Skip to main content

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
This is the image alt text

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.

Research Degree Icon

What's new?

Filter:

Scientists secure major award to drive sustainable consumer innovation

We have been awarded a share of more than £24 million of national funding for the prestigious Industrial Doctoral Landscape Award (IDLA) to advance research into sustainable consumer goods.
Researchers at library

A partnership to create a new Hong Kong Durham East-West research institute

Durham University has entered into a partnership with the MarcoPolo700 Foundation to develop a pioneering East-West Institute in Hong Kong and Durham.
Mountains with winding roads across them

Greenhouse gases to intensify extreme flooding in the Central Himalayas

Rising greenhouse gas emissions could see the size of extreme floods in the Central Himalayas increase by between as much as 73% and 84% by the end of this century.
A river running through a valley with tree lined mountains behind.

New £2m facility unlocks access to heritage science

Our Archaeology department is home to a new £2m facility providing cutting-edge tools to support heritage science across North East England and nationally.
A researcher looks at scan images on a computer screen

Reflecting on COP 30

We had seven delegates at the recent 30th Conference of the Parties (COP30), under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Belém, Brazil.
Seven head shots of the COP30 delegates

Fuel made from just air, power and water is taking off – but several things are holding it back

The use of e-fuels could be the way forward but there are some barriers. Jon Gluyas, who is a Professor in Geoenergy, Carbon Capture and Storage, takes us through the challenges.
Front view of an aeroplane on the runway.

New £2m facility unlocks access to heritage science

Our Archaeology department is home to a new £2m facility providing cutting-edge tools to support heritage science across North East England and nationally.
A researcher looks at scan images on a computer screen

Fuel made from just air, power and water is taking off – but several things are holding it back

The use of e-fuels could be the way forward but there are some barriers. Jon Gluyas, who is a Professor in Geoenergy, Carbon Capture and Storage, takes us through the challenges.
Front view of an aeroplane on the runway.

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

Farmers and supermarkets worry that extreme weather will stop food getting to consumers – here’s what needs to change

Mohammed Alzuhair, Doctor of Business Administration candidate and researcher at Durham University Business School, examines how recent storms have exposed the vulnerability of the UK’s food supply chain.
Empty supermarket shelving

Fuel made from just air, power and water is taking off – but several things are holding it back

The use of e-fuels could be the way forward but there are some barriers. Jon Gluyas, who is a Professor in Geoenergy, Carbon Capture and Storage, takes us through the challenges.
Front view of an aeroplane on the runway.

Upcoming events

Measurement Heretics: A Reading Group in Human(e) Sciences - December 2025

Tuesday 16 December 2025 - Tuesday 16 December 2025
3:30 PM to 5:00 PM
Online
Title of event with various measuring devices surrounding the text.

Project on 75 years of the ECHR.

Thursday 8 January 2026 - Friday 24 October 2025
9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
PCL050
Durham Law school under a bright blue sky

Thematic Workshop: The ECtHR and the Rights of Minorities and Other Marginalised Groups

Thursday 8 January 2026 - Thursday 8 January 2026
9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Palatine Centre, Room PCL050, Durham Law School
Durham Law school under a bright blue sky

Medical Humanities in Practice Research Fellowships: Developing your idea

Friday 9 January 2026 - Friday 9 January 2026
9:00 AM to 10:00 AM
Online
A poster with the title, timings, and date of the event. Logos of the IMH, DRP and Wellcome at the bottom.

Research and Innovation Services

Research and Innovation Services
Durham University,
Boldon House,
Wheatlands Way,
Pity Me,
Durham,
DH1 5FA.

E: business.gateway@durham.ac.uk