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Research Impact
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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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  • Research Impact at Durham

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

    Aerial view of Durham

  • 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.

    Bollywood Dance group at the Oriental museum, Holi Festival, indian dance

Research Impact at Durham

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

Aerial view of Durham

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.

Bollywood Dance group at the Oriental museum, Holi Festival, indian dance

Latest news

The future of gestation

Dr Elizabeth Chloe Romanis, from Durham Law School, explores the future of gestation and its legal and ethical implications as part of a recently published book, Biotechnology, Gestation and the Law.
A hand holding soil and a small plant growing within

Cracks in Greenland Ice Sheet growing more rapidly

The Greenland Ice Sheet is cracking open more rapidly as it responds to climate change.
Overhead view looking down on crevasses criss-crossing part of the Greenland Ice Sheet.

Spotlight on: Professor Edith Hall – leading the campaign for Classics education for all

Our ‘Spotlight on’ series showcases the world-leading work of our academics. Professor Edith Hall is passionate about the lessons we can learn from ancient civilisations and is leading a campaign to put Classics education back on the UK curriculum.
Professor Edith Hall outside in the sunshine, with a cat in the background

National Astronomy Week: explore our world-leading research

During UK National Astronomy Week, 1-9 February, we’re taking a look at just some of the incredible work our researchers are doing in the fields of astronomy, cosmology and advanced instrumentation.
Planets in the solar system gathered around the sun

A groundbreaking partnership in China

Our Memorandum of Understanding with the Palace Museum in Beijing is creating new opportunities for collaboration, with exciting results.
The Forbidden City on a clear day

Leading the world in Physics research

From quantum science to galactic discoveries, our Department of Physics is at the forefront of breakthroughs in the field.
Stars in the blackness of space

Pope Francis autobiography: we’ve never known so much about the pontiff before

Constantly in the public eye, Pope Francis is instantly recognisable across the globe, and his likeness adorns t-shirts, mugs, calendars, bookmarks, medals and jewellery, among other things. Too conservative for some, not conservative enough for others, he is the face of the modern Catholic Church.
Cover Hope Pope Francis autobiography

Spotlight on: Professor Simon Cornish – working at the forefront of quantum physics

Our ‘Spotlight on’ series highlights how our researchers are leading their field and transforming lives. Professor Simon Cornish works at the forefront of quantum physics, using cutting-edge techniques to explore the fundamental laws of nature.
Professor Simon Cornish standing in the sunshine with a view of treetops and Durham Cathedral behind him

Wives earning more than husbands linked to rising mental health diagnoses in couples

Women becoming the breadwinner of the family can result in a higher likelihood of mental health issues for both husbands and wives, research reveals.
Depressed couple after argument

Physicists use telescopic trick to discover new stars

An international team of physicists, led in the UK by our Centre for Extragalactic Astronomy, has discovered over 40 previously unknown stars.
Image from the James Web Space Telescope showing newly discovered stars in the distant Dragon Arc galaxy

Orphaned bonobos can overcome trauma to develop social skills and empathy

Bonobo apes orphaned by the illegal trade in bushmeat and pets can overcome trauma and develop social abilities like those of their mother-reared peers.
Two bonobo apes lie on their sides on the ground. The tops of their heads are touching each other as they look towards the camera.

Professor Emily Thomas visits the USA

Head of Department Professor Emily Thomas attends Liberal Arts Summit.
Professor Emily Thomas - Head of Department
Sample tubes being held by purple latex gloves over a light box

Research Newsletter

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