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
Research Impact at Durham
Read about our Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021 impact case studies.
Latest news
Twelve of our subjects are ranked in the world top 50
We are at the forefront of global academic excellence and our global rankings reflect that status.
Durham University theologian seconded to process that will shape future of Catholic Church
A leading Durham University theologian is to help shape the Catholic Church for years to come.
Professor Carol Adams appointed Chair of Global Sustainability Standards Board
Professor Carol Adams has been appointed as Chair of the Global Sustainability Standards Board (GSSB), the independent body that sets the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Standards.
Durham Professor takes research to Hollywood
Professor Santiago Fouz Hernández, from our School of Modern Language and Cultures, will showcase his specialist research on the film director, designer and artist Bigas Luna at The Bigas Luna Tribute in Los Angeles, USA, from 17-24 March 2023.
Fearmongering about people fleeing disasters is a dangerous and faulty narrative
Dr Corey Robinson from our School of Government and International Affairs collaborates with Dr Yvonne Su from York University, Canada, on explaining why fearmongering about migrants is dangerous.
Hands-on and fun: enhancing museum education in Jordan
Practical workshops are helping to invigorate young Jordanians' interest in their heritage.
Regional environmental agreements are over twice as likely to be authorised than global agreements
Regionally-focused environmental agreements are two and a half times more likely to be ratified than globally-focused environmental agreements.
Departmental delegation to India creates exciting opportunities
We recently took part in a delegation along with the Department of Education to collaborate with academic institutions and archaeological organisations in India. We are all looking forward to working together to manage cultural heritage sustainably.
Oldest fossils of mysterious animal group are actually seaweeds
A leading scientist from our Department of Earth Sciences has collaborated with researchers in China to reveal that a group of prehistoric sea creatures is not as ancient as we thought - their earliest fossils are actually seaweeds.
Supporting teacher training in India
Experts from our top-rated School of Education, in association with the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Pune, have undertaken a unique training programme for teachers in India on ‘hands on-minds on-effective teaching and learning of science.’
Solving problems across boundaries
Did you know that our researchers have been working with colleagues at the Chinese of Academy of Sciences (CAS) for over 30 years on areas ranging from climate change to astronomy?
Pinpointing carbon-free helium gas fields to avert global supply crisis
Our Durham Energy Institute researchers are part of an international team that has identified hidden natural helium gas fields.
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.