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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

Working together to achieve environmental sustainability

Our Vice-Chancellor, Professor Karen O'Brien, explores how we are contributing to achieving environmental sustainability, locally and globally.
Professor Karen O'Brien, Vice-Chancellor and Warden of Durham University, stood smiling with arms folded, in front of bookshelves

Give bidi cigarette rollers a voice to find new jobs, researchers say

India’s bidi cigarette workers need to be at the heart of discussions about finding alternatives to working in the tobacco industry, according to a new study.
2 people rolling bidi cigarettes

Durham recognised as global leader in sustainability

We’re excited to have been recognised as contributing more to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), demonstrating our commitment to a sustainable future.
Three females in conversation outside the University

Developing new gene variants to breed climate resilient chickpeas

Scientists from our top-rated Biosciences Department working with colleagues from Harran University in Turkey and University of California Davis in the USA, have discovered that flowering time in chickpeas and its wild relatives are influenced by one to three major genes.
Chickpea

Protecting cultural heritage around the world

We’re excited to launch a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) entitled Endangered Archaeology: Using Remote Sensing to Protect Cultural Heritage.
Groups of people working together.

University welcomes stronger connections with India

Strengthening educational ties between the UK and India is one of the areas of focus of the UK Prime Minister’s visit to India this week.
Indian flag blowing in the wind

Record number of Durham subjects in world’s top 50

Durham University is at the forefront of global academic excellence and our global rankings reflect that status.
QS WUR subject

Understanding surface melting around the world’s largest ice sheet

A first-of-its-kind study led by our Department of Geography has investigated the formation of surface meltwater lakes around the world’s largest ice sheet, offering new insights into the potential impact of recent climate change on the ‘Frozen Continent’.
Image of a meltwater lake on the Sørsdal Glacier taken by Dave Lomas

Tackling global childhood obesity with ground-breaking research

Research by Sport and Exercise Sciences has made a positive impact on policy and practice addressing the global problem of childhood obesity.
Childhood obesity

How a makeshift PoW chapel from WWII continues to connect Ukrainians and Britons

PhD student, Daniel Adamson, from our Department of History, discusses the history of a chapel in Scotland created by Ukrainian prisoners of war and how this ties in with current events.
Hallmuir Scotland Ukrainian Chapel

Ukraine war: death of a ‘fixer’ underlines the dangers of this unsung but vital job for journalism

Professor Tim Luckhurst, Principal of South College, emphasises the importance of a 'fixer' to broadcasters covering foreign conflicts for international news organisations.
After the explosion in Kyiv Ukraine 2022

Toolkit supports better learning for disadvantaged pupils

Our highly-rated School of Education has developed a pioneering toolkit to ensure funding for pupils, and especially disadvantaged children, is spent effectively.
Premium toolkit
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