Scientists have proposed what they believe is the first method for detecting ‘mirror life’ – a hypothetical form of life made from molecular building blocks that are the mirror image of those found naturally on Earth.

What if energy storage could be built directly into the materials that make up everyday products? Our Engineering, Chemistry and Anthropology departments are part of a major new project exploring materials that can combine energy storage and structural performance.

Using robotic laboratories and AI, our researchers will study molecular behaviour to develop new chemicals and materials more efficiently, thanks to funding worth £1.7m (€2.1m).

School pupils helped develop and test promising new compounds that could improve the effectiveness of existing tuberculosis (TB) treatments as part of a unique research project.

This project - partially funded by the Royal Society involved 35 students from four schools in County Durham, St John's Bishop Auckland, Framwellgate School, Durham School and St. Leonards.

Researchers from our top-rated Chemistry and Biosciences Departments have been recognised as part of an international team awarded a prestigious 2026 Horizon Prize by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC).

Nevrargenics, a Durham University spin-out company, has received the Bionow Project of the Year Award at the 2025 Bionow Annual Awards.

A Durham-led research project has been awarded a grant from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) to revolutionise how molecular crystals are designed.

Researchers from our top-rated Biosciences and Chemistry Departments are leading an international effort to turn discoveries from some of the harshest places on Earth into practical tools for healthcare.

We’re part of an international team of scientists behind the creation of a new family of organic materials that can conduct ions - atoms or molecules with a net electrical charge - in solids.

We’ve been awarded £1.7 million to help deliver courses that will increase opportunities for students and support economic growth.

Have you ever tried bleaching sunscreen stains on clothing, only to be left with bright red results?