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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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Milky Way’s neighbouring galaxies could tell us about the infant Universe

New research has found that ultra-faint satellite galaxy systems orbiting our Milky Way could tell us about the conditions of the early Universe – and why some galaxies grew while others didn’t.
A computer simulation image showing stars and gaseous material in a simulated ultra-faint dwarf galaxy in yellow, orange, purple and pink colours.

Christianity in the UK is flourishing in immigrant communities – but a US style Christian nationalism is lurking elsewhere

Has Christianity become a nationalist weapon used to defend a particular form of British culture? Professor Mathew Guest from our Department of Theology and Religion looks at the shifts in society.
Two hands holding a Bible.

Novel house design cuts childhood malaria significantly

A major study involving Durham University shows that a radical rethink of rural housing design in sub-Saharan Africa can protect children from the three deadliest childhood diseases.
A two-storey Star Home

New movie charts Milky Way’s formation across nine billion years

Our physicists have created a new movie taking us back nine billion years in time to understand the formation of our Milky Way.
A simulated image of a spiral galaxy with a bright centre and spiral arms, set against a black backdrop.

Why some children with learning difficulties get identified – and others don’t

A major study has revealed that where a child goes to school plays a role in whether they get diagnosed with a specific learning difficulty or not. Lead author, Dr Johny Daniel explains.
Young children writing in a classroom

Funding award for research into custom-built surgical reconstruction plates

Cutting-edge Engineering research into custom 3D plates for reconstructive surgery has been awarded funding from the Academy of Medical Sciences.
A graphic showing a human jaw bone held together by 3D surgical plates.

Christianity in the UK is flourishing in immigrant communities – but a US style Christian nationalism is lurking elsewhere

Has Christianity become a nationalist weapon used to defend a particular form of British culture? Professor Mathew Guest from our Department of Theology and Religion looks at the shifts in society.
Two hands holding a Bible.

Novel house design cuts childhood malaria significantly

A major study involving Durham University shows that a radical rethink of rural housing design in sub-Saharan Africa can protect children from the three deadliest childhood diseases.
A two-storey Star Home
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Durham University Research

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Thought Leadership

The old adage that people leave managers, not companies is true – but only up to a point

Exploring why employees leave their jobs, PhD candidate Jafni Bin Johari Jiken and DBA graduate and alumnus Dr Asrif Yusoff from Durham University Business School examine how leadership and workplace conditions shape staff retention.
Overwhelmed business man in office surrounded by co workers

Why some children with learning difficulties get identified – and others don’t

A major study has revealed that where a child goes to school plays a role in whether they get diagnosed with a specific learning difficulty or not. Lead author, Dr Johny Daniel explains.
Young children writing in a classroom