Helping our region to thrive

The UK Government has made 'Levelling Up' across the regions of the UK a key part of its domestic policy agenda. Here, our Vice-Chancellor sets out our approach and how we're contributing to this important work.

Investment, innovation, job creation, development

Professor Karen O'Brien, Vice-Chancellor and Warden, said: “Durham University is proud to have worked with partners across the North East of England for nearly 200 years to drive investment, innovation, job creation and development, and the adaptation of our economy for the challenges that lie ahead.

"We are actively engaged with our local communities to tackle inequalities and embrace new opportunities through our impactful research, innovation and investment to transform lives for the better.

"We are at the forefront in boosting education, employment and infrastructure in Durham and shaping sustainable economic growth in North East England.

Important agenda

"We welcome the Government’s focus on Levelling Up and look forward to continuing discussions, locally and nationally, on how we can contribute to this important agenda.

"We are committed to raising educational attainment in North East England and expanding the work we already do with schools, including those in the Education Investment Areas, and supporting further development of post-16 providers in the region.

"We provide training and qualifications for teachers, many of whom continue to live and work in the region. Our flagship Maths School will benefit talented students who would not otherwise have access to post-16 mathematics education, and we are a major partner in the Laidlaw Teaching and Leadership Centre at Sedgefield Community College, which will provide additional classroom space as well as a hub for training secondary school teachers.

"Our Memorandum of Understanding with Durham County Council further outlines our commitment to support the local educational environment to encourage wider participation and diversity in the attainment of key educational qualifications, thus supporting the regional economic skills demand.”

Find out more 

• Find out how we're supporting local businesses through our Orbit enterprise zone with access to our research expertise, support and learning
• Explore how we're commercialising innovation and boosting the region’s economy through the Northern Accelerator project
• We're furthering post-16 mathematics education across the North East England with Durham Mathematics School
• We have a scholarship programme for North East students to study at Durham
• We're supporting the Laidlaw Teaching and Leadership Centre at Sedgefield Community College
• Read how we're supporting apprentices and local jobs with the UK Government’s Apprenticeship Levy fund
• We're backing Durham County’s UK City of Culture 2025 bid
• We offer a wide range of research-based continuing professional development (CPD) and outreach in Science for schools and teachers