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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

Waiting for Ethiopia: Berbera port upgrade raises Somaliland’s hopes for trade

Professor Jutta Bakonyi from our School of Government and International Affairs talks about the improvements in Berbera port that could elevate Somaliland's international trades.
Sea port

Constant fear of eviction: how poor people experience life in Somaliland’s growing cities

Professor Jutta Bakonyi from our School of Government and International Affairs along with colleagues from University of Hargeisa, Somalia sheds light on the living experience of poor people in Somaliland cities.
Somalian cities

High air pollution in cities contributes to firms being less efficient at investing

Firms that are based in a city with high levels of air pollution have much lower efficiency when it comes to corporate investments, according to new research from Guanming He, Associate Professor in Accounting, and Tiantian Lin, from Beijing Jiaotong University.
Aerial Photography of City Buildings Under Cloudy Sky

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.
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