Skip to main content
Research and Business
A purple illustration of the planet with virtual connections

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.

Discover More

What's new?

Filter:

Putting human rights at the heart of COP30

Durham Law professor Elisa Morgera is advising governments on how human rights can be included in negotiations at the COP30 climate summit.

Global research
A person holds a sign reading There is No Planet B above their head.

Durham scientist contributes to global UNESCO report on unprecedented glacier loss

Geographer Dr Caroline Clason has played a key role in a major new international report highlighting the accelerating decline of the world’s glaciers and ice sheets.
Global research
A mountain glacier running into water.

New exhibition celebrates women who live and breathe North East football

The stories of female fans of Newcastle and Sunderland men’s football teams are celebrated in a new online and pop-up exhibition at Durham University.
Research news
A crowd of football fans with the words: Away from home. The untold stories of women football fans

Durham scientists supporting NASA mission to find Earth-like worlds

Our scientists are investigating how a UK-led team could design and build a core instrument for a flagship NASA mission to search for life on distant planets.
Global research
An Earth-like planet in the foreground with a nearby star in the distance.

New telescope captures first light in Chile

A major milestone in a global telescope collaboration involving astronomers from our Department of Physics has been achieved.
Research news
Images showing 4MOST first light observations, showing typical sky area covered by one 4MOST pointing (image to the left), together with one example spectrum, out of the 2,400 simultaneously measured spectra acquired by 4MOST (image to the right).

Collaborating with Action for ME to improve understanding of ME

Dr Katharine Cheston, from our Institute for Medical Humanities and Department of Sociology, is working with the charity Action for ME to better understand what it is like to live with ME and long Covid.
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
Woman facing camera, smiling. Head and shoulders visible

UK must increase water availability to meet decarbonisation goals

The UK must significantly increase water availability to meet its decarbonisation goals, according to new research led by our Department of Engineering and involving our Department of Earth Sciences.
Research news
The Humber Suspension Bridge spans over the River Humber.
Discover More News

New exhibition celebrates women who live and breathe North East football

The stories of female fans of Newcastle and Sunderland men’s football teams are celebrated in a new online and pop-up exhibition at Durham University.

A crowd of football fans with the words: Away from home. The untold stories of women football fans

New telescope captures first light in Chile

A major milestone in a global telescope collaboration involving astronomers from our Department of Physics has been achieved.
Images showing 4MOST first light observations, showing typical sky area covered by one 4MOST pointing (image to the left), together with one example spectrum, out of the 2,400 simultaneously measured spectra acquired by 4MOST (image to the right).

What does the future hold for the North East region?

How did the North East region transform from one with innovative firms to one with assembly line factories to eventually become a destination for call centres and Amazon distribution centres?
The Angel of the North in Gateshead
This is the image alt text

Explore our global research

Discover how our research is changing lives around the world using the button below. We also have a static PDF version available.

Read our research brochure

Durham University Research

Play video 1

Thought Leadership

How a medieval Oxford friar used light and colour to find out what stars and planets are made of

A medieval friar challenged the scientific orthodoxy of his day around the make-up of stars and planets. Dr William Crozier from our Department of Theology and Religion sheds a light on this 13th century “controversy”.

Research news
The moon

What the review of England’s national curriculum means for disadvantaged schools

Professor Stephen Gorard from our School of Education reflects on the national curriculum review for children from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Research news
Students at school

Dam disasters of the 1920s made reservoirs safer – now the climate crisis is increasing risk again

Professor Jeff Warburton from our Geography Department sheds light on how devastating dam failures in the 1920s led to major safety reforms and engineering improvements that made reservoirs far more secure. However, he warns that the growing impacts of climate change including more extreme weather and flooding are once again putting these ageing structures and their safety standards under serious strain.
Research news
The breach in the Eigiau Dam where the channel conveyed water across the plateau to the Coedty reservoir two miles downstream.
Discover more comment and opinion