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Times Higher Education Impact Rankings

We’re one of the world’s leading universities for addressing the most pressing environmental, social and governance challenges society faces today.
Joint 36th
in the THE Impact Rankings 2024
9th in the world
for SDG16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
19th in the world
for SDG11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
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World-leading status affirmed in THE Impact Rankings 2024

The Times Higher Education Impact Rankings assess universities against the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and are among the most prestigious global university rankings.

In the THE Impact Rankings 2024, we’re ranked joint 36th – up from joint 77th in 2023.

We’re always developing new ways of thinking to shape a better future for our planet. Our research strengths in energy span all four of our faculties and sustainability is embedded across our teaching and learning.

We’ve made great strides in reducing our own carbon footprint and have ambitious targets to achieve net zero carbon by 2035 and a biodiversity net gain by 2032.

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Joint 89th in the QS World University Rankings 2025
19th for Sustainability in the QS World University Rankings 2025
Top 10 in UK University Rankings
Top 100 in the world for our contribution to 9 of the 17 SDGs

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Student Blog: Walking in Durham

Nestled in the countryside of the North East, Durham offers plenty of opportunities to explore the natural beauty of the area. Maths student Toby writes about one of his favourite walks along the River Path and through the Pelaw Woods.

Read Toby's blog

Explore Durham

Find out more

We are committed to taking action on the major Environment, Social and Governance challenges facing the world today, pursuing research to shape a better future and helping our students become tomorrow's world-changers. Find out more about how we're contributing to environmental, social and economic sustainability below.

  • Discover our Botanic Garden

    Set amongst beautiful mature woodlands, the Botanic Garden is a central part of our conservation and biodiversity initiatives, as well as providing a wide variety of landscapes for visitors to explore.
    A woman with short hair and a dark green sweatshirt looks to somebody off camera as she prunes a green trailing plant. She is surrounded by green plants inside a large greenhouse.

  • Join our Greenspace Movement

    The Greenspace Movement brings together our environmental initiatives and activities in one place - find out how you can get involved.
    A group of people dressed casually, walk outside as part of a guided nature walk around the estate.

Discover our Botanic Garden

Set amongst beautiful mature woodlands, the Botanic Garden is a central part of our conservation and biodiversity initiatives, as well as providing a wide variety of landscapes for visitors to explore.
A woman with short hair and a dark green sweatshirt looks to somebody off camera as she prunes a green trailing plant. She is surrounded by green plants inside a large greenhouse.

Join our Greenspace Movement

The Greenspace Movement brings together our environmental initiatives and activities in one place - find out how you can get involved.
A group of people dressed casually, walk outside as part of a guided nature walk around the estate.
Explore our Biodiversity Strategy
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Solving Global Challenges - COP28

Our research is helping to solve the challenges of an ever-changing and complex world – and inspiring the next generation of problem-solvers. We have been directly involved in Conferences of Parties (COPs) since 2021, under the 1992 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and in Meetings of Parties under the 2015 Paris Agreement. Even before then, our researchers were actively engaged in important research and projects on climate change.

Discover more about Durham University at COP28

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Find out more about how we're leading on revolutionary research, offering inspiration and reaching new heights.

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