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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

Discover how our research is changing lives around the world using the button below. We also have a static PDF version available.

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Latest news

Unravelling the mystery of the Milky Way’s satellite galaxies

Our astronomers have solved an outstanding problem that challenged our understanding of how the Universe evolved.
High-resolution simulations of the dark matter enveloping the Milky Way and its neighbour, the Andromeda galaxy.

Durham University Chancellor to deliver prestigious BBC Reith Lecture

Our new Chancellor Fiona Hill is among four leading thinkers chosen to deliver a prestigious BBC Reith Lecture this December.
Fiona Hill giving a speech

Durham climate expert chosen for prestigious panel

A Durham University expert on climate change has been appointed to the governing body of the European Research Council (ERC).
Professor Harriet Bulkeley in front of trees, looking off-camera

Durham joins Nature Positive Universities Alliance

We are delighted to join the Nature Positive Universities Alliance as a founding member.
Nature positive

Congratulations to all our graduating students

We are looking forward to an exciting two days of Winter Congregation ceremonies in Durham Cathedral for our graduates. A total of six ceremonies will take place on Thursday 5 and Friday 6 January 2023. Students from 120 countries will graduate in the magnificent setting of Durham Cathedral, in the company of their families and friends. 

Shipping must accelerate its decarbonisation efforts – and now it has the opportunity to do so

Dr Christiaan De Beukelaer, a visiting fellow at our Institute of Advanced Study, describes how shipping must reach zero carbon emissions.
A shipping boat.

Scientists decrypt the ‘mechanical code’ of DNA

Our highly-rated Department of Biosciences has helped to decipher the mechanical code of DNA.
DNA code

Professor Sue Black named on new Diversity Power List

We’re thrilled to announce that Professor Sue Black OBE has been recognised in a brand-new Diversity Power List, honouring 50 of the UK’s most inclusive and inspirational people.
Image of female with red hair and black glasses with title Power Diversity list

US Presidential adviser Fiona Hill announced as new Chancellor

Fiona Hill, an acclaimed foreign affairs specialist and authority on Russian and European geopolitics, is to be our next Chancellor.
Fiona Hill

The New Spirit of Capitalism: How neoliberalism has changed the way we do religion

In his new book – Neoliberal Religion: Faith and Power in the Twenty-First Century – Mathew Guest interrogates the relationship between contemporary religions and neoliberal logic, and how the former have used the latter to build their movements.
Pound notes.

Durham graduate named new generation astronaut

We’re exceptionally proud to say that Durham graduate Dr Rosemary Coogan has been named as a new generation astronaut.
head and shoulders picture of ESA astronaut Rosemary Coogan in uniform

Collaboration in Research and Education - Durham CSDLP at COP27

A COP27 side event hosted by Centre for Sustainable Development Law and Policy (CSDLP) about extending collaborative links with climate learners, including researchers, students, and civil society took place on 14 November 2022. The core of the event was the role of the Centre for Sustainable Development Law and Policy (CSDLP) in delivering lifelong literacy.
presentation
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