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We are home to world-leading scholars across the sciences, social sciences, business, and arts and humanities.

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Latest news

US rural prosperity commission visits Durham to explore regional economic development

We welcomed members of America’s Rural Future, the Brookings-AEI Commission on U.S. Rural Prosperity, to Durham for an international field hearing.
Dr Fiona Hill, Mayor Kim McGuinness, Professor Karen O'Brien, Professor Kieran Fernandes and representatives from Brookings AEI Commission in the Great Hall at Durham Castle

Royal honour recognises outstanding contributions of leading polar researchers

Two of our leading geographers, Professors Colm O’Cofaigh and Dave Roberts, have collected their prestigious Polar Medals from senior royals at Windsor Castle.
Two men in suits show their Polar Medals with Windsor Castle as the backdrop

Durham professor contributes to parliamentary report on young people’s health and social care

Professor Emma Cave from Durham Law School has contributed to a new UK parliamentary report on the transition from children’s to adult health and social care services in England. The report highlights significant shortcomings in the support available to young people.
Emma Cave is pictured in an office environment

Older female influencers are challenging stereotypes around ageing

Older female influencers are using social media to challenge long-held assumptions about women and ageing, according to new research from Durham University Business School.
Two older women smiling whilst taking a selfie

Durham shares its approach to AI transformation at Coimbra Group seminar

Four Durham University representatives took part in the Coimbra Group’s 7th High-Level Seminar on Education Policy, held at Jagiellonian University in Kraków on 3-4 November.
A group photo of members attending Coimbra Group Conference in Krakow

Science Minister launches £12.2m health technology hub

The Minister of State for Science, Research and Innovation, Chris McDonald MP, has launched a new £12.2m health technology hub that brings together Durham and Sunderland universities, businesses, and public services.
People using and watching eye scanning health equipment

Improving the world for the next generation

Durham research is enabling a healthier, safer, and fairer future for the next generation. From the mental health crisis to natural hazards, our academics are confronting the most pressing global challenges.
Four young people with arms around each other's shoulders, stand in a wheat field. They are facing away from the camera, looking towards a town in the distance

Furthering our understanding of our Universe

What happened in the first moments after the Big Bang? Why and how did our galaxy go through a dramatic disc flip? Our researchers are exploring these questions and more on the development of the Universe.
A computer-generated image of a galaxy. It is surrounded by arrows pointing in a circular motion, indicating how the galaxy has changed position over time

Shaping a sustainable energy future

From developing clean energy technologies to tackling global environmental threats, our researchers are pioneering a more sustainable future. Recent projects highlight the breadth of our expertise and the impact of this work for some of the world's most pressing energy and climate issues.
A sphere representing the Earth is held by two hands, on a green background

How to reduce harmful sexual behaviour and protect your kids and their peers

What do we know about young people whose sexual behaviour harms others? And how can we keep them and those around them safe? Together with colleagues in Australia, Emeritus Professor Simon Hackett, of our Centre for Research into Violence and Abuse and our Department of Sociology, examines this issue.
The back of a young boy walking into a modern school wearing a backpack.

Classics professor’s biography of Alexander the Great wins 'world’s leading non-fiction prize'

Professor Edmund Richardson has won the prestigious Baillie Gifford Prize for Non-Fiction for his biography of Alexander the Great.
A man in a suit and white shirt holds a hardback book in his right hand and smiles at the camera.

When a bull falls for a donkey: what an unlikely relationship reveals about animal sexuality

What can an unlikely relationship between a bull and a donkey tell us about animal sexuality? Jo Setchell, Professor of Anthropology, explores how unusual examples of animal behaviour can challenge our ideas about sex, relationships and what counts as natural.
The bull Achille's with male donkey Patroclo pictured in a field under a tree