Thought Leadership

From ‘girls’ to Lionesses: how newspaper coverage of women’s football has changed

Associate Professor Stacey Pope from our Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences explains how media coverage of women's football has changed since 2015.

Exploring the linguistic history of chocolate

In celebration of World Chocolate Day, which is Friday 7 July, Jamie Paterno Ostmann, a PhD candidate in our Department of History, explores different theories regarding the origins of the word ‘chocolate.’

Henry VIII’s notes in prayer book written by his sixth wife reveal musings on faith, sin and his deteriorating health – new discovery

Professor Alec Ryrie from our Department of Theology and Religion discusses what the notes reveal about Henry VIII's self awareness.

Henry VIII and other members of the court

Understanding the impact of moral injury in the Military

June 24th is Armed Forces Day, which commemorates the service of men and women in the British Armed Forces. To mark this day, Reverend Dr Brian Powers from our Department of Theology and Religion and the International Centre for Moral Injury explains what moral injury is and how research into it can help others.

A group of people from the moral injury conference

Re-energising Ukraine - opportunities and possibilities

Professor Jon Gluyas, from the Durham Energy Institute, spoke at the Invest4Ukraine Forum, which took place in London this June. The Invest4Ukraine Forum highlights the opportunities available to invest in Ukrainian entrepreneurs and funds. Here Jon shares his analysis of the opportunities and possibilities for re-energizing Ukraine’s energy system.

Unravelling the Windrush myth: the confidential government communications that reveal authorities did not want Caribbean migrants to come to Britain

Assistant Professor in Black British Literature, Dr Henghameh Saroukhani, explores the misconceptions, and racism, surrounding Windrush.

Abortion prison sentence shows the law is focused on foetuses – why that’s dangerous for women

Associate Professor Emma Milne calls for parliament to conduct a thorough and compassionate review of criminal law in the context of abortion.

Keeping all ‘Eyes on the Baby’

Professor Helen Ball from Durham’s Infancy and Sleep Centre has played an intrinsic role in the research around sudden infant death and safer sleep conditions and environments for babies and infants. Here Helen shares why a multi-agency approach by Local Authorities, Early Years and family-facing services, is needed in ensuring all ‘Eyes on the Baby’.

An image of Helen Ball and co-partners at the Eyes on the Baby report launch event

‘Shy girl workouts’ aren’t just a great way to get fit – they may also help women gain confidence in the gym

Assistant Professor Hester Hockin-Boyers from our Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences explores the 'shy girl workout' trend and details how women can build gym confidence.

Keir Starmer hasn’t really called time on North Sea oil and gas – here’s why

Professor Gavin Bridge, from our Department of Geography, and Associate Professor Gisa Weszkalnys, from the Department of Anthropology at the London School of Economics and Political Science, explain what's at stake in Labour's plan for North Sea Oil and Gas.

Magnet therapy for depression is available on the NHS – here’s how it works

Professor Amanda Ellison from our Department of Psychology explains what transcranial magnetic simulation (TMS) is and how it can be used to treat depression.

Poorer pupils do worse at school – here’s how to reduce the attainment gap

Professor Stephen Gorard from our School of Education explains what the poverty attainment gap is and how we can reduce it.