As we approach the end of 2025, we’re reflecting on some of the achievements, discoveries, and moments that shaped an exceptional 12 months for Durham.

A delegation of leaders and researchers from China’s Wuhan University (WHU) has visited Durham to reaffirm and strengthen the relationship between our institutions.

Mohammed Alzuhair, Doctor of Business Administration candidate and researcher at Durham University Business School, examines how recent storms have exposed the vulnerability of the UK’s food supply chain.

Durham has joined the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities, continuing its long history as a significant site of scholarship and learning for over 1,000 years.

A new study highlights that economic inactivity is driven by deep-rooted structural and social barriers, rather than a lack of willingness to work.

A culturally significant Māori cloak will go on display in Aotearoa New Zealand as part of a new partnership between Durham University and Auckland War Memorial Museum.

Durham University has entered into a partnership with the MarcoPolo700 Foundation to develop a pioneering East-West Institute in Hong Kong and Durham.

Scientists from the British Geological Survey (BGS) working with Professor Bob Holdsworth from our Earth Sciences Department have been given access to cores drilled through the Great Glen Fault, the UK’s largest fault zone.

Professor Karen O’Brien participated in her first Coimbra Group Rectors’ Advisory Group meeting in Brussels last month.

We’re spearheading a groundbreaking research initiative that will drive the UK’s transition to low-carbon energy and foster innovation in geoenergy technologies.

Miranda Wang, a PhD student in our Law School, has won this year’s international Matariki Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition. The competition challenges PhD students to explain their research to a non-specialist audience in just three minutes.

The quality of teaching and learning that our students enjoy at Durham has been recognised at a global awards ceremony.

A new University College rowing boat has been named in honour of one the College’s most notable alumni: Guillaume V, the Grand Duke of Luxembourg.

Professor Jonathan Darling, from our Department of Geography, explores the UK Home Secretary's proposed reforms to the asylum system.

Imagine a busy classroom with children hearing and interpreting lots of sounds around them. PhD student, Katherine Collier, from our School of Education has looked at the academic impact on children with mild and unilateral hearing loss.

The use of e-fuels could be the way forward but there are some barriers. Jon Gluyas, who is a Professor in Geoenergy, Carbon Capture and Storage, takes us through the challenges.

We have been recognised for our commitment to promoting gender equality through an institutional Athena Swan Silver Award.

Following a hugely successful first six months, we’re extending our Shakespeare Recovered exhibition showcasing Durham’s copy of Shakespeare’s First Folio.

Plans to develop an innovation district of national significance in Durham City have taken a major step forward, with the signing of a key agreement.