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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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Simulations solve centuries-old cosmic puzzle – and reveal new class of ancient star systems

Astronomers have solved a centuries-old puzzle surrounding one of the Universe’s oldest and densest star systems.
A strip of stars runs from top to bottom of the picture against a black background and shrouded by purple clouds

Polar geoengineering ideas will not help and could harm, experts warn

Five of the most-publicised polar geoengineering ideas are highly unlikely to help the polar regions, according to a new study involving our geographers.
An ice sheet juts out into the ocean.

Twenty Durham researchers appointed to REF 2029 sub-panels

Twenty of our researchers will take important roles in assessing UK universities’ research quality.
Woman in lab coat holding microscope-like device

Study shows the lack of ‘me time’ for new mothers

New mothers only have about an hour out of their waking day for rest, according to new research by our psychologists.
A mother kissing her baby's foot whils the baby is lying on the bed

Understanding readers’ imaginations could enhance mental health therapies

A new tool to understand how people imagine differently when reading could have potential implications for the treatment of mental ill health.
Cards scattered on a table with the central card reading ReaderBank

Using computers to track the changing sound of bands

Coldplay, Radiohead or R.E.M. – which band has changed their music the most over the years?
Lead singer of Coldplay, Chris Martin, performing at a concert.

Study shows the lack of ‘me time’ for new mothers

New mothers only have about an hour out of their waking day for rest, according to new research by our psychologists.
A mother kissing her baby's foot whils the baby is lying on the bed

Has immigration led to a new form of labour market protectionism in Europe?

Drawing on a study of legislative changes in Austria, Germany, Ireland and the UK, Omar Hammoud-Gallego, Pat McGovern and Eiko Thielemann identify a new development in immigration control that extends beyond borders into the workplace.
A welder at work wearing a visor with sparks showing.

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.
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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

  • Why Egypt is not bowing to pressure to accept Palestinian refugees

    Dr Rory McCarthy, Associate Professor in Politics and Islam, at our School of Government and International Affairs is an expert in social movements, contentious politics, and Islamism in the Middle East and North Africa. Here Rory discusses the latest Israel military advances and the pressures on Egypt.
    Map location of Egypt
  • A volcano or a meteorite? New evidence sheds light on puzzling discovery in Greenland’s ice sheet

    New evidence from Greenland's ice sheet challenges previous theories about a mysterious impact site. Professor James Baldini from our Earth Sciences Department now suggesting it could be the result of a volcanic eruption rather than a meteorite strike.
    Volcanic eruption
  • What we’ve learned about narcissism over the past 30 years

    You’ve probably seen the word “narcissist” thrown around online in headlines, on dating apps or in therapy-themed TikToks. But the label that people often unthinkingly slap on toxic bosses or reality TV villains hides a much more complicated psychological picture. Here our Assistant Professor of Educational Psychology, Sarah Walker, explores the evolution of our knowledge of narcissism over the last three decades.
    A man wearing a smart blue shirt and waistcoat poses for a selfie using a selfie stick

A volcano or a meteorite? New evidence sheds light on puzzling discovery in Greenland’s ice sheet

New evidence from Greenland's ice sheet challenges previous theories about a mysterious impact site. Professor James Baldini from our Earth Sciences Department now suggesting it could be the result of a volcanic eruption rather than a meteorite strike.
Volcanic eruption

What we’ve learned about narcissism over the past 30 years

You’ve probably seen the word “narcissist” thrown around online in headlines, on dating apps or in therapy-themed TikToks. But the label that people often unthinkingly slap on toxic bosses or reality TV villains hides a much more complicated psychological picture. Here our Assistant Professor of Educational Psychology, Sarah Walker, explores the evolution of our knowledge of narcissism over the last three decades.
A man wearing a smart blue shirt and waistcoat poses for a selfie using a selfie stick

Upcoming events

Game Studies Now, Next, North East - DUGS symposium

Friday 26 September 2025 - Friday 26 September 2025
10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Room TLC101, Teaching and Learning Centre, South Road, Durham, DH1 3LS
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Early Modern Pasts and Futures

Friday 26 September 2025 - Friday 26 September 2025
11:00 AM to 3:00 PM
7 Owengate
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Join us for Fika!

Wednesday 1 October 2025 - Wednesday 1 October 2025
9:30 AM to 10:30 AM
IMH (Confluence Building)
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Regulation of Social Media: the Limits of Content Moderation in a democratic environment

Wednesday 1 October 2025 - Wednesday 1 October 2025
12:00 PM to 1:00 PM
TBC
Durham Law School

Research and Innovation Services

Research and Innovation Services
Durham University,
Boldon House,
Wheatlands Way,
Pity Me,
Durham,
DH1 5FA.

E: business.gateway@durham.ac.uk