Skip to main content
Research and Business
A purple illustration of the planet with virtual connections

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.

Discover More

What's new?

Filter:

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

How our Milky Way once underwent a dramatic flip

The Milky Way may have undergone some cosmic gymnastics during its history with a dramatic disc flip, according to new research from our astronomers.
Research news
Artist’s impression of debris of the Gaia-Enceladus galaxy

Want to keep the peace? Try a little tenderness

Ever noticed how, in tense situations, people may use reassuring touches to try and calm things down? This could be an evolutionary social tool dating back millions of years.
Research news
Image of two juvenile bonobos from behind, one with comforting arm around the other

The abolition myth: how slavery survived by changing shape

Slavery did not end with abolitionism in the 19th century. Instead it was rebuilt, again and again, into new forms of unfree labour that still shape the world today
Global research
Remains of the Monte Alegre plantation, Barra do Piraí, Brazil
Discover More News

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.

Image showing galaxies in space credit NASA

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.
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.
Grey background with different coloured ropes forming the outline of a human head and neck in profile
This is the image alt text

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.

Read our research brochure

Durham University Research

Play video 1

Thought Leadership

  • Japan’s earthquake shows extreme heat can turn one disaster into two

    Professor Glenn McGregor from our Geography Department shares his insights on how Japan’s earthquake response reveals the dangers of compound disasters, where extreme heat can intensify the effects of an earthquake and create a second crisis. He highlights why disaster planning must account for overlapping climate and natural hazards, rather than treating each emergency in isolation.
    Research news
    Earthquake in Japan

  • Should Andy Burnham be ‘relentless’ on small boat crossings? Experts react

    Professor Jonathan Darling of our Department of Geography is among a group of experts explaining the statistics and language around small boat crossings into the UK, as well as what needs to change for immigration policies to succeed.
    Durham news
    A close up of a person's hand holding a silver door handle.

  • 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.

Japan’s earthquake shows extreme heat can turn one disaster into two

Professor Glenn McGregor from our Geography Department shares his insights on how Japan’s earthquake response reveals the dangers of compound disasters, where extreme heat can intensify the effects of an earthquake and create a second crisis. He highlights why disaster planning must account for overlapping climate and natural hazards, rather than treating each emergency in isolation.

Research news
Earthquake in Japan

Should Andy Burnham be ‘relentless’ on small boat crossings? Experts react

Professor Jonathan Darling of our Department of Geography is among a group of experts explaining the statistics and language around small boat crossings into the UK, as well as what needs to change for immigration policies to succeed.
Durham news
A close up of a person's hand holding a silver door handle.

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.
Discover more comment and opinion