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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 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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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.

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Latest news

New £5m research centre to support North East England’s growing space industry

A new £5m research centre to support North East England’s growing space industry and lead on the sustainable exploration of the cosmos has been launched, led by Prof. James Osborn of Durham University's Physics Department, a UKRI Future Leaders Fellow and associate professor within CfAI. The Durham University Space Research Centre (SPARC) draws upon our considerable and world-renowned expertise in space technology and research.
Two people silhouetted against a starry sky.

Durham researchers are among the most cited in the world

Five Durham researchers have been named on a prestigious list for their world-leading research.
From left to right: Professor Tom Theuns, Professor Yunfei Chen, Professor Adrian Jenkins and Professor Carlos Frenk.

New cosmic map supports Einstein’s prediction about gravity

Albert Einstein’s transformational prediction about how gravity behaves has been backed by an international team of researchers who studied how the force acts on cosmic scales.
The dome of a telescope on top of a hill with a starry sky behind it.

Supercomputer simulations offer new explanation for the formation of Mars’ moons

Scientists from NASA and our Department of Physics have used supercomputer simulations to reveal that Mars’ moons may have been formed from destroyed asteroid fragments.
Graphic showing asteroid fragments orbiting Mars t

New study shows how social bonds help tool-using monkeys learn new skills

Our researchers have studied wild monkeys problem-solving for food to better understand how social dynamics can influence behaviour and learning. 
Two monkeys examining a food item with their heads close together

Our COP29 Delegates joined Year 3 and Year 6 children of St Oswald's Primary School live from COP29, Baku Azerbaijan.

On Tuesday the 19th of November, Durham University UNFCCC delegates joined Year 3 (Neville) and Year 6 (Bailey) children of St Oswald's Primary School live from COP29, Baku Azerbaijan.
A colourful poster made by year 3 child highlighting climate change

Working with UNICEF to protect children’s health globally

We’ve joined UNICEF’s Children’s Environmental Health Collaborative (CEHC) to help protect children from the harmful consequences of air pollution on a global scale.
A road scene showing buses, cars and scooters emitting pollution

Earth’s ice at risk of irreversible loss

The world’s snow and ice regions are at risk of irreversible loss and damage.
A snowy, rocky foreground with a white glacier, blue sea and blue sky.

COP29: Meet our delegates

Durham is home to world-leading research that helps to address the challenges of an ever-changing and complex world – and inspires the next generation of problem-solvers.
Five headshots of our COP29 delegates.

Managers who build strong cultures see environmental and financial gains

New research reveals a direct link between strong corporate culture and improved environmental and financial outcomes.
Diverse group of young happy business professionals having a meeting around a conference table

Cop16: the world’s largest meeting to save nature has ended with no clear path ahead

Professor Harriet Bulkeley, in our Department of Geography, attended the recent Cop16 biodiversity summit where delegates from around the world met to discuss ways to restore nature. As Harriet writes, while there was no shortage of people seeking solutions, progress was frustratingly slow.
A heart shaped green leaf held in the palm of someone's hand

Strengthening our partnerships in China

Long-standing relationships were strengthened and new opportunities explored through a visit by some of our senior leaders to mainland China and Hong Kong. A high-level delegation travelled in East Asia to expand our global network and explore opportunities to strengthen partnerships in the region. The visit included meetings with our university and institutional partners, the launch of a new scholarship campaign, and meetings with senior UK representatives in China.
a group standing for a photograph with bamboo either side of them
Aerial view of Durham

Research Impact at Durham

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

Impact Case Studies
Korean drummers playing at the Oriental Museum

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.

Find out more