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Pioneering Projects

Explore our diverse range of projects, from spin-out creation, research collaborations and supporting innovation. Whether we're tackling net zero challenges, advancing health sciences, or developing new technologies, our case studies showcase the impact and success of businesses and researchers working with us. 

 

90% of research rated 'world-leading' or 'internationally excellent' (UK Research Excellence Framework 2021)
£85 M research awards made to Durham (2022/23)

Towards a better future

Among our scientists, social scientists, business, arts and humanities scholars we have world-leading authorities in their field.

We are one of the top universities in the world, for taking action to address the most pressing environmental, social and governance challenges facing society today. Our researchers are shaping the world, from the intimate to the infinite.

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University student
Researchers at Durham University offer technical expertise that cannot be found elsewhere. We have been collaborating closely on a multitude of projects for several years and hope this will continue to be fruitful long into the future.

Dr Hira Virdee
Founder & CEO Lumi Space
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We are a globally outstanding centre of research

Research at Durham brings together the leading minds in their fields who work collaboratively across departments and with our partners to develop new ways of thinking that have a positive impact on societal and global challenges. 

Explore our research playlist

Research Degrees

Whether you’re looking to connect with international industry and business through your work, or the global academic research community, as a postgraduate at Durham you can expect the freedom and facilities to explore what’s important to you.

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What's new?

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New network to support humanities and social sciences early career researchers

We’re passionate about supporting early career researchers. That’s why we’re thrilled to be a partner for the newest cluster of the British Academy’s Early Career Researcher Network (ECRN).
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What does it mean to be political for today’s students?

Rille Raaper, Associate Professor in our School of Education, writes for SRHEblog.com.
People holding environmental placards

PhD Law student secures prestigious award to redefine sexual assault

Florence-Olivia Genesse was awarded a Social Science and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC) Doctoral Fellowship to pursue a research project on sexual assault and criminal law.
Woman stands with arms folded in front of foliage on a sunny day

Durham subjects among world top 100

Four of our subjects have been ranked among the world’s top 100 in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2025.
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Royal Astronomical Society honours Durham scientists

Two Durham scientists whose work helps us to understand the Universe and our own planet are being recognised by one of the UK’s leading learned societies.
Head and shoulder pictures of Dr Andrew Valentine (left) and Emeritus Professor Ian Smail (right). Both men have beards and glasses and are looking directly at the camera.

Brain cells as traffic controllers

A groundbreaking study led by Dr Marco Bocchio in our Department of Psychology reveals how specific brain cells called interneurons can act as our in-built traffic controllers.
Abstract colourful image of a person's head and brain.

PhD Law student secures prestigious award to redefine sexual assault

Florence-Olivia Genesse was awarded a Social Science and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC) Doctoral Fellowship to pursue a research project on sexual assault and criminal law.
Woman stands with arms folded in front of foliage on a sunny day

Durham subjects among world top 100

Four of our subjects have been ranked among the world’s top 100 in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2025.
Three young people seated left, looking right, smiling

Explore policies, governance and our staff directory

We develop opportunities for businesses to: link with policymakers, understand our research governance and connect with academic researchers.

  • Policy Hub

    We support knowledge exchange activities, develop networks and projects, and provide policy and impact training.
    Policy written in lettered cubes
  • Ethics and Governance

    Research ethics is a key part of research integrity, which aims to safeguard the interests and well-being of those impacted by the research.
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  • Research Staff Directory

    Connect with our academic researchers, or click below to contact our business support team.
    Business people sitting round a table at a meeting

Policy Hub

We support knowledge exchange activities, develop networks and projects, and provide policy and impact training.
Policy written in lettered cubes

Ethics and Governance

Research ethics is a key part of research integrity, which aims to safeguard the interests and well-being of those impacted by the research.
paper people dancing around glass globe

Research Staff Directory

Connect with our academic researchers, or click below to contact our business support team.
Business people sitting round a table at a meeting

Thought Leadership

Pope Francis autobiography: we’ve never known so much about the pontiff before

Assistant Professor in the History of Catholicism Liam Temple reviews the first autobiography written by a sitting pope.
The pope faces away from the camera and raises his right hand

What does it mean to be political for today’s students?

Rille Raaper, Associate Professor in our School of Education, writes for SRHEblog.com.
People holding environmental placards

Upcoming events

Medicine, Law, Ethics and Popular Culture: Vera Drake

Wednesday 29 January 2025 - Wednesday 29 January 2025
2:00 PM to 4:30 PM
Hogan Lovells
Law school exterior cropped

Richard Hooker as Pastor, Preacher, and Practical Theologian

Wednesday 29 January 2025 - Wednesday 29 January 2025
4:00 PM to 5:30 PM
The seminar is online only: http://bit.ly/4gKnSTo
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Goya's Caprichos in Nineteenth-Century France: Politics of the Grotesque

Wednesday 29 January 2025 - Wednesday 29 January 2025
6:00 PM to 7:01 PM
Online
Goya Capricho art work

COP Debrief at Durham Castle

Wednesday 29 January 2025 - Wednesday 29 January 2025
7:00 PM to 9:30 PM
Durham Castle Great Hall
Poster for the Event

Research and Innovation Services

Research and Innovation Services
Durham University
Mountjoy Centre
Stockton Road
Durham
DH1 3LE

E: business.gateway@durham.ac.uk
T: 0191 334 4650