Ita Mac Carthy is Professor of early modern Italian literature and art in our School of Modern Languages and Cultures. She also directs the Institute for Medieval and Early Modern Studies (IMEMS) with Professor Richard Scholar. She recently took part in an Ideas Forum as part of 'UP North Culture + Knowledge: Growing Opportunities in the North East’. Here she discusses why Research Institutes like IMEMS can help us build a better future together for the North East of England.

Professor Jutta Bakonyi, who works in our School of Government and International Affairs, looks at how a memorandum of understanding between Ethiopia and Somaliland announced on 1 January 2024 set off diplomatic rows in the Horn of Africa – and beyond.

Professor Tobias Weinzierl from our Department of Computer Science talks about integrating SYCL training into the teaching curriculum to equip students with deep understanding of GPU technology.

Professor Tim Luckhurst, our Principal of South College, takes a look back at how the news that Britain was heading for war was covered by the press and the mistakes that should be heeded by the media if a new war was to take place.

English Professor Simon James is lead on the Durham Commission for Creativity and Education, a joint research collaboration between Durham University and Arts Council England. Professor James is contributing to an Ideas Forum at an upcoming event, UP North Culture + Knowledge: Growing Opportunities in the North East, alongside other leaders and experts in culture, academia, government and industry. Here he explores the importance of creativity.

Professor Richard Slack works in the Accounting department of Durham University's Business School. He has contributed to this piece alongside fellow academics from the University of Glasgow, the University of Bath and Audencia.

Dr Paddy Ross works in our Psychology department and has been part of a research project looking at what really contributes to best, and worst, first impressions in a virtual environment.