Scientists have discovered the farthest possible star ever seen to date, an extraordinary new benchmark in the detailing of our Universe.

The Centre for Advanced Instrumentation (CfAI) has recently hosted two researchers from the National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand (NARIT) as part of an Official Development Assistance project funded by STFC-Newton Fund.

Sustainable emergency shelter company Nostos Homes picked up the grand prize of £100,000 worth of research and business support at the ‘just IMAGINE if…’ social enterprise competition hosted at Durham University.

Charlotte Riley, the award-winning actor and campaigner, will receive an honorary degree at our graduation ceremonies this week.

This Saturday, 25 March, between 8.30pm and 9.30pm is Earth Hour, which is an annual event to encourage people to take action on environmental issues and save our planet.

Our Centre for Neurodiversity and Development, in partnership with Durham County Council, has launched a free online evidence-based training tool to help teachers better understand the challenges faced by autistic and neurodivergent children and young people, with practical ways to support them.

After having to postpone our traditional graduation events for two years, we are excited to be delivering a week of Spring Congregation ceremonies in Durham Cathedral for our graduates. A total of 17 ceremonies will take place from Monday 28 March to Friday 1 April. Students from 120 countries will graduate in the magnificent setting of Durham Cathedral, in the company of their families and friends.

Durham University has teamed up with new partner, Housing Hand, to give students easier access to renting private property by offering a Rent Guarantor scheme. The scheme will benefit both students from the UK and from overseas by providing a UK-based guarantor in order to rent a home. This will avoid the need to produce 6 or 12 months’ rent upfront, which is often the case when there is no sufficient guarantor in place.

The Durham Infancy and Sleep Centre is launching a new training kit for health professionals to help new parents deal with sleepless nights.

We’re celebrating the announcement that County Durham has been shortlisted for UK City of Culture 2025.

Last week we joined Durham Parish Council to unveil the restoration of a mural at Ruth First House.

Between Friday 11 and Sunday 20 March, we’re celebrating British Science Week. In our final story of the week, we’re reflecting on how our researchers are using their knowledge to understand how climate change is impacting the world around us.