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Research and Business

We conduct innovative and impactful research to transform lives and make a difference, globally and locally: research to empower and inspire.
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Boundary Breaking Research and Global Knowledge Exchange

At Durham, our academic staff conduct forward-thinking, interdisciplinary research that has an impact on communities all over the world. Collaboration with a broad mix of partners is central to enhancing global knowledge and developing global citizenship. 

Business and Partnerships

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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What's new?

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Climate change is hampering River Thames clean-up efforts

Global warming is making it harder to clean up the iconic River Thames in the UK, according to a new study involving scientists from Durham University.

Research news
Small boats going along the River Thames in the UK.

Bonobos and chimps give insight into early human sexual behaviour

Using sex to manage social tension dates back over six million years to humans’ common ape ancestor, according to a new study.
Research news
A group of bonobos at Lola ya BonobA group of bonobos at Lola ya Bonobo Sanctuary, DR Congo.o Sanctuary, DR Congo.

Body image perceptions take shape from early childhood

New research by our Department of Psychology has determined that our perceptions of body image are shaped by what we see from as early as seven years old.
Global research
Child observing body image stimuli on a computer screen

Spotlight on: Professor Robin Coningham - using archaeological expertise to protect global cultural heritage

Our ‘Spotlight on’ series highlights how our researchers are leading their field and transforming lives. Robin Coningham, Professor of Early Medieval Archaeology and UNESCO Chair in Archaeological Ethics and Practice, focuses on South Asia with a dedication to protecting cultural heritage.
Global research
Professor Robin Coningham facing the camera against a backdrop of various names and logos of cultural protection organisations

Helping stroke survivors with visual perception problems

A new 15-minute tool to screen stroke survivors for visual perception problems has been launched by researchers from Durham and Oxford universities.
Research news
Two people sitting at a table pointing at a page in the stroke screening booklet.

Tiny changes in gene expression can lead to big differences in eye size

We’re part of an international team of scientists which has discovered that tiny changes in the timing of the expression of a single gene can lead to big differences in eye size.
Global research
A close up of a fly's eye. The is red and you can see the hexagonal components of the eye.

Two Durham geologists earn lifetime achievement awards 

The Geological Society of London has recognised Professor David Selby and Dr Richard Brown for their contributions to the field of earth science.
Research news
Two Durham geologists in the field
Discover more news

Climate change is hampering River Thames clean-up efforts

Global warming is making it harder to clean up the iconic River Thames in the UK, according to a new study involving scientists from Durham University.

Small boats going along the River Thames in the UK.

Bonobos and chimps give insight into early human sexual behaviour

Using sex to manage social tension dates back over six million years to humans’ common ape ancestor, according to a new study.
A group of bonobos at Lola ya BonobA group of bonobos at Lola ya Bonobo Sanctuary, DR Congo.o Sanctuary, DR Congo.

Helping stroke survivors with visual perception problems

A new 15-minute tool to screen stroke survivors for visual perception problems has been launched by researchers from Durham and Oxford universities.
Two people sitting at a table pointing at a page in the stroke screening booklet.

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
Contact our Research and Innovations Team

Thought Leadership

Two great war leaders united by American isolationism: Charles de Gaulle and Volodymyr Zelensky

Tim Luckhurst of Durham University explores the parallels between political leaders Charles de Gaulle and Volodymyr Zelensky and their relations with USA presidents.

Durham news
The USA flag fluttering in the wind with patches of blue sky

Children’s perception of normal body shape is affected by who they see around them – new research

Professor Lynda Boothroyd, from our Department of Psychology, discusses the flexibility of body weight perceptions in children and young adults, as part of a first-of-its-kind study.
Global research
Silhouettes of a child growing through to an adult

How our bodies react when we use social media – and when we stop

Dr Niklas Ihssen, from our Department of Psychology, explores what happens to our bodies when we social media - and what happens when we stop.
Global research
Several hands holding mobile phones
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Upcoming events

Workshop 2 - Unbound opportunities: A silo-busting exploration of health and wellbeing research ideas

Monday 10 March 2025 - Monday 10 March 2025
10:30 AM to 12:30 PM
D104, Dawson Building, Archaeology.
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Is there a limit to human judgement on uncertainty when making a scientific conclusion?

Monday 10 March 2025 - Monday 10 March 2025
1:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Cosin's Hall, Seminar Room, Palace Green
External shot of Institute of Advanced study at Cosins Hall

Slater Lecture: Dominique Brancher (Yale University), ‘Sign Hunters: From Montaigne’s Spine to Molière's Spy'.

Monday 10 March 2025 - Monday 10 March 2025
5:30 PM to 7:00 PM
Tunstall Chapel, University College, Durham.
Two cartoon figures of medieval and early modern characters

José María Velasco: A View of Mexico **New Date**

Tuesday 11 March 2025 - Tuesday 11 March 2025
6:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Online Event Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89701734876?pwd=AOggZOF5emega1MAmo6a4TmVT0aKAF.1
José María Velasco, The Valley of Mexico from the Hill of Santa Isabel, 1877 Oil on canvas, 161 x 228.5 cm Museo Nacional de Arte, Mexico City
Explore our research institutes and centres

Business and Partnerships

Research and Innovation Services

Research and Innovation Services
Durham University
Mountjoy Centre
Stockton Road
Durham
DH1 3LE

E: business.gateway@durham.ac.uk