As 2024 draws to a close, we’re reflecting on some of our successes over the last 12 months. From addressing the mysteries of the Universe, to joining forces with local partners to benefit our region, it’s been a year full of achievements.
Our graduates often go on to achieve the extraordinary and this is certainly the case for physics and astronomy alumna Dr Rosemary Coogan.
Rosemary became the UK’s newest astronaut earlier this year, joining a prestigious group that includes Helen Sharman, the first British person in space, and Tim Peake, the first British ESA astronaut.
Meanwhile, our physicists and astronomers continue to conduct impactful research that enhances our understanding of space.
Studies published in 2024 include the discovery of the first extragalactic star-forming disc outside of the Milky Way, an alternative explanation for the formation of Mars’ moons and mapping how nearly six million galaxies clustered across 11 billion years of time.
From outer space to here in County Durham, we’ve forged significant partnerships to expand research opportunities and contribute positively to communities in North East England.
We launched a new £5m research centre to support the region’s growing space industry and joined forces with our neighbouring universities to form Universities for North East England.
This will see us become a unified voice for higher education in the region and help us achieve even greater social and economic impact.
We also formalised the Durham Learning Alliance through which we’ll continue working with four County Durham colleges to widen access to education and skills training.
It's important to us that our research has tangible benefits locally, nationally and globally.
We partnered with local institutions such as Durham Constabulary and the Foundation of Light charity to identify areas of our community that we can contribute to positively.
On a global level, our researchers were part of important discussions about the future of our planet at the COP29 event in Baku, Azerbaijan.
We sent six delegates to share their expertise on climate change, finance, biodiversity and law with world leaders.
Their research could help shape how we protect our planet for future generations.
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