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Current Research

Research that makes a difference.

Durham is an ancient seat of learning and a leading world University which, since its establishment in 1832, has developed a distinctive reputation for leadership and innovation in education and research.
Research and Business
Scientists examine DNA models in modern Neurological Research Laboratory

Research, scholarship and ideas are at the core of Durham University. We are home to some of the most talented researchers and scholars from around the world, tackling global issues, and making a difference to people's lives. Research directly informs our undergraduate and postgraduate teaching and, in partnership with policy-makers, industry, the public sector, and communities around the world, shapes local, national and international agendas.

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£1.7m grant to uncover the secrets of molecular behaviour using robotic chemistry and AI

Using robotic laboratories and AI, our researchers will study molecular behaviour to develop new chemicals and materials more efficiently, thanks to funding worth £1.7m (€2.1m).

Research news
Illustration of molecules

Nolan’s The Odyssey is an emotive meditation on modern moral injury

What does The Odyssey film tell us about the effects of war on soldiers? Dr Brian Powers from our International Centre for Moral Injury shares his thoughts.
Research news
A group of soldiers in camouflage clothing

Black hole revival rewrites cosmic rulebook

An international team of astronomers, including researchers from our Department of Physics, has observed a seemingly dormant supermassive black hole reawaken.
Research news
AI generated impression of blackhole rebrightening in three stages with swirling blackhole getting brighter shade of orange and red through time

Durham researchers to probe the Universe’s earliest moments

Professor Ryan Cooke, from our Department of Physics, has been awarded a £5.6m Royal Society fellowship to investigate the first moments after the Big Bang.
Research news
Image showing galaxies in space credit NASA

Professor Pippa Petts awarded prestigious teaching fellowship

Professor Pippa Petts, from our Department of Physics, has been awarded a prestigious National Teaching Fellowship in recognition of her outstanding contribution to teaching and learning.
Durham news
Professor Pippa Petts photographed against a grey background, looking straight to camera

Confused about carbon capture? Experts explain why we need different types

Co-authored by Durham’s Professor Jon Gluyas, a leading expert in geoenergy and carbon capture and storage, this article explores the often-confusing landscape of carbon capture technologies and explains why different approaches are needed to tackle climate change.
Research news
Fossil fuel power stations showing smoke coming out of the chimneys.

UK’s first dedicated neurodiversity focused doctoral training programme

We are part of a pioneering new £5 million programme that aims to transform understanding of neurodiversity and human difference.
Research news
Grey background with different coloured ropes forming the outline of a human head and neck in profile
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£1.7m grant to uncover the secrets of molecular behaviour using robotic chemistry and AI

Using robotic laboratories and AI, our researchers will study molecular behaviour to develop new chemicals and materials more efficiently, thanks to funding worth £1.7m (€2.1m).

Illustration of molecules

Nolan’s The Odyssey is an emotive meditation on modern moral injury

What does The Odyssey film tell us about the effects of war on soldiers? Dr Brian Powers from our International Centre for Moral Injury shares his thoughts.
A group of soldiers in camouflage clothing

Black hole revival rewrites cosmic rulebook

An international team of astronomers, including researchers from our Department of Physics, has observed a seemingly dormant supermassive black hole reawaken.
AI generated impression of blackhole rebrightening in three stages with swirling blackhole getting brighter shade of orange and red through time
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Durham University Research

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Thought Leadership

Iraq’s archaeological discoveries have shaped understanding of human civilisation – but its scientists have been sidelined

Iraq’s archaeologists are often portrayed as recipients of support, rather than equal partners in shaping future research of this important part of the world. Professor Jaafar Jotheri, Honorary Research Fellow in our Department of Archaeology, and Claudia Glatz and Daniel Calderbank, of the University of Glasgow, tell us more about how the narrative is being shifted.

Global research
Drone image of the Ziggurat of the ancient Sumerian city of Ur in southern Iraq

Using a radar satellite to track emperor penguins in winter is changing our understanding of the species

Knowing emperor penguins' movements during the polar winter could help support future conservation efforts. Dr Grant Macdonald, in our Department of Geography, explains how for the first time freely available satellite radar images are giving us a year-round view of their movements and improving our understanding of their response to a changing environment.
Global research
An emperor penguin chick looks directly at the camera as an adult emperor penguin lies on the ice behind it.

Worries that social media is making children lose touch with reality echo ancient Greeks’ fears about theatre

Dr Edward Creedy of our Department of Theology and Religion explores the distinction between performance and real life in ancient times through to the digital age of social media.
Research news
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