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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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UK to overhaul asylum policy – will the new measures work?

Professor Jonathan Darling, from our Department of Geography, explores the UK Home Secretary's proposed reforms to the asylum system.

Research news
A group of women standing around with bags on the floor.

Durham research informs report warning of dangerous acceleration of global ice loss

Research by Professor Chris Stokes in our Department of Geography forms part of a new international report on the effect of climate on the world’s ice sheets.
Global research
Snow blows from an ice sheet which juts into the sea.

Chemists discover why sunscreen stains leave you seeing red

Have you ever tried bleaching sunscreen stains on clothing, only to be left with bright red results?
Research news
Sunscreen bottles arranged in a circle around a sun drawn in white cream on a bright blue background

Putting human rights at the heart of COP30

Durham Law professor Elisa Morgera is advising governments on how human rights can be included in negotiations at the COP30 climate summit.
Global research
A person holds a sign reading There is No Planet B above their head.

Durham scientist contributes to global UNESCO report on unprecedented glacier loss

Geographer Dr Caroline Clason has played a key role in a major new international report highlighting the accelerating decline of the world’s glaciers and ice sheets.
Global research
A mountain glacier running into water.

New exhibition celebrates women who live and breathe North East football

The stories of female fans of Newcastle and Sunderland men’s football teams are celebrated in a new online and pop-up exhibition at Durham University.
Research news
A crowd of football fans with the words: Away from home. The untold stories of women football fans

Durham scientists supporting NASA mission to find Earth-like worlds

Our scientists are investigating how a UK-led team could design and build a core instrument for a flagship NASA mission to search for life on distant planets.
Global research
An Earth-like planet in the foreground with a nearby star in the distance.
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UK to overhaul asylum policy – will the new measures work?

Professor Jonathan Darling, from our Department of Geography, explores the UK Home Secretary's proposed reforms to the asylum system.

A group of women standing around with bags on the floor.

How ‘campus climate’ affects students’ attitudes to people of different religions

New research shows there are some key things universities can do to create climates where students are able to relate to others of different religious backgrounds. Professor Mathew Guest from our Department of Theology and Religion, with colleagues from Coventry University and Ohio State University, explains the findings.
Two female students looking at a laptop screen.

Chemists discover why sunscreen stains leave you seeing red

Have you ever tried bleaching sunscreen stains on clothing, only to be left with bright red results?
Sunscreen bottles arranged in a circle around a sun drawn in white cream on a bright blue background
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Thought Leadership

UK to overhaul asylum policy – will the new measures work?

Professor Jonathan Darling, from our Department of Geography, explores the UK Home Secretary's proposed reforms to the asylum system.

Research news
A group of women standing around with bags on the floor.

We studied the walking habits of young men in Cape Town and London – and debunked a myth

Professor Gina Porter, from our Department of Anthropology, and Bradley Rink, Associate Professor of Human Geography at the University of the Western Cape, explore the realities of walking in low-income urban communities. Drawing on peer-led research in Cape Town and London, their study challenges the common assumption that young men move freely and without fear.
Global research
Young men in Cape Town discussing their walking habits as part of the study

Why has Sudan descended into mass slaughter? The answer goes far beyond simple ethnic conflict

Professor Justin Willis, from our Department of History, shares his deep knowledge of Sudan’s political history in the following piece, which is co-authored with Dr Willow Berridge (Newcastle University). Together, they combine their expertise to explain the complex historical and political forces behind Sudan’s descent into violence.
Global research
Map of Sudan with red drawing pin identifying its location on the map
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