THE University of York is celebrating after it was invited to join the prestigious Russell Group, which receives the bulk of UK university research grants.

The university will now work together with the Universities of Cambridge, Oxford, and 21 others on maintaining and expanding world-class scientific research, teaching and learning in the UK.

Welcoming the announcement, Vice-Chancellor Professor Brian Cantor said: “We are not yet 50 years old but our research has a worldwide reputation for excellence and the quality of our teaching and student experience is acknowledged throughout the UK and beyond.

“York is a truly international university but we are also deeply committed to the great city of which we are a part.”

Along with York, Exeter, Durham and Queen Mary, London, will also join the Russell Group.

Prof Michael Arthur, chairman of the Russell Group, said: “We are delighted to announce that the Russell Group board has invited four more members to join the group, all of whom have accepted.

“Durham, Exeter, Queen Mary and York have demonstrated that – like all other Russell Group members – they excel in research, innovation and education and have a critical mass of research excellence across a wide range of disciplines.”