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

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Latest news

Acclaimed University of Colorado physicist and researcher Prof. Heather Lewandowski to deliver the 2022 Rochester Lecture

Prof. Heather Lewandowski is this year's invited speaker to deliver the 2022 Rochester Lecture, which will be held in the Ph8 Lecture Theatre, Wednesday 18 May 2022 at 4.30pm. This year's lecture is titled 'Watching chemical reactions happen one molecule at a time'.

Image of Prof. Heather Lewandowski and the JILA and Colorado University logos

Stopping the spread of malaria

We’ve shaped the World Health Organization’s policy on global mosquito control to tackle the spread of lethal diseases like malaria and dengue fever.

Working together to achieve environmental sustainability

Our Vice-Chancellor, Professor Karen O'Brien, explores how we are contributing to achieving environmental sustainability, locally and globally.

Professor Karen O'Brien, Vice-Chancellor and Warden of Durham University, stood smiling with arms folded, in front of bookshelves

Give bidi cigarette rollers a voice to find new jobs, researchers say

India’s bidi cigarette workers need to be at the heart of discussions about finding alternatives to working in the tobacco industry, according to a new study.

Durham recognised as global leader in sustainability

We’re excited to have been recognised as contributing more to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), demonstrating our commitment to a sustainable future.

Three females in conversation outside the University

Developing new gene variants to breed climate resilient chickpeas

Scientists from our top-rated Biosciences Department working with colleagues from Harran University in Turkey and University of California Davis in the USA, have discovered that flowering time in chickpeas and its wild relatives are influenced by one to three major genes.

Protecting cultural heritage around the world

We’re excited to launch a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) entitled Endangered Archaeology: Using Remote Sensing to Protect Cultural Heritage.

University welcomes stronger connections with India

Strengthening educational ties between the UK and India is one of the areas of focus of the UK Prime Minister’s visit to India this week.

Record number of Durham subjects in world’s top 50

Durham University is at the forefront of global academic excellence and our global rankings reflect that status.

Understanding surface melting around the world’s largest ice sheet

A first-of-its-kind study led by our Department of Geography has investigated the formation of surface meltwater lakes around the world’s largest ice sheet, offering new insights into the potential impact of recent climate change on the ‘Frozen Continent’.

Image of a meltwater lake on the Sørsdal Glacier taken by Dave Lomas

Tackling global childhood obesity with ground-breaking research

Research by Sport and Exercise Sciences has made a positive impact on policy and practice addressing the global problem of childhood obesity.

How a makeshift PoW chapel from WWII continues to connect Ukrainians and Britons

PhD student, Daniel Adamson, from our Department of History, discusses the history of a chapel in Scotland created by Ukrainian prisoners of war and how this ties in with current events.