 17 July
- Notifications of success: w/c 20 July
- Residencies should be eligible to start in August 2026 and should finish no later than January 2027.
Depending on the number of applications received and residency places allocated, the XR Stories team will review whether to open a second application window, later in 2026.
Contact us
Please email [email protected] if you require any additional information or support and a member of our team will be in touch.
Categories: Residencies