Thought Leadership

Research and Business

Pope Francis dies – an unconventional pontiff who sought to modernise Catholicism

Dr Liam Temple, Assistant Professor in our Department of Theology and Religion, reflects on Pope Francis’ tenure.

The Net Positive mindset: a challenge to business leaders

We need a mindset shift in the next generation of global leaders, a global business leader has said.

Man speaking to audience, backs of heads in foreground

King Charles III to uphold tradition of Royal Maundy Service at Durham Cathedral

Professor Michael Snape from our department of Theology and Religion explores the history, symbolism, and contemporary significance of the Royal Maundy Service, which King Charles III will continue this Thursday at Durham Cathedral.

Sudan civil war: despite appearances this is not a failed state – yet

Professor of History Justin Willis explains the ongoing conflict in Sudan, and explores what could happen next.

Protestors take to the streets in Sudan, waving Sudanese flags

The ‘morning shed’: a brief history of the sometimes dangerous lengths women have gone to look beautiful

As TikTok’s latest beauty fad goes viral, Dr Louise N Hanson of the Department of Psychology reflects on trends throughout history.

A closeup of a woman's lips with a needle injecting fluid

Children from poorer families do worse at school – here’s how to understand the disadvantage gap

Professor in the School of Education Nadia Siddiqui explains the disadvantage gap index and what can be done to reduce it.

Students sit at a table with books and writing utensils

Ukraine must not capitulate to a forced deal with Russia

Whether Kyiv’s resistance remains morally justifiable is fundamentally a matter of how much Ukraine and its people value their freedom and are prepared to sacrifice for it, writes Christopher Finlay, professor in political theory.

Inside the sex lives of chimpanzees: it’s about much more than just reproduction

Dr Jake Brooker and Professor Zanna Clay of our Department of Psychology share their new research on the social role sex plays in bonobo and chimpanzee groups.

Four chimpanzees walk in a line in the forest

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

Children’s perception of normal body shape is affected by who they see around them – new research

Professor Lynda Boothroyd, from our Department of Psychology, discusses the flexibility of body weight perceptions in children and young adults, as part of a first-of-its-kind study.

Silhouettes of a child growing through to an adult

How our bodies react when we use social media – and when we stop

Dr Niklas Ihssen, from our Department of Psychology, explores what happens to our bodies when we social media - and what happens when we stop.