The Labour party has confirmed its intention to end this VAT exemption for private schools if elected to government. Professor Stephen Gorard, from our School of Education, has assessed the pros and cons of what this would mean for the British public if implemented.

The Liberal Democrat political party has listed 'culture, media and sport' as a key priority in its manifesto ahead of the General Election. Professor Simon James, from our Department of English Studies, explores the significance of this in more detail.

Dr Jack Jenkins and Professor Hannah Brown from our Department of Anthropology look at solutions to the serious health hazards posed by Sierra Leone’s bushmeat markets, and how lessons learned can inform strategies for reducing zoonotic disease risks in similar settings around the world.

With UK inflation figures recently released, Dr Michael Nower from Durham University Business School has taken a deeper look at what they mean for the current state of the economy.

With Pope Francis reportedly clearing the way for Carlo Acutis to become the Catholic church's first millennial saint, Dr Liam Temple from our Department of Theology and Religion looks at what the significance of bestowing such an honour will mean for the church's future.

The findings of the UK’s Infected Blood Inquiry have been reported. Over 3,000 people have died after receiving contaminated blood products in the 1970s, 80s and 90s. Professor Emma Cave, of Durham Law School, and Professor Bobbie Farsides, of Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Co-Chairs of the Medical Ethics group for the Infected Blood Inquiry, set out the background to this scandal.

Professor Charles Fernyhough from our Department of Psychology explains about his research on the inner experience and why he believes it has the power to transform the future of video games.

A proposed change to an admissions cap could see faith schools no longer having to offer 50% of their places to children from outside their religion. Professor Stephen Gorard, from our School of Education, explains why he believes such a move would be a bad decision.

A sustainable method of disposing the body after death called alkaline hydrolysis is set to be regulated in Scotland. Dr Georgina Robinson, from our Theology and Religion department, explains what advantages that will bring.

This month, we see the Festival of Fulbright come to a close with a final event at the US Embassy on 8th May. In this piece, Dr Arlene Holmes-Henderson gives a wonderful insight into the festival that all began at Durham earlier this year.

A landmark conference about Syriac Studies brought more than 70 researchers from 20 countries to Durham last month. The event was a hub for academic collaboration and knowledge sharing. It was also a formative experience for early-career scholars. Here, the organisers reflect on the key highlights of the conference and why there has recently been a major revival of academic interest in Syriac Studies.

Described as a "giant of particle physics", Peter Wade Higgs sadly died earlier this month. Dr Martin Bauer from our Physics department explains how Peter’s ground-breaking work means his legacy will live on.