Joe Docherty, who served as Chair of our governing University Council until summer 2025, has been made a life peer.

Two of our leading geographers, Professors Colm O’Cofaigh and Dave Roberts, have received a prestigious Polar Medal from King Charles III.

We are awarding honorary degrees to four distinguished individuals during our Winter Congregation ceremonies at Durham Cathedral on 8 and 9 January 2026.

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.

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

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.