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Brain size riddle solved as humans exceed evolution trend

We’ve helped clarify centuries of controversy surrounding brain size evolution - and resolved some puzzling complexities in the relationship between brain size and body mass.
A model of a human brain from three different angles

Alumnus Jeremiah Thoronka makes Forbes Africa 30 Under 30 list

Innovator and Founder of Optim Energy, Jeremiah Thoronka has been featured in Forbes Africa’s 30 Under 30 list for his success and impact in the Climate Change and Sustainability (Social Impact) sector.
A man smiling for the camera

Sierra Leone’s bushmeat markets pose serious health hazards – we studied two for six months to find solutions

Dr Jack Jenkins and Professor Hannah Brown from our Department of Anthropology look at solutions to the serious health hazards posed by Sierra Leone’s bushmeat markets, and how lessons learned can inform strategies for reducing zoonotic disease risks in similar settings around the world.
A bushmeat trader handles a pangolin in a market in Southern Province, Sierra Leone

Social scientist leads partnership towards net zero

Social anthropologist Professor Simone Abram has been announced as the new Durham University Ørsted Chair of Green Energy Systems and Director of Durham Energy Institute (DEI). She is the first social scientist to lead the DEI.
Photograph of David Bould, Ørsted Head of UK&IE Ventures and Open Innovation, new Ørsted Chair of Green Energy Systems at Durham University, Professor Simone Abram and Benj Sykes, Ørsted Head of Environment, Consents and External Affairs.

Monitoring the UK’s at-risk hedgehogs

We’ve joined a pioneering new three-year pilot to monitor the UK’s hedgehogs and try to reverse the fall in their numbers.
A hedgehog on the grass facing the camera

New spy cameras reveal surprising behaviours of chacma baboons

An ingenious new camera collar has offered researchers from our Anthropology department an unprecedented glimpse into the secret lives of wild baboons in South Africa.
Chacma baboons with collar camera

Durham research has a lasting global impact

We have launched a new Global Research Brochure where we shine a light on some of our incredible researchers who are making a difference in the world.
A globe with lines showing connections between different parts of the world.

Changing African landscape may have influenced early human communication

The shift from dense forests to open plains in Africa may have caused our ancient ancestors to change their vocal calls, research involving our anthropologists has found.
A picture of an orangutan

Could a new Action Plan help Canada foster the self-determination of Indigenous peoples?

Giuseppe Amatulli, is an Honorary Fellow of the Department of Anthropology and a post-doctoral fellow at Carleton University, Ottawa. Here he discusses the potential benefits of an Action Plan, recently approved by the Canadian Federal Government, to implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).
Image showing discussions with members of the Doig River First Nation

Infant sleep expert calls for a multi-agency approach to help reduce sudden unexpected death in infancy

Leading infant sleep expert Professor Helen Ball, from Durham’s Infancy and Sleep Centre, has published a report and new research calling for a multi-agency approach for the prevention of sudden unexpected death in infancy (SUDI).
Image of a baby sleeping

Keeping all ‘Eyes on the Baby’

Professor Helen Ball from Durham’s Infancy and Sleep Centre has played an intrinsic role in the research around sudden infant death and safer sleep conditions and environments for babies and infants. Here Helen shares why a multi-agency approach by Local Authorities, Early Years and family-facing services, is needed in ensuring all ‘Eyes on the Baby’.
An image of Helen Ball and co-partners at the Eyes on the Baby report launch event

Slow and steady wins the race with primate release

Meet Brek, Kiki de Mpacka, Vue de Loin and Kento – four rescued mandrills who were released back into the wild as part of a project led by our anthropologists.
A montage image of four mandrills