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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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Latest news

A new generation of telescopes will probe the ‘unknown unknowns’ that could transform our knowledge of the universe

Professor Richard Massey, from our Department of Physics, explores the potential of a new generation of telescopes.
Artistic impression of a telescope in space

Sudan’s brutal war has become many wars, making peace even harder to reach

Professor Justin Willis, from our Department of History, and Professor Sharath Srinivasan from the University of Cambridge, explore the ongoing conflict in Sudan between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), discussing the complex nature of the war, its devastating impact on civilians, and the challenges in finding a peaceful resolution.
An aerial photo showing fires of fuel and ammunition warehouses in the Jabra area south of the Sudanese capital Khartoum

Three ways the upcoming UN biodiversity summit could make a difference

Professor Harriet Bulkeley, in our Department of Geography, will be attending the Cop16 UN biodiversity summit in Colombia (21 October to 1 November). Here she looks at three ways in which the summit could effectively help the world halt and reverse biodiversity loss.
A woodland scene showing wildflowers in the foreground and a thick wood of trees behind.

Can elections redefine what makes an ideal leader?

Election results shape public perceptions of “ideal” leadership, according to new research from the School. This influence inspires leaders to adopt similar traits, though “ideal” doesn’t always mean good or effective leadership.
US Capitol Building on a sunny day

For their mutual benefit: Policy implications from Justin Willis research on Kenya’s Savings and Credit Cooperatives

New research on Savings and Credit Co-operatives reveals what Justin Willis and his team have done for Kenyans and for Kenya’s economy.
A colour photo of a group of people gathered at a SACCO conference meeting

Strengthening global research partnerships through prestigious Fellowship

We’re strengthening relationships with researchers in India thanks to the awarding of a prestigious Royal Society Visiting Fellowship to our Physics Professor Adekunle Adeyeye.
Professor Adeyeye standing outside in a blazer and shirt

World Tourism Day: Exploring the philosophy of travel

Philosophy and travel have been tangled together for centuries. On World Tourism Day, Professor Emily Thomas, who is the Head of our Department of Philosophy, assesses how the two interlink in unexpected and fascinating ways.
A hand placing a pin in a world map

European Day of Languages: Will lesser spoken languages soon only be kept alive by AI technology?

European Day of Languages is an annual celebration of the diverse range of languages spoken across the continent. But as Dr Fintan Mallory, from our Department of Philosophy, explains how we shouldn't expect AI technology to save lesser spoken languages.
German words on a page

Sexual strangulation has become popular – but that doesn’t mean it’s wanted

The act of strangulation has become increasingly normalised and sexualised. Dr Hannah Bows, from our Law School, explains that despite its increased popularity, research shows it isn't necessarily wanted, especially by women.
A hand gripping a white quilt next to a silver condom wrapper

A new wave of Venezuelan refugees would threaten a humanitarian crisis – Latin America could learn from Europe

As Venezuela continues to grapple with political and economic collapse, the international community – and particularly neighbouring Latin American nations – must be prepared for another surge of migration. Dr Omar Hammoud Gallego, from our School of Government and International Affairs, explores how the region should react to this situation.
An image of Maracaibo in northwestern Venezuela

Trump survived another apparent assassination attempt – but it won’t have the same positive effect on his polling

Donald Trump has been the subject of another apparent assassination attempt. Dr David Andersen, from our School of Government and International Affairs, explores whether this will boost the Republican Party presidential candidate's chances of a return to The White House.
Donald Trump delivering a speech at a political rally near Atlanta in 2016

Astronomers discover largest black hole jets ever recorded in space

A Durham physicist is part of an international research team that has discovered the biggest pair of black hole jets ever seen in space, spanning 23 million light-years in total length.
A colourful artist's impression of a giant black hole jet in space
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