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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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£11.5m project to turn sewage into sustainable fuels

Our engineering and energy researchers are sharing in £11.5m to turn sewage sludge into sustainable fuels for transport and carbon products for agriculture and industry.

Global research
Aerial view of a sewage treatment works.

1.5°C target too high for polar ice sheets and sea level rise

Efforts to limit the global temperature increase to 1.5°C under the Paris Climate Agreement may not go far enough to save the world’s ice sheets.
Global research
Rock and ice in the foreground with sea and ice in the background.

Prestigious award for physicist exploring the dawn of the Universe

Congratulations to Professor Ryan Cooke from our Department of Physics who is the joint recipient of the 2025 Gruber Foundation Cosmology Prize.
Research news
Professor Ryan Cook looking straight to camera and smiling. He is stood in front of shelves of books.

The recipe for finding clean hydrogen

Clean hydrogen could be key to a greener future and there is a lot if it right beneath our feet in the Earth’s crust. The trick is knowing exactly where it is and in which conditions it survives. For this, the geology needs to be just right.
Research news
Blue water-like bubbles of different sizes

University spin-out company receives prestigious King’s Award for Enterprise

University spin-out company Geoptic has been honoured with a King’s Award for Enterprise for its pioneering approach to assessing the condition and safety of railway tunnels.
Business and Partnerships
View looking through an old brick railway tunnel.

Study on domestic abuse of older people sheds light on risk factors

New research has found that older people are more likely to be abused by their partners than by a family member.
Research news
Close up of two older women's hands clasping each other.

People with health issues denied medication in police custody

People in police custody with health issues are regularly put at risk because medication is delayed or unavailable.
Research news
Old-fashioned police lantern sign
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Prestigious award for physicist exploring the dawn of the Universe

Congratulations to Professor Ryan Cooke from our Department of Physics who is the joint recipient of the 2025 Gruber Foundation Cosmology Prize.

Professor Ryan Cook looking straight to camera and smiling. He is stood in front of shelves of books.

The recipe for finding clean hydrogen

Clean hydrogen could be key to a greener future and there is a lot if it right beneath our feet in the Earth’s crust. The trick is knowing exactly where it is and in which conditions it survives. For this, the geology needs to be just right.
Blue water-like bubbles of different sizes

Study on domestic abuse of older people sheds light on risk factors

New research has found that older people are more likely to be abused by their partners than by a family member.
Close up of two older women's hands clasping each other.
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Durham University Research

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Thought Leadership

Why your migraine might be making you crave a large Coke and fries

Professor of Neuroscience Amanda Ellison explains the science behind a new TikTok trend for handling migraines.

Research news
A pile of french fries against a plain white background

Pope Leo XIV’s inauguration mass – here’s what to expect

A service rich in symbolism, Leo XIV’s inauguration mass this Sunday (18 May) will mark the start of what is likely to be a highly consequential papacy. Dr William Crozier, Duns Scotus Assistant Professor in Franciscan Studies, in our Department of Theology and Religion/Centre for Catholic Studies, tells us more.
Global research
The dome of St Peter's Basilica in Rome against an orange and blue dusk sky

The Climate Fiction Prize 2025: the five shortlisted books reviewed by experts.

Five novels have been shortlisted for the 2025 Climate Fiction Prize. Academics, including Associate Professor in African Literature Louisa Egbunike, review the finalists ahead of the announcement of the winner on May 14.
Research news
Books lined up on bookshelves
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