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.
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Latest news
Children’s perception of normal body shape is affected by who they see around them – new research
Professor Lynda Boothroyd, from our Department of Psychology, discusses the flexibility of body weight perceptions in children and young adults, as part of a first-of-its-kind study.
Archaeologists discover ancient irrigation network in Mesopotamia
Researchers have uncovered a vast and well-preserved network of ancient irrigation canals in the Eridu region of southern Mesopotamia, shedding new light on early farming practices.
Entrepreneurship can help former prisoners reintegrate, but more support is needed
Former prisoners have a strong chance of successfully reintegrating into society if they pursue entrepreneurship, but a lack of structured support hampers their progress, according to research from Durham University Business School and Leeds University Business School.
How our bodies react when we use social media – and when we stop
Dr Niklas Ihssen, from our Department of Psychology, explores what happens to our bodies when we social media - and what happens when we stop.
Body image perceptions take shape from early childhood
New research by our Department of Psychology has determined that our perceptions of body image are shaped by what we see from as early as seven years old.
Spotlight on: Professor Robin Coningham - using archaeological expertise to protect global cultural heritage
Our ‘Spotlight on’ series highlights how our researchers are leading their field and transforming lives. Robin Coningham, Professor of Early Medieval Archaeology and UNESCO Chair in Archaeological Ethics and Practice, focuses on South Asia with a dedication to protecting cultural heritage.
Tiny changes in gene expression can lead to big differences in eye size
We’re part of an international team of scientists which has discovered that tiny changes in the timing of the expression of a single gene can lead to big differences in eye size.
‘Culture – Connect – Community’: Researching Local Challenges around the World
Research in the Sociology Department focuses on the lives of people in very different contexts around the world.
Summer Course on International Arbitration (21-25 July 2025)
The Durham Law School Summer Course on International Arbitration was highly successful between 2022 and 2024, and is set to return in 2025. This course is designed for individuals looking to expand their skillset or discover a new field of practice. It also benefits scholars seeking to gain expertise in the application of concepts and norms in international arbitration, as well as students looking to gain exposure to international dispute resolution.
Global partnerships and research working in India
Durham is well-established as a significant academic collaborator in India with over 20 institutional partnerships spanning engineering, climate science, law, heritage and education. Key partnerships include Delhi University, IIT Madras and Amrita University.
We value international collaboration as central to enhancing global knowledge and developing global citizenship. International collaboration is key to our excellence in teaching and research.
Exploring food culture through the RELISH project
RELISH (Reframing European gastronomy Legacy through Innovation, Sustainability and Heritage) is an international project led by Durham that explores how we engage with food culture in a globalised world.
IMEMS receives major donation to address 21st century challenges through the prism of the past
Researchers at the University’s Institute of Medieval and Early Modern Studies (IMEMS) have been awarded a significant philanthropic investment aimed at advancing research to address critical global challenges.
Research Newsletter
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