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Current Research

Research that makes a difference.

Durham is an ancient seat of learning and a leading world University which, since its establishment in 1832, has developed a distinctive reputation for leadership and innovation in education and research.
Research and Business
Scientists examine DNA models in modern Neurological Research Laboratory

Research, scholarship and ideas are at the core of Durham University. We are home to some of the most talented researchers and scholars from around the world, tackling global issues, and making a difference to people's lives. Research directly informs our undergraduate and postgraduate teaching and, in partnership with policy-makers, industry, the public sector, and communities around the world, shapes local, national and international agendas.

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Working to answer the ultimate question – are we alone in the Universe?

Dr Cyril Bourgenot from our Centre for Advanced Instrumentation is part of a team developing cutting-edge technology to enable astronomers to look deeper into the Universe. He is presenting this work as part of the Royal Astronomical Society’s National Astronomy Meeting 2025, which is being hosted by Durham University this week. Here, Cyril tells us about his work and how it could help answer the ultimate astronomical question – is there life elsewhere.

Global research
Keck Observatory in Hawaii, taken at night with lasers shining into the sky

National Astronomy Meeting 2025 - exploring Durham’s rich astronomical research

Almost a thousand of the world’s top space scientists will visit Durham University next week (7 to 11 July) as we host the UK’s National Astronomy Meeting (NAM) 2025.
Global research
Two people looking up at a dark, starry sky.

Using GPS trackers to study red deer behaviour in Scotland

Researchers are tracking the movement of red deer in the Highlands of Scotland using GPS collars as part of a new project.
Research news
Two red deer

Pioneering collaboration will create new Green Corridors in the North East

We’re part of a collaboration to create three new ‘Green Corridors’ in the North East of England, transforming urban, suburban, and rural areas across the region.
Research news
River Wear in the foreground flowing past the remains of Finchale Priory in County Durham

Why newborn babies don’t need sleep training

Are you a new parent worrying about whether your baby is sleeping enough or how long they should nap for? A new book by our world-leading baby sleep expert, Professor Helen Ball, could be just what you need.
Research news
A mum holding a newborn baby in her arms.

£11.5m project to turn sewage into sustainable fuels

Our engineering and energy researchers are sharing in £11.5m to turn sewage sludge into sustainable fuels for transport and carbon products for agriculture and industry.
Global research
Aerial view of a sewage treatment works.

1.5°C target too high for polar ice sheets and sea level rise

Efforts to limit the global temperature increase to 1.5°C under the Paris Climate Agreement may not go far enough to save the world’s ice sheets.
Global research
Rock and ice in the foreground with sea and ice in the background.
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Using GPS trackers to study red deer behaviour in Scotland

Researchers are tracking the movement of red deer in the Highlands of Scotland using GPS collars as part of a new project.

Two red deer

Pioneering collaboration will create new Green Corridors in the North East

We’re part of a collaboration to create three new ‘Green Corridors’ in the North East of England, transforming urban, suburban, and rural areas across the region.
River Wear in the foreground flowing past the remains of Finchale Priory in County Durham

Why newborn babies don’t need sleep training

Are you a new parent worrying about whether your baby is sleeping enough or how long they should nap for? A new book by our world-leading baby sleep expert, Professor Helen Ball, could be just what you need.
A mum holding a newborn baby in her arms.
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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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Durham University Research

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Thought Leadership

  • Pylon wars show why big energy plans need locals on board

    Thousands of new electricity pylons are to be built across parts of England under the government’s plans to decarbonise the electricity. And some people aren’t happy. Professor Simone Abram from our Department of Anthropology and Director of Durham Energy Institute, explores why electricity pylons can evoke such powerful feelings.
    Research news
    Electricity pylons with sun setting behind them

  • How the UK became dependent on asylum hotels

    The UK Government has promised to stop using hotels to house asylum seekers by 2029. Professor Jonathan Darling from our Department of Geography takes a look at the details behind the plans.
    Research news
    A group of women standing around with bags on the floor.

  • Who called Shakespeare ‘upstart crow’? Our study points to his co-author, Thomas Nashe

    A team of researchers, including Dr Rachel White from our Department of English Studies, has presented new evidence about one of the most famous insults in English literature – the phrase ‘upstart crow’ aimed at William Shakespeare.
    Research news
    Statue of William Shakespeare

Pylon wars show why big energy plans need locals on board

Thousands of new electricity pylons are to be built across parts of England under the government’s plans to decarbonise the electricity. And some people aren’t happy. Professor Simone Abram from our Department of Anthropology and Director of Durham Energy Institute, explores why electricity pylons can evoke such powerful feelings.

Research news
Electricity pylons with sun setting behind them

How the UK became dependent on asylum hotels

The UK Government has promised to stop using hotels to house asylum seekers by 2029. Professor Jonathan Darling from our Department of Geography takes a look at the details behind the plans.
Research news
A group of women standing around with bags on the floor.

Who called Shakespeare ‘upstart crow’? Our study points to his co-author, Thomas Nashe

A team of researchers, including Dr Rachel White from our Department of English Studies, has presented new evidence about one of the most famous insults in English literature – the phrase ‘upstart crow’ aimed at William Shakespeare.
Research news
Statue of William Shakespeare
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