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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.
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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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Overseas-qualified workers could address England’s social worker shortage, research suggests

The severe shortage of social workers in England could be addressed by employing overseas-qualified social workers living in the UK, according to new research.
An paper cut out of an intergeneration family holding hands, sitting in the palms of a person's hands.

Leading research into vulnerable ice sheets

From the Arctic to the Antarctic, we’re leading on research into the effect of climate change on the world’s ice sheets – and advising global policymakers on how to protect them.
An orange sky above a rocky, icy landscape. The orange sky is reflected in an icy sea.

Three likely scenarios for Venezuela after Donald Trump's meddling

After months of threats, which included the seizure of oil tankers, and air-strikes on alleged drug boats, on January 3rd, the United States removed Nicolás Maduro, Venezuela’s leader, and charged him with drug trafficking offences. Dr Omar Hammoud Gallego from our School of Government and International Affairs gives his analysis of the situation. 
A man holding the Venezuelan flag in front of a building.

Professor Clare McGlynn’s research underpins new laws tackling X/Grok AI abuse

Research by Professor Clare McGlynn is behind a new law being implemented in England and Wales to criminalise the creation of non-consensual sexual deepfake images.
A close up of the Grok AI app symbol on a mobile phone home screen.

How medieval monks tried to stay warm in the winter

Hot water bottles, electric blankets and the heating on – some of the ways we try and keep ourselves warm in the 21st century, but how did the medieval monks manage it? Historian Professor Giles Gasper takes a step back in time to explain.
Rievaulx Abbey in York

Astronomers discover mysterious shock wave around dead star

Astronomers from our Physics department have discovered a striking and unexplained shock wave surrounding a dead star.
Image of a dead star creating a shock wave as it moves through space
  • Three likely scenarios for Venezuela after Donald Trump's meddling

    After months of threats, which included the seizure of oil tankers, and air-strikes on alleged drug boats, on January 3rd, the United States removed Nicolás Maduro, Venezuela’s leader, and charged him with drug trafficking offences. Dr Omar Hammoud Gallego from our School of Government and International Affairs gives his analysis of the situation. 
    A man holding the Venezuelan flag in front of a building.
  • How medieval monks tried to stay warm in the winter

    Hot water bottles, electric blankets and the heating on – some of the ways we try and keep ourselves warm in the 21st century, but how did the medieval monks manage it? Historian Professor Giles Gasper takes a step back in time to explain.
    Rievaulx Abbey in York
  • Roman industrial hub discovered on banks of River Wear

    Our experts have helped uncover evidence of a Roman industrial hub on the banks of the River Wear, at Offerton, near Sunderland.
    Images from the excavation of Roman whetstones on banks of River Wear

How medieval monks tried to stay warm in the winter

Hot water bottles, electric blankets and the heating on – some of the ways we try and keep ourselves warm in the 21st century, but how did the medieval monks manage it? Historian Professor Giles Gasper takes a step back in time to explain.
Rievaulx Abbey in York

Roman industrial hub discovered on banks of River Wear

Our experts have helped uncover evidence of a Roman industrial hub on the banks of the River Wear, at Offerton, near Sunderland.
Images from the excavation of Roman whetstones on banks of River Wear
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Discover how our research is changing lives around the world using the button below. We also have a static PDF version available.

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Durham University Research

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Thought Leadership

  • 2026 Bangladeshi Elections and Information Bombs

    Professor Nayanika Mookherjee from our Anthropology Department explores how misinformation in Bangladesh exploits entrenched social and political vulnerabilities to sustain existing power hierarchies. Drawing on research on birangonas and contemporary cases of blasphemy accusations and mob violence, the piece shows how rumours amplified by social media turn everyday infractions into lethal outcomes.
    Image displaying fake news
  • Three likely scenarios for Venezuela after Donald Trump's meddling

    After months of threats, which included the seizure of oil tankers, and air-strikes on alleged drug boats, on January 3rd, the United States removed Nicolás Maduro, Venezuela’s leader, and charged him with drug trafficking offences. Dr Omar Hammoud Gallego from our School of Government and International Affairs gives his analysis of the situation. 
    A man holding the Venezuelan flag in front of a building.
  • How medieval monks tried to stay warm in the winter

    Hot water bottles, electric blankets and the heating on – some of the ways we try and keep ourselves warm in the 21st century, but how did the medieval monks manage it? Historian Professor Giles Gasper takes a step back in time to explain.
    Rievaulx Abbey in York

Three likely scenarios for Venezuela after Donald Trump's meddling

After months of threats, which included the seizure of oil tankers, and air-strikes on alleged drug boats, on January 3rd, the United States removed Nicolás Maduro, Venezuela’s leader, and charged him with drug trafficking offences. Dr Omar Hammoud Gallego from our School of Government and International Affairs gives his analysis of the situation. 
A man holding the Venezuelan flag in front of a building.

How medieval monks tried to stay warm in the winter

Hot water bottles, electric blankets and the heating on – some of the ways we try and keep ourselves warm in the 21st century, but how did the medieval monks manage it? Historian Professor Giles Gasper takes a step back in time to explain.
Rievaulx Abbey in York