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Pioneering Projects

Explore our diverse range of projects, from spin-out creation, research collaborations and supporting innovation. Whether we're tackling net zero challenges, advancing health sciences, or developing new technologies, our case studies showcase the impact and success of businesses and researchers working with us. 

 

90% of research rated 'world-leading' or 'internationally excellent' (UK Research Excellence Framework 2021)
£85 M research awards made to Durham (2022/23)

Towards a better future

Among our scientists, social scientists, business, arts and humanities scholars we have world-leading authorities in their field.

We are one of the top universities in the world, for taking action to address the most pressing environmental, social and governance challenges facing society today. Our researchers are shaping the world, from the intimate to the infinite.

Iceberg cracking and falling into the water
University student
Researchers at Durham University offer technical expertise that cannot be found elsewhere. We have been collaborating closely on a multitude of projects for several years and hope this will continue to be fruitful long into the future.

Dr Hira Virdee
Founder & CEO Lumi Space
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We are a globally outstanding centre of research

Research at Durham brings together the leading minds in their fields who work collaboratively across departments and with our partners to develop new ways of thinking that have a positive impact on societal and global challenges. 

Explore our research playlist

Research Degrees

Whether you’re looking to connect with international industry and business through your work, or the global academic research community, as a postgraduate at Durham you can expect the freedom and facilities to explore what’s important to you.

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Climate change is hampering River Thames clean-up efforts

Global warming is making it harder to clean up the iconic River Thames in the UK, according to a new study involving scientists from Durham University.
Small boats going along the River Thames in the UK.

Bonobos and chimps give insight into early human sexual behaviour

Using sex to manage social tension dates back over six million years to humans’ common ape ancestor, according to a new study.
A group of bonobos at Lola ya BonobA group of bonobos at Lola ya Bonobo Sanctuary, DR Congo.o Sanctuary, DR Congo.

Body image perceptions take shape from early childhood

New research by our Department of Psychology has determined that our perceptions of body image are shaped by what we see from as early as seven years old.
Child observing body image stimuli on a computer screen

Spotlight on: Professor Robin Coningham - using archaeological expertise to protect global cultural heritage

Our ‘Spotlight on’ series highlights how our researchers are leading their field and transforming lives. Robin Coningham, Professor of Early Medieval Archaeology and UNESCO Chair in Archaeological Ethics and Practice, focuses on South Asia with a dedication to protecting cultural heritage.
Professor Robin Coningham facing the camera against a backdrop of various names and logos of cultural protection organisations

Helping stroke survivors with visual perception problems

A new 15-minute tool to screen stroke survivors for visual perception problems has been launched by researchers from Durham and Oxford universities.
Two people sitting at a table pointing at a page in the stroke screening booklet.

Tiny changes in gene expression can lead to big differences in eye size

We’re part of an international team of scientists which has discovered that tiny changes in the timing of the expression of a single gene can lead to big differences in eye size.
A close up of a fly's eye. The is red and you can see the hexagonal components of the eye.

Bonobos and chimps give insight into early human sexual behaviour

Using sex to manage social tension dates back over six million years to humans’ common ape ancestor, according to a new study.
A group of bonobos at Lola ya BonobA group of bonobos at Lola ya Bonobo Sanctuary, DR Congo.o Sanctuary, DR Congo.

Helping stroke survivors with visual perception problems

A new 15-minute tool to screen stroke survivors for visual perception problems has been launched by researchers from Durham and Oxford universities.
Two people sitting at a table pointing at a page in the stroke screening booklet.

Explore policies, governance and our staff directory

We develop opportunities for businesses to: link with policymakers, understand our research governance and connect with academic researchers.

  • Policy Hub

    We support knowledge exchange activities, develop networks and projects, and provide policy and impact training.
    Policy written in lettered cubes
  • Ethics and Governance

    Research ethics is a key part of research integrity, which aims to safeguard the interests and well-being of those impacted by the research.
    paper people dancing around glass globe
  • Research Staff Directory

    Connect with our academic researchers, or click below to contact our business support team.
    Business people sitting round a table at a meeting

Policy Hub

We support knowledge exchange activities, develop networks and projects, and provide policy and impact training.
Policy written in lettered cubes

Ethics and Governance

Research ethics is a key part of research integrity, which aims to safeguard the interests and well-being of those impacted by the research.
paper people dancing around glass globe

Research Staff Directory

Connect with our academic researchers, or click below to contact our business support team.
Business people sitting round a table at a meeting

Thought Leadership

Ilona Maher and the myth of feminine fragility – how one rugby player is reshaping sport

Professor Stephen Mumford from our Department of Philosophy and Associate Professor Sheree Bekker discuss the impact that Ilona Maher is having on women's sports and perceptions of femininity, fragility.
White and blue rugby ball resting on the grass, with a sunny sky

Two great war leaders united by American isolationism: Charles de Gaulle and Volodymyr Zelensky

Tim Luckhurst of Durham University explores the parallels between political leaders Charles de Gaulle and Volodymyr Zelensky and their relations with USA presidents.
The USA flag fluttering in the wind with patches of blue sky

Upcoming events

An interdisciplinary workshop within the major project “The many facets of social inequality”

Wednesday 12 March 2025 - Wednesday 12 March 2025
11:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Institute of Advanced Study, Seminar Room, Cosin's Hall, Durham University, Palace Green, Durham, DH1 3RL
Hand out foodbank donations

CNCS/CNCSI & DCF Lunchtime Seminar Series

Wednesday 12 March 2025 - Wednesday 12 March 2025
1:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Elvet Riverside Room ER231 and On-Line via Teams
Gandhi

Church of England, Place and Willie James Jennings

Wednesday 12 March 2025 - Wednesday 12 March 2025
4:00 PM to 5:30 PM
Online only. The link will be posted later. Please contact the Michael Ramsey Centre for Anglican Studies coordinator, Scholastica Jacob (scholastica.jacob@stantonyspriory.org) for the link.
Dr Alison Walker photographed outdoors

Research and Innovation Services

Research and Innovation Services
Durham University
Mountjoy Centre
Stockton Road
Durham
DH1 3LE

E: business.gateway@durham.ac.uk