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
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.
Traded species have distinctive life histories with extended reproductive lifecycles
A new study has revealed that vertebrate species involved in the live wildlife trade have distinctive life history traits that determine the frequency and timing of reproduction.
Professor Jas Pal Badyal FRS has been appointed Wales Chief Scientific Adviser
Our very own Professor Jas Pal Badyal from our top-rated Chemistry Department has been appointed as the new Chief Scientific Adviser for Wales Government.
Durham University receives prestigious Leverhulme International Professorship award
Professor Jonathan Heddle is set to join Durham University thanks to a £4.8million Leverhulme International Professorship award.
Wind turbines are already skyscraper-sized – is there any limit to how big they will get?
Professor Simon Hogg's article in The Conversation
Unravelling the mystery of the Milky Way’s satellite galaxies
Our astronomers have solved an outstanding problem that challenged our understanding of how the Universe evolved.
Durham University Chancellor to deliver prestigious BBC Reith Lecture
Our new Chancellor Fiona Hill is among four leading thinkers chosen to deliver a prestigious BBC Reith Lecture this December.
Durham climate expert chosen for prestigious panel
A Durham University expert on climate change has been appointed to the governing body of the European Research Council (ERC).
Durham joins Nature Positive Universities Alliance
We are delighted to join the Nature Positive Universities Alliance as a founding member.
Congratulations to all our graduating students
We are looking forward to an exciting two days of Winter Congregation ceremonies in Durham Cathedral for our graduates.
A total of six ceremonies will take place on Thursday 5 and Friday 6 January 2023. Students from 120 countries will graduate in the magnificent setting of Durham Cathedral, in the company of their families and friends.
Shipping must accelerate its decarbonisation efforts – and now it has the opportunity to do so
Dr Christiaan De Beukelaer, a visiting fellow at our Institute of Advanced Study, describes how shipping must reach zero carbon emissions.
Scientists decrypt the ‘mechanical code’ of DNA
Our highly-rated Department of Biosciences has helped to decipher the mechanical code of DNA.
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.