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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
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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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Spotlight on: Professor Fuschia Sirois – transforming how we understand wellbeing

Our ‘Spotlight on’ feature showcases the work of our world-leading academics. Professor Fuschia Sirois, in our Department of Psychology, is pioneering a more compassionate approach to understanding the risk and resilience factors that shape health and wellbeing.

Global research
Professor Fuschia Sirois smiling to camera

Spotlight on: Professor Markian Prokopovych – advocating history’s role in supporting Ukraine's future

Our Spotlight On series highlights the leading work of our academics. Professor Markian Prokopovych from our Department of History specialises in modern European history. The war in Ukraine has transformed his research, prompting him to explore how the past can help shape Ukraine's future.
Global research
Professor Markian Prokopovych smiling and facing the camera with a blurred background

Major education reforms in England unveiled – here’s what the experts think

The UK government’s recently published proposed education reforms include measures to improve teacher recruitment, student achievement and belonging at school. Education experts, including Professor Stephen Gorard from our School of Education, share their thoughts on the proposals.
Research news
School children in a classroom with a teacher

Spotlight on: Professor Edith Hall – leading the campaign for Classics education for all

Our ‘Spotlight on’ series showcases the world-leading work of our academics. Professor Edith Hall is passionate about the lessons we can learn from ancient civilisations and is leading a campaign to put Classics education back on the UK curriculum.
Global research
Professor Edith Hall smiling to camera, standing outside, in front of large columns, with a cat in the left background

Spotlight on: Professor Chris Gerrard – leading archaeology across academic disciplines

Our Spotlight on series celebrates the world-leading work of our academics. Professor Chris Gerrard is an archaeologist who thrives on taking a cross-discipline approach to uncovering the past, giving rise to fascinating insights and innovative projects.
Global research
Professor Chris Gerrard, wearing a protective hard hat, at the top of a ladder at an archaeological site, smiling to camera

Inequalities in spotting learning difficulties in schoolchildren

A major study has found that specific learning difficulties (SpLDs) like dyslexia are not being identified equally among school pupils in England.
Research news
A school child writing in an exercise book.

Study reveals remarkable adaptability of children’s brains to upper limb difference

A unique study of brain activity in children born with upper limb difference has revealed the brain’s remarkable adaptability to compensate and to support daily life.
Research news
Images from the study, left hand side shows study participant Noah Lonnen undertaking a practical challenge, centre image shows study participant Noah Lonnen standing in front of a medical scanner, smiling and giving a thumb up to camera, during the research study, right hand image shows a brain scan from the study
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Spotlight on: Professor Philip Goff – challenging the foundations of science through philosophy

Our ‘Spotlight On’ series highlights some of our pioneering researchers who are leading transformative work. Professor Philip Goff from our Department of Philosophy is challenging the long-held quantitative focus of physical science through his work on consciousness.

Black and white image of Professor Philip Goff set against a white background

Major education reforms in England unveiled – here’s what the experts think

The UK government’s recently published proposed education reforms include measures to improve teacher recruitment, student achievement and belonging at school. Education experts, including Professor Stephen Gorard from our School of Education, share their thoughts on the proposals.
School children in a classroom with a teacher

Inequalities in spotting learning difficulties in schoolchildren

A major study has found that specific learning difficulties (SpLDs) like dyslexia are not being identified equally among school pupils in England.
A school child writing in an exercise book.
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Explore our global research

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

Are women more safe today in England and Wales than they were in the past – or less? What the evidence shows

Professor Nicole Westmarland, in our Department of Sociology, reviews the evidence around rates of violence against women and girls in England and Wales.

Global research
Woman walking alone through a pedestrian tunnel

How to spot the use and abuse of the word ‘context’

Everyone’s been in a debate when someone says: “You’re taking that out of context.” But what does it actually mean to understand something “in context”? Here Dr Paolo Heywood from our Department of Anthropology explores the use and abuse of the word 'context'.
Research news
Cluster of press microphones being held around an unidentified person

No, autistic people are not ‘mind blind’ – here’s why

Dr Travis LaCroix, in our Department of Philosophy, challenges a long-standing misconception about autism: that autistic people are inherently unable to understand others’ thoughts or feelings.
Global research
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