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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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Explore our global research

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Latest news

Friction, Lubrication and Rheology at the Nano and Mesoscale

We are delighted to share the success of the FLRN 2022 Conference in spite of the impact of the concurrent COVID and heat waves! Following on the positive feedback on the NanoLubrication 2021 Conference, Miro Cafolla (Physics, CMP) organised a meeting also this year (20-21 July 2022) with the generous support of the Institute of Advanced Studies.
Conference attendees discuss over a group Zoom call, and other attendees pose in a group photo

Fate of the world’s biggest ice sheet is in our hands

The fate of the world’s biggest ice sheet is in our hands, researchers say.
East Antarctic Ice Sheet

Majority of customers have a positive experience with customer services robots

Interacting with robots triggers emotions of joy, love, surprise, interest and excitement for customers, whilst discontent is mainly expressed when customers cannot use service robots due to them malfunctioning, according to new research conducted by Dr Zhibin Lin, Associate Professor of Marketing, alongside colleagues from Smith School of Business, Queen’s University, Audencia Business School and Jimei University.
Friendly robot smiling

Durham History Department ranked 35th best in world

We’re delighted to report that the History department has moved up two places to 35th in the 2022 QS World University Rankings by subject
Student walking outside the Department of History

Securing Scotland’s independence: Moving beyond process?

Aileen McHarg, Professor of Public Law and Human Rights at Durham Law School, discusses the paths to independence for Scotland following the First Minister's statement, including a new 'plan C' - the next UK General Election.
St Andrew's cross, flag of Scotland, blowing in the breeze

Durham hosts international meeting on protecting cultural heritage

Experts from around the world met in Durham to discuss how to protect cultural heritage at risk of destruction from human and natural disasters.
University College (Durham Castle)

Durham hosts international meeting on protecting cultural heritage

Experts from around the world met in Durham to discuss how to protect cultural heritage at risk of destruction from human and natural disasters.
University College (Durham Castle)

Chancellor Sir Thomas Allen bows out with final Congregation

Opera star Sir Thomas Allen will take his final bow as Chancellor here at Durham University during Summer Congregation. His retirement was announced last year and he will say farewell to the University and our students as he hosts an extended programme of graduation ceremonies to be held in Durham Cathedral.
Sir Thomas Allen at Congregation

New study indicates worrying ice loss in West Antarctica

Two major glaciers in West Antarctica may be losing ice faster than they have in at least the last 5,000 years.
Scientists carrying out fieldwork in West Antarctica.

Influencing elections and governance in Africa

Our impact-making research in History is bringing a change in the political landscape in sub-Saharan Africa.
ss Africa

Acclaimed University of Colorado physicist and researcher Prof. Heather Lewandowski to deliver the 2022 Rochester Lecture

Prof. Heather Lewandowski is this year's invited speaker to deliver the 2022 Rochester Lecture, which will be held in the Ph8 Lecture Theatre, Wednesday 18 May 2022 at 4.30pm. This year's lecture is titled 'Watching chemical reactions happen one molecule at a time'.
Image of Prof. Heather Lewandowski and the JILA and Colorado University logos

Stopping the spread of malaria

We’ve shaped the World Health Organization’s policy on global mosquito control to tackle the spread of lethal diseases like malaria and dengue fever.
Vctr control
Aerial view of Durham

Research Impact at Durham

Read about our Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021 impact case studies.

Impact Case Studies
Korean drummers playing at the Oriental Museum

Global Culture

Interested in how the cultural activities of Durham's staff and student bodies enrich life worldwide? Head to the Global Culture page to find out.

Find out more