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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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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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How exercise can support eating disorder recovery

Research led by Dr Hester Hockin-Boyers (Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences), suggests that combining seemingly opposing approaches to health management could support eating disorder recovery.
Gym class lifting handheld weights with smiling woman in foreground

Landmark Syriac Studies conference brings international research excellence to UK

A landmark conference about Syriac Studies brought more than 70 researchers from 20 countries to Durham last month. The event was a hub for academic collaboration and knowledge sharing. It was also a formative experience for early-career scholars. Here, the organisers reflect on the key highlights of the conference and why there has recently been a major revival of academic interest in Syriac Studies.
A group photo taken at the Syriac Studies in the UK conference

Supporting the next generation through oracy development

The Commission on the Future of Oracy Education in England officially launched today at the Voice 21 Speaking Summit.
Arlene Holmes-Henderson MBE pictured outside the Department of Classics and Ancient History

New £5m research centre driving economic growth and sustainability

A new joint research initiative focusing on energy systems integration has been awarded £5m by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) to help boost UK economic growth and address regional needs.
An image of solar panels and wind turbines with a distant industrial landscape

First research flight images from innovative balloon-borne telescope

Our astronomers are part of an international team behind the successful first research flight of an innovative balloon-borne telescope that will investigate the mystery of dark matter.
A host of stars with the Tarantula Nebula at its centre

Durham awarded £1.25m to accelerate social science impact

We’ve been awarded £1.25 million from the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) to develop impact from ESRC-funded research.
Brass band outreach
  • 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.
  • New imaging of bacterial DNA uncovers secrets to future antibiotic design

    In a new study, scientists from our top-rated Biosciences department joined forces with researchers from Jagiellonian University (Poland), and the John Innes Centre to reveal how a bacterial enzyme called DNA gyrase twists and stabilises DNA.
    Graphic of DNA
  • Loneliness in old age and the role of social workers

    Loneliness has been identified as a major challenge for social work because of its significant impact on health and social care services, particularly for older people. It is linked to conditions like heart disease, stroke and Alzheimer’s disease.
    Three older women chatting to each other.

New imaging of bacterial DNA uncovers secrets to future antibiotic design

In a new study, scientists from our top-rated Biosciences department joined forces with researchers from Jagiellonian University (Poland), and the John Innes Centre to reveal how a bacterial enzyme called DNA gyrase twists and stabilises DNA.
Graphic of DNA

Loneliness in old age and the role of social workers

Loneliness has been identified as a major challenge for social work because of its significant impact on health and social care services, particularly for older people. It is linked to conditions like heart disease, stroke and Alzheimer’s disease.
Three older women chatting to each other.

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.
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  • 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

Naked singularities: how quantum black holes explain why we don’t see the end of space and time

Mathematical and Theoretical Physics Fellow Robie Hennigar and his research partners outline their latest work on black holes.
An illustration of a black hole in space

Japanese scientists were pioneers of AI, yet they’re being written out of its history

Assistant Professor in the School of Modern Languages and Cultures Hansun Hsiung responds to the recent announcement of this year’s Nobel laureates in physics.
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Upcoming events

New publications of The Spanish Gallery Collection Studies Series (CEEH)

Wednesday 8 January 2025 - Wednesday 8 January 2025
6:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Online
Zurbaran Bishop Auckland Gallery

"No (Disciplinary) Limits": A Workshop for the 'Pasts in the Present' Project

Thursday 9 January 2025 - Thursday 9 January 2025
9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Seminar Room, Institute of Advanced Study, Cosin's Hall, Palace Gree
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Biophysical Sciences Institute January Symposium

Friday 10 January 2025 - Friday 10 January 2025
2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Maths and Computer Science Scott Logic/2068
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Neurodiversity Global Seminar Series 2025

Wednesday 15 January 2025 - Wednesday 26 November 2025
1:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Online
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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