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.

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

We are pleased to announce Katie Harland-Edminson as our new Chief Development Officer (CDO).

The Melsonby Hoard has been nominated for a national award by one of the UK’s leading archaeological publications.

The 2026 QS World University Rankings for Sustainability place Durham 24th out of 2,001 universities assessed across the globe - reaffirming our position among the world’s leading universities for sustainability.

Lumiere returned to Durham for the final time, lighting up the city to become an illuminated art gallery for three November nights. 120,000 visitors enjoyed light installation artworks from international and UK artists, with major new commissions, premieres, and community collaborations, including artworks on our campus. Three installations were hosted by the University at Lumiere 2025, with unique light art at Palace Green, the Waterside Building and South Bailey.

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.

Durham University Business School have entered a new strategic partnership with POLIMI Graduate School of Management to design and deliver a multi-campus Executive MBA, launching in November 2026.

Durham is home to world-leading research that helps to address the challenges of an ever-changing and complex world – and inspires the next generation of problem-solvers. 

Dr Shaid Mahmood, our Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion), has been appointed to the Government’s Higher Education Access and Participation Task and Finish Group.

Our research has informed a new Parliamentary report on how the UK can strengthen its position in the global space sector.

Nandhini Srinivasan has been awarded the 2026 Sir Harry Evans Global Fellowship in Investigative Journalism.