2021 - Durham University

Latest News

Leading researcher wins top prize for transforming access to Classics

Classics researcher Professor Arlene Holmes-Henderson MBE has been recognised with one of the field’s top national honours.

Two women wearing bright floral dresses smiling at the camera while holding a certificate.

Durham philosopher stars on Surrounded to discuss veganism

Dr Jack Symes from our top-rated Philosophy Department has appeared in a new episode of Jubilee Media’s popular debate series Surrounded, bringing ethical philosophy to a wide international audience.

Jack Symes' appearance in Jubilee Media's Surrounded

Alumnus and County Durham business leader installed as High Sheriff

Dr Arnab Basu MBE (Physics, Ustinov College, 1999-2003) has been installed as the High Sheriff of the County Palatine of Durham for the 2026/7 civic year.

Dr Arnab Basu in front of County Hall after his installation as High Sheriff. He wears ceremonial dress and has a crowd of people behind him

New simulations reveal the realities of galaxy formation

New simulations are providing the most realistic pictures yet of how galaxies formed and evolved from the beginning of time.

Image of galaxy formation simulation from the COLIBRE project

Durham researchers use cricket crowds to test new transport decarbonisation tool

Researchers from our top-rated Engineering Department have used travel to cricket matches at Edgbaston Stadium in Birmingham to test a new tool designed to help cut transport emissions in cities.

A national express bus near Edgbaston stadium

Professor Susanne Braun explores the dark side of leadership

Professor Susanne Braun from Durham University Business School has led a major new international research collection exploring the impact of dark-side personality traits in leadership.

Durham research excellence recognised with new Academia Europaea election

Professor Lei Chen of our Law School has been elected to the Academia Europaea, one of Europe’s most distinguished academic bodies.

A man with short greying hair smiling while wearing a suit, white shirt and red tie.

Durham researchers win European recognition for robotics projects

Scientists from our Computer Science Department have led two innovative projects that have received major recognition at one of Europe’s leading robotics events.

The RoboRoyale and SensorBees projects were awarded the Sustainability Leadership Recognition in Robotics at the European Robotics Forum 2026

Taking our Transformative Humanities approach around the world

Following a visit to Australia and New Zealand, Professor Janet Stewart, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Humanities, has laid the groundwork for new research collaborations under Durham University’s Transformative Humanities work.

Elderly couple on bench reading newspaper

Durham experts contribute to landmark report on soil health and national resilience

Experts from our Engineering and Philosophy departments have contributed to a new report highlighting the importance of soil in building the UK’s national resilience.

Sun setting over rolling fields of UK countryside

Durham professor honoured with Lapworth Medal for outstanding contributions to palaeontology

David Harper, Emeritus Professor of Palaeontology and former Principal of Van Mildert College, has been awarded the 2025 Lapworth Medal. This is the Palaeontological Association’s highest honour.

David Harper is pictured against a brick wall carrying the Lapworth Medal

Fired up and victorious: Ten Durham sports teams shine at BUCS Big Wednesday

Ten Durham sports teams competed in the annual British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) Big Wednesday event this year, coming away with an outstanding set of results.