Global Impact - Durham University

Research to empower and inspire

We are a globally outstanding centre of teaching, learning and research excellence. We are a world top 100 university, with 12 of our subjects ranked in the world top 50 and 19 in the world top 100. We conduct innovative and impactful research to transform lives and make a difference, globally and locally: research to empower and inspire.

Explore our latest research news

Explore our global research

Discover how our research is changing lives around the world using the button below. We also have a static PDF version available.

Read our research brochure

Static PDF version

Latest news

New study foresees threat of invasive species in UK’s Overseas Territories

A leading scientist from our Department of Biosciences has collaborated with researchers from UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology to predict which invasive species could pose a future threat to the UK’s ecologically unique Overseas Territories.

Working with Zimbabwean farmers to rebuild soils

Dr Steve Chivasa is part of our Biosciences Department and specialises in understanding how plants respond to stressful environments. Here he discusses a project he’s working on to help farmers in Zimbabwe overcome challenges caused by soil degradation.

Image showing soil in cupped hands with a plant out of focus in background

Expecting the Unexpected: Philosophy in the search for the Extra-terrestrial

Dr Christopher Cowie, Associate Professor in the Department of Philosophy recently took part in the Being Human Festival, a nationwide festival which engages a wide audience in the breadth of humanities research. He tells us how philosophers can contribute to questions about life in space.

Traded species have distinctive life histories with extended reproductive lifecycles

A new study has revealed that vertebrate species involved in the live wildlife trade have distinctive life history traits that determine the frequency and timing of reproduction.

Professor Jas Pal Badyal FRS has been appointed Wales Chief Scientific Adviser

Our very own Professor Jas Pal Badyal from our top-rated Chemistry Department has been appointed as the new Chief Scientific Adviser for Wales Government.

Durham University receives prestigious Leverhulme International Professorship award

Professor Jonathan Heddle is set to join Durham University thanks to a £4.8million Leverhulme International Professorship award.

Wind turbines are already skyscraper-sized – is there any limit to how big they will get?

Professor Simon Hogg's article in The Conversation

Unravelling the mystery of the Milky Way’s satellite galaxies

Our astronomers have solved an outstanding problem that challenged our understanding of how the Universe evolved.

High-resolution simulations of the dark matter enveloping the Milky Way and its neighbour, the Andromeda galaxy.

Durham University Chancellor to deliver prestigious BBC Reith Lecture

Our new Chancellor Fiona Hill is among four leading thinkers chosen to deliver a prestigious BBC Reith Lecture this December.

Durham climate expert chosen for prestigious panel

A Durham University expert on climate change has been appointed to the governing body of the European Research Council (ERC).

Professor Harriet Bulkeley in front of trees, looking off-camera

Durham joins Nature Positive Universities Alliance

We are delighted to join the Nature Positive Universities Alliance as a founding member.

Congratulations to all our graduating students

We are looking forward to an exciting two days of Winter Congregation ceremonies in Durham Cathedral for our graduates. A total of six ceremonies will take place on Thursday 5 and Friday 6 January 2023. Students from 120 countries will graduate in the magnificent setting of Durham Cathedral, in the company of their families and friends.