Researchers from our top-rated Biosciences Department have discovered a previously unknown mechanism that helps plants control the formation of wood, a finding that could open up new directions for research into plant growth, productivity and carbon storage.

Professor Sarah Hainsworth OBE FREng, our Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research), has been named among the UK’s top engineers in a special list celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Royal Academy of Engineering.

Five Durham Olympic and Paralympic athletes, alongside our Head of Rowing, are backing a vision to hold a future Olympic and Paralympic Games in the North of England.

We’re part of a major international mission to better understand how the ocean is responding to climate change.

Our researchers have helped hundreds of people across North East England take confident steps into the digital world through the Trusted Connections project.

For many women, childbirth is transformative. For Dr Erin Maglaque from our Department of History, it also sparked an exploration into how history has shaped understanding, expectation and perceptions of the female body.

We have been ranked 85th in the QS World University Rankings 2027, up nine places from last year.  

The Museum of Archaeology is opening a new permanent gallery on 19 June, focusing on the history of Durham County and its residents. This new permanent exhibition marks the re-opening of the upstairs gallery in the Museum which has been closed for building work since the pandemic.

Researchers from our top-rated Chemistry and Biosciences Departments have been recognised as part of an international team awarded a prestigious 2026 Horizon Prize by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC).

Dr Marjorie “Mo” Mowlam, one of the most influential figures in modern British politics and our esteemed alumna, has been honoured with a blue plaque at her former college. The plaque recognises both her time at Durham University and her remarkable contribution to peace and public service.

Nigel Perry MBE FREng is to become our new Chair of University Council from 1 August 2026.  Nigel takes over the role from Caroline Johnstone, who has decided to take up an external professional role with a significant supplier of the University which would cause a conflict of interest that does not allow her to continue as Chair of Council.

Dr Veronica Heney from our Institute for Medical Humanities and Department of Sociology has been awarded a Wellcome Early Career Award to re-configure understandings of self-harm.