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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

International Day of Peace: Exploring the role of cricket in post-civil-war Sri Lanka

Since the end of Sri Lanka’s civil war in 2009, several former international cricketers, politicians and NGOs have made claims that cricket is an important tool for reconciliation. On International Day of Peace, Dr Ben Hildred, from our Department of Anthropology, explains how his research considers the role of cricket in development and peace efforts across the country.
Sri Lankan children playing cricket. A batter has hit the ball.

Antarctica’s receding sea ice could impact seabirds’ food supply

Antarctica’s rapidly receding sea ice could have a negative impact on the food supply of seabirds that breed hundreds of miles away from the continent.
A northern giant petrel flying above water with a mountainous landscape in the background

Firebrand finally tells Katherine Parr’s story – and Jude Law is grippingly grotesque as Henry VIII

Firebrand starring Jude Law and Alicia Vikander tells the story of Katherine Parr and explores how she outlived her murderous husband, Henry VIII. But is it worth a watch? Professor Alec Ryrie, from our Department of Theology and Religion, gives his views on the new cinema release.
Henry and Katherine Parr. Illustration by John Leech (1817-1864)