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Current Research

Research that makes a difference.

Durham is an ancient seat of learning and a leading world University which, since its establishment in 1832, has developed a distinctive reputation for leadership and innovation in education and research.
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Research, scholarship and ideas are at the core of Durham University. We are home to some of the most talented researchers and scholars from around the world, tackling global issues, and making a difference to people's lives. Research directly informs our undergraduate and postgraduate teaching and, in partnership with policy-makers, industry, the public sector, and communities around the world, shapes local, national and international agendas.

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Brain cells as traffic controllers

A groundbreaking study led by Dr Marco Bocchio in our Department of Psychology reveals how specific brain cells called interneurons can act as our in-built traffic controllers.

Research news
Abstract colourful image of a person's head and brain.

New imaging of bacterial DNA uncovers secrets to future antibiotic design

In a new study, scientists from our top-rated Biosciences department joined forces with researchers from Jagiellonian University (Poland), and the John Innes Centre to reveal how a bacterial enzyme called DNA gyrase twists and stabilises DNA.
Research news
Graphic of DNA

Loneliness in old age and the role of social workers

Loneliness has been identified as a major challenge for social work because of its significant impact on health and social care services, particularly for older people. It is linked to conditions like heart disease, stroke and Alzheimer’s disease.
Research news
Three older women chatting to each other.

How teaching shortages could be tackled

A worldwide comparison of 18 countries suggests that teaching needs to be made more attractive to a wider pool of graduates to tackle shortages in the profession.
Research news
A group of school pupils with their hands up in a classroom with a teacher.

Abuse crisis in Catholic Church has led to drop in Mass attendance

A third of Catholics who previously went to Mass have reduced their attendance or stopped going altogether as a result of the child sexual abuse crisis in the Catholic Church.
Research news
A rosary on a bible

Pupils with SEND continue to fall behind their peers

Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) are continuing to fall behind their peers with the gap widening despite the introduction of SEND legislation.
Research news
Close up of a child's hand writing on a lined piece of paper

Medical humanities pioneer to oversee influential bioethics council

Professor Jane Macnaughton from our Institute for Medical Humanities and Department of Anthropology has been chosen as the next Chair of the Nuffield Council on Bioethics Governing Board.
Durham news
Professor Jane Macnaughton looking directly to camera with a light coloured background
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  • Brain cells as traffic controllers

    A groundbreaking study led by Dr Marco Bocchio in our Department of Psychology reveals how specific brain cells called interneurons can act as our in-built traffic controllers.
    Research news
    Abstract colourful image of a person's head and brain.

  • New imaging of bacterial DNA uncovers secrets to future antibiotic design

    In a new study, scientists from our top-rated Biosciences department joined forces with researchers from Jagiellonian University (Poland), and the John Innes Centre to reveal how a bacterial enzyme called DNA gyrase twists and stabilises DNA.
    Research news
    Graphic of DNA

  • Loneliness in old age and the role of social workers

    Loneliness has been identified as a major challenge for social work because of its significant impact on health and social care services, particularly for older people. It is linked to conditions like heart disease, stroke and Alzheimer’s disease.
    Research news
    Three older women chatting to each other.

Brain cells as traffic controllers

A groundbreaking study led by Dr Marco Bocchio in our Department of Psychology reveals how specific brain cells called interneurons can act as our in-built traffic controllers.

Abstract colourful image of a person's head and brain.

New imaging of bacterial DNA uncovers secrets to future antibiotic design

In a new study, scientists from our top-rated Biosciences department joined forces with researchers from Jagiellonian University (Poland), and the John Innes Centre to reveal how a bacterial enzyme called DNA gyrase twists and stabilises DNA.
Graphic of DNA

Loneliness in old age and the role of social workers

Loneliness has been identified as a major challenge for social work because of its significant impact on health and social care services, particularly for older people. It is linked to conditions like heart disease, stroke and Alzheimer’s disease.
Three older women chatting to each other.
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Explore our global research

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Durham University Research

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Thought Leadership

Why there’s no such thing as normal in child development

Associate Professor in Psychology Samuel Forbes challenges our current benchmarks for child development, which he argues are variable based on cultural context and individual personalities.

Research news
A child in a red shirt stacks colorful blocks in a tower

Dambusters raid: a feat of courage and skill whose cost outweighed its achievement

Professor Tim Luckhurst explains how press coverage following Operation Chastise obscured the high cost of the raid.
Research news
A Lancaster bomber plane flies over a cloudy gray sky

I interviewed Syria’s militias at the start of the war – they will listen if other countries engage them

Assistant Professor in International Security William Plowright explores what may happen next in Syria following the toppling of Bashar al-Assad's regime.
Research news
Protesters with Syrian flags outside a building
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