Welcome!
We are the University of York’s own student think tank!We offer students the unrivalled opportunity to make a meaningful impact and contribute to the public sphere, while developing sought-after skills to broaden their horizons.Through the lens of policy, we celebrate an evidence-based and open engagement with politics and all that comes with it.
So, what is a think tank?
‘Think tank’ is quite a loose term, but it can be refined as an institute or organisation which produces research to influence government policy.
In reality, the meaning of a think tank adopts the mission and goals of the people who make up the organisation, like a chameleon!
Most specialise in a certain area of expertise, such as Chatham House does in international affairs. Others focus on political advocacy, like the Women’s Budget Group who aim to advance gender-equality through feminist economics.
Where do we fit in this spectrum?
As a student-run think tank, our mission is to promote an evidence-based approach to policy.In lacking affiliation comes the strength of our members having the freedom to research and write on the full range of political and policy issues.Both our policy projects and Civitas Journal give the opportunity for our members to investigate matters demanding public policy attention, with the scope to self-specialise or keep it as broad as you wish.
Write for Civitas
Civitas, meaning 'art of government', is YSTT’s own Journal!Writing and editing positions are open to all students, all year.
Write on a weekly short-form basis, reflecting an editorial format.
Or on a long-form bi-annual basis, producing more of a classic academic article.
Want to write for us? Prefer to edit?Email our Director of Journals, Louis Kent at [email protected], or our Editor-in-Chief Tom Caston at [email protected].
Research for our Policy Papers
At the core of any thinktank lies policy.Each academic year at YSTT we aim to publish at least one student-led ‘policy project’, critically assessing a societal issue, the policy produced so far, and the lengths yet to go.Participation in these reports is completely open to all students! Regardless of year or degree type.
Read our latest policy paper on the cost of living crisis below!
Want to write for us? Prefer to edit?
Interested in joining a project team? Contact our President, Lucy, at [email protected]
Events
As a student society, we also hold a range of events!
Pub Politics
Our weekly informal politics debate/discussion group.Hosted in Courtyard, Derwent’s on-campus bar.
Socials
Because YSTT isn’t just about policy.Take a break and meet like-minded people at our social events throughout the semester.
Speakers
We aim to bring politics and policy to you on campus in the form of external speakers.Watch our social media to find out more.