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Research Impact
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Research to empower and inspire

We are a globally outstanding centre of teaching, learning and research excellence. We are a world top 100 university, with 10 of our subjects ranked in the world top 50 and 22 in the world top 100 in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026. 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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  • Research Impact at Durham

    Read about our Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021 impact case studies.

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  • Global Culture

    Interested in how the cultural activities of Durham's staff and student bodies enrich life worldwide? Head to the Global Culture page to find out.

    Bollywood Dance group at the Oriental museum, Holi Festival, indian dance

Research Impact at Durham

Read about our Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021 impact case studies.

Aerial view of Durham

Global Culture

Interested in how the cultural activities of Durham's staff and student bodies enrich life worldwide? Head to the Global Culture page to find out.

Bollywood Dance group at the Oriental museum, Holi Festival, indian dance

Latest news

Durham University joins Great North trade mission to India

Durham University’s global connections stood out as the North of England held a historic first trade mission to India.
A man and woman exchanging a gift

Pioneering evolutionary biologist wins prestigious research prize

Professor Guillaume Chomicki from our Department of Biosciences has been awarded a prestigious Philip Leverhulme Prize for his internationally recognised research in evolutionary biology.
A male academic wearing glasses holding a red rope attached to a tree, flanked by images of exotic plant life

New toolkit supports conversations about mental health among neurodivergent young people

Research conducted with neurodivergent young people has inspired the launch of a new toolkit on how to speak with them about co-occurring mental health challenges when they seek support.
A young woman sits in a chair facing the camera, while talking to a therapist.

Durham researcher contributes to new UK disability physical activity report

Dr Toni Williams, from our Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences, has contributed to a major report with Disability Rights UK exploring the "Activity Trap".
A person being offered support by another person completing paperwork

Professor Brett Smith Ranked 7th in the World for Sport Sciences

The Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences is delighted to celebrate the success of Professor Brett Smith, who has been ranked 7th in the world and 1st in the UK in Sport Sciences in the latest year citation rankings based on citation impact excluding self-citations.
Prof Brett Smith

Prof. Francis Halzen - Nobel Prize for Physics 2026

Hearty congratulations to Prof. Francis Halzen of the University of Wisconsin on the award of the Nobel Prize for Physics for his pioneering work on the detection of neutrinos with IceCube. Prof. Halzen has a long connection with Physics in Durham, including writing an influential textbook, Quark and Leptons, with Prof. Alan Martin.
Image of Professor Francis Halzen giving a lecture

Europe’s largest solar telescope reaches major milestone with Durham involvement

Our scientists are part of an international team behind plans for Europe’s largest solar telescope – which has just reached a new milestone.
An artist's impression of a telescope surrounded by trees, pointing at a blue sky

New early-career fellowship to explore the Universe

We have launched a new fellowship to give a talented early-career researcher the freedom to explore the most ambitious ideas in astronomy and cosmology.
The Ogden Centre at Durham University with a projection of the solar system projected onto its outer walls.

Strengthening ties with Aotearoa New Zealand

Our research and cultural links with Aotearoa New Zealand have been strengthened through an executive-level visit and the signing of a new partnership agreement.
A group of people from the Matariki network standing on steps in front of a building

New podcast helps us better understand AI

One of our leading tech experts is helping cut through the hype surrounding AI so people better understand how it could shape everyday life.
Two women sit at a table with microphones.

Carefree shoppers most likely to receive retail discounts

Research involving Durham University Business School reveals how retailers target customers most likely to spend more.
Young woman browsing clothes on sale

Durham to train next generation of medical researchers

We will help train the next generation of medical researchers after becoming a partner in a major new Medical Research Council (MRC) doctoral training award.
Three researchers in a laboratory setting
Sample tubes being held by purple latex gloves over a light box

Research Newsletter

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