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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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Tiny changes in gene expression can lead to big differences in eye size

We’re part of an international team of scientists which has discovered that tiny changes in the timing of the expression of a single gene can lead to big differences in eye size.
A close up of a fly's eye. The is red and you can see the hexagonal components of the eye.

Two Durham geologists earn lifetime achievement awards 

The Geological Society of London has recognised Professor David Selby and Dr Richard Brown for their contributions to the field of earth science.
Two Durham geologists in the field

Spotlight on: Professor Claire Horwell - protecting public health during volcanic eruptions

Our Spotlight On series celebrates our academics’ global impact. Professor Claire Horwell is a world-renowned expert on the health hazards of volcanic air pollution.
Professor Claire Horwell pictured outside with foliage and a view of a volcano behind her

Spacecraft regularly burn up in the atmosphere - is this causing harm?

Physics fellow Dr Fionagh Thomson will explore the potential risks of decommissioning satellites in the atmosphere in a project funded by the UK Space Agency. 
Polar stratospheric clouds above buildings

Babies respond positively to smell of foods experienced in the womb

Babies show positive responses to the smell of foods they were exposed to in the womb after they are born.
A montage of four pictures showing close ups of newborn babies' faces with different expressions.

Durham’s strengths in space and quantum research focus of German Ambassador’s visit

Our strengths in space and quantum research were the main focus of a visit to Durham University by the German Ambassador to the UK.
Two men look through a panel into the interior of a large box which contains machinery and wires.

Two Durham geologists earn lifetime achievement awards 

The Geological Society of London has recognised Professor David Selby and Dr Richard Brown for their contributions to the field of earth science.
Two Durham geologists in the field

Spotlight on: Professor Claire Horwell - protecting public health during volcanic eruptions

Our Spotlight On series celebrates our academics’ global impact. Professor Claire Horwell is a world-renowned expert on the health hazards of volcanic air pollution.
Professor Claire Horwell pictured outside with foliage and a view of a volcano behind her

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

  • Is Labour’s latest immigration policy counterproductive?

    The Labour Government recently announced that those arriving by irregular means to the UK, even if they are legitimate refugees, will be barred from ever becoming British citizens. Assistant Professor in Public Policy at the School of Government and International Affairs Omar Hammoud-Gallego argues that this kind of policy will not protect Labour from Reform’s insurgence, while at the same time it won’t solve the problem of irregular migration.
    A hand stamping a document on a desk
  • Bilingual children with special educational needs may be missing out on support in England

    Johny Daniel, an assistant professor in our School of Education, writes on what can be done to help these students catch up with their peers.
    Children sitting in a classroom raise their hands
  • Is Tesla’s sales slump down to Elon Musk?

    In January, sales of Tesla cars slumped across five European countries. Professor Gretchen Larsen in Marketing, Durham University Business School, and Dr James Obiegbu, at Bournemouth University, examine if this is down to the controversies surrounding Elon Musk.
    A close up of the rear wing of a black Tesla car as it charges at a red and white Tesla branded charging station.

Bilingual children with special educational needs may be missing out on support in England

Johny Daniel, an assistant professor in our School of Education, writes on what can be done to help these students catch up with their peers.
Children sitting in a classroom raise their hands

Is Tesla’s sales slump down to Elon Musk?

In January, sales of Tesla cars slumped across five European countries. Professor Gretchen Larsen in Marketing, Durham University Business School, and Dr James Obiegbu, at Bournemouth University, examine if this is down to the controversies surrounding Elon Musk.
A close up of the rear wing of a black Tesla car as it charges at a red and white Tesla branded charging station.

Upcoming events

Institute of Commercial and Corporate Law Annual Lecture 2025

Thursday 27 February 2025 - Thursday 27 February 2025
5:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Hogan Lovells Lecture Theatre
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BSI Lunchtime Seminar: Dr Rui Carvalho (Durham, Engineering) 

Friday 28 February 2025 - Friday 28 February 2025
12:00 PM to 1:30 PM
Penthouse, Collingwood College 
Students being delivered a seminar in the business school

Perfect Storm? Urban Studies Field in Ukraine

Monday 3 March 2025 - Monday 3 March 2025
1:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Cosin's Hall, Seminar Room, Palace Green
External shot of Institute of Advanced study at Cosins Hall

IAS Research Showcase Event - Building Interdisciplinary Projects

Monday 3 March 2025 - Monday 3 March 2025
2:30 PM to 4:00 PM
Seminar Room, Institute of Advanced Study, Cosin's Hall
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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