Global Impact - Durham University

Research to empower and inspire

We are a globally outstanding centre of teaching, learning and research excellence. We are a world top 100 university, with 12 of our subjects ranked in the world top 50 and 19 in the world top 100. We conduct innovative and impactful research to transform lives and make a difference, globally and locally: research to empower and inspire.

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Latest news

Developing new gene variants to breed climate resilient chickpeas

Scientists from our top-rated Biosciences Department working with colleagues from Harran University in Turkey and University of California Davis in the USA, have discovered that flowering time in chickpeas and its wild relatives are influenced by one to three major genes.

Protecting cultural heritage around the world

We’re excited to launch a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) entitled Endangered Archaeology: Using Remote Sensing to Protect Cultural Heritage.

University welcomes stronger connections with India

Strengthening educational ties between the UK and India is one of the areas of focus of the UK Prime Minister’s visit to India this week.

Record number of Durham subjects in world’s top 50

Durham University is at the forefront of global academic excellence and our global rankings reflect that status.

Understanding surface melting around the world’s largest ice sheet

A first-of-its-kind study led by our Department of Geography has investigated the formation of surface meltwater lakes around the world’s largest ice sheet, offering new insights into the potential impact of recent climate change on the ‘Frozen Continent’.

Image of a meltwater lake on the Sørsdal Glacier taken by Dave Lomas

Tackling global childhood obesity with ground-breaking research

Research by Sport and Exercise Sciences has made a positive impact on policy and practice addressing the global problem of childhood obesity.

How a makeshift PoW chapel from WWII continues to connect Ukrainians and Britons

PhD student, Daniel Adamson, from our Department of History, discusses the history of a chapel in Scotland created by Ukrainian prisoners of war and how this ties in with current events.

Ukraine war: death of a ‘fixer’ underlines the dangers of this unsung but vital job for journalism

Professor Tim Luckhurst, Principal of South College, emphasises the importance of a 'fixer' to broadcasters covering foreign conflicts for international news organisations.

After the explosion in Kyiv Ukraine 2022

Toolkit supports better learning for disadvantaged pupils

Our highly-rated School of Education has developed a pioneering toolkit to ensure funding for pupils, and especially disadvantaged children, is spent effectively.

Empowering youth voices in the Mediterranean

Our academics are tackling real-world situations and solving sensitive issues through their pioneering and impactful research.

The Durham Centre for Cultural Heritage Protection Statement on Ukraine

At a time when the cultural heritage of Ukraine is under very real and immediate threat, we send our support to the cultural heritage community in Ukraine and ask that all national and international agencies do their utmost to protect the country’s rich heritage from damage.

Off-shore energy storage project wins UK Government backing

A new collaboration between Durham University and Crondall Energy Ltd to explore the potential of Compressed Air Energy Storage (CAES) in the UK continental shelf, has won backing from the UK government.