Global Impact - Durham University

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 12 of our subjects ranked in the world top 50 and 19 in the world top 100. We conduct innovative and impactful research to transform lives and make a difference, globally and locally: research to empower and inspire.

Explore our latest research news

Explore our global research

Discover how our research is changing lives around the world using the button below. We also have a static PDF version available.

Read our research brochure

Static PDF version

Latest news

Trade union membership increased between 2017 and 2020 – thanks to women

Membership of trade unions steadily increased between 2017 and 2020, driven by a large increase in female membership.

The Durham MBA ranks first in UK for value for money

The Financial Times Global MBA Ranking 2023 has ranked the Durham MBA (Full-time) 1st in the UK, 5th in Europe and 12th in the world for value for money.

Dark globe with Financial Times Global MBA Ranking announcement in centre

Forging partnerships in Malaysia

Durham’s global reach has seen us forge new partnerships in Malaysia.

Signing of a memorandum of understanding between Durham University and Universiti of Malaya.

Nadia Siddiqui named among Top 75 Notable Academics

We're pleased to announce that Dr Nadia Siddiqui, who is a British Pakistani academic, has been recognised for her global expertise in education research and equity in education.

Evidence suggests Vikings brought animals to Britain

Our archaeologists have found what they say is the first solid scientific evidence suggesting that Vikings crossed the North Sea to Britain with dogs and horses.

Archaeological excavation of a Viking burial mound

New study foresees threat of invasive species in UK’s Overseas Territories

A leading scientist from our Department of Biosciences has collaborated with researchers from UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology to predict which invasive species could pose a future threat to the UK’s ecologically unique Overseas Territories.

Working with Zimbabwean farmers to rebuild soils

Dr Steve Chivasa is part of our Biosciences Department and specialises in understanding how plants respond to stressful environments. Here he discusses a project he’s working on to help farmers in Zimbabwe overcome challenges caused by soil degradation.

Image showing soil in cupped hands with a plant out of focus in background

Expecting the Unexpected: Philosophy in the search for the Extra-terrestrial

Dr Christopher Cowie, Associate Professor in the Department of Philosophy recently took part in the Being Human Festival, a nationwide festival which engages a wide audience in the breadth of humanities research. He tells us how philosophers can contribute to questions about life in space.