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 10 of our subjects ranked in the world top 50 and 22 in the world top 100 in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026. We conduct innovative and impactful research to transform lives and make a difference, globally and locally: research to empower and inspire.

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.

Purple tinted globe on purple background

Research brochure - accessible

Read an accessible, static PDF version of our research brochure.

Research impact at Durham

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

Global culture

Interested in how the cultural activities of Durham's staff and student bodies enrich life worldwide? Find out more on our global culture pages.

Bollywood Dance group at the Oriental museum, Holi Festival, indian dance

Research newsletter

Sign up for our research newsletter to receive the latest updates on ground-breaking studies, acclaimed academics, and emerging trends shaping the academic landscape. Designed for researchers, senior leaders and curious minds.

Sample tubes being held by purple latex gloves over a light box

Latest news

The ‘activity trap’: fear of losing benefits is stopping some disabled people from exercising

Dr Toni Williams from our Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences explores the ‘activity trap’ and how fears about losing disability benefits can discourage disabled people from being physically active, drawing on research being led at Durham.

Durham University joins Great North trade mission to India

Durham University’s global connections stood out as the North of England held a historic first trade mission to India.

Pioneering evolutionary biologist wins prestigious research prize

Professor Guillaume Chomicki from our Department of Biosciences has been awarded a prestigious Philip Leverhulme Prize for his internationally recognised research in evolutionary biology.

A male academic wearing glasses holding a red rope attached to a tree, flanked by images of exotic plant life

Prof Chris Stokes to Share Cryosphere Research at COP31

Professor Chris Stokes, from Durham University's Department of Geography, will attend COP31 to share the latest research on glaciers, ice sheets and the growing risks of sea-level rise in a warming world.

New toolkit supports conversations about mental health among neurodivergent young people

Research conducted with neurodivergent young people has inspired the launch of a new toolkit on how to speak with them about co-occurring mental health challenges when they seek support.

A young woman sits in a chair facing the camera, while talking to a therapist.

Durham researcher contributes to new UK disability physical activity report

Dr Toni Williams, from our Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences, has contributed to a major report with Disability Rights UK exploring the "Activity Trap".

A person being offered support by another person completing paperwork

Professor Brett Smith Ranked 7th in the World for Sport Sciences

The Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences is delighted to celebrate the success of Professor Brett Smith, who has been ranked 7th in the world and 1st in the UK in Sport Sciences in the latest year citation rankings based on citation impact excluding self-citations.

Prof. Francis Halzen - Nobel Prize for Physics 2026

Hearty congratulations to Prof. Francis Halzen of the University of Wisconsin on the award of the Nobel Prize for Physics for his pioneering work on the detection of neutrinos with IceCube. Prof. Halzen has a long connection with Physics in Durham, including writing an influential textbook, Quark and Leptons, with Prof. Alan Martin.

Image of Professor Francis Halzen giving a lecture