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Current Research

Research that makes a difference.

Durham is an ancient seat of learning and a leading world University which, since its establishment in 1832, has developed a distinctive reputation for leadership and innovation in education and research.
Research and Business
Scientists examine DNA models in modern Neurological Research Laboratory

Research, scholarship and ideas are at the core of Durham University. We are home to some of the most talented researchers and scholars from around the world, tackling global issues, and making a difference to people's lives. Research directly informs our undergraduate and postgraduate teaching and, in partnership with policy-makers, industry, the public sector, and communities around the world, shapes local, national and international agendas.

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New network to support humanities and social sciences early career researchers

We’re passionate about supporting early career researchers. That’s why we’re thrilled to be a partner for the newest cluster of the British Academy’s Early Career Researcher Network (ECRN).

Research news
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What does it mean to be political for today’s students?

Rille Raaper, Associate Professor in our School of Education, writes for SRHEblog.com.
Student news
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PhD Law student secures prestigious award to redefine sexual assault

Florence-Olivia Genesse was awarded a Social Science and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC) Doctoral Fellowship to pursue a research project on sexual assault and criminal law.
Research news
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Durham subjects among world top 100

Four of our subjects have been ranked among the world’s top 100 in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2025.
Research news
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Royal Astronomical Society honours Durham scientists

Two Durham scientists whose work helps us to understand the Universe and our own planet are being recognised by one of the UK’s leading learned societies.
Research news
Head and shoulder pictures of Dr Andrew Valentine (left) and Emeritus Professor Ian Smail (right). Both men have beards and glasses and are looking directly at the camera.

Brain cells as traffic controllers

A groundbreaking study led by Dr Marco Bocchio in our Department of Psychology reveals how specific brain cells called interneurons can act as our in-built traffic controllers.
Research news
Abstract colourful image of a person's head and brain.

New imaging of bacterial DNA uncovers secrets to future antibiotic design

In a new study, scientists from our top-rated Biosciences department joined forces with researchers from Jagiellonian University (Poland), and the John Innes Centre to reveal how a bacterial enzyme called DNA gyrase twists and stabilises DNA.
Research news
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New network to support humanities and social sciences early career researchers

We’re passionate about supporting early career researchers. That’s why we’re thrilled to be a partner for the newest cluster of the British Academy’s Early Career Researcher Network (ECRN).

Group of people sat in a semi circle with notebooks, smiling

PhD Law student secures prestigious award to redefine sexual assault

Florence-Olivia Genesse was awarded a Social Science and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC) Doctoral Fellowship to pursue a research project on sexual assault and criminal law.
Woman stands with arms folded in front of foliage on a sunny day

Durham subjects among world top 100

Four of our subjects have been ranked among the world’s top 100 in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2025.
Three young people seated left, looking right, smiling
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Explore our global research

Discover how our research is changing lives around the world using the button below. We also have a static PDF version available.

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Durham University Research

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Thought Leadership

What does it mean to be political for today’s students?

Rille Raaper, Associate Professor in our School of Education, writes for SRHEblog.com.

Student news
People holding environmental placards

How to support neurodivergent postgraduate researchers

How can universities ensure PhD students of all neurotypes can thrive? Professor Debbie Riby, Dr Amy Pearson, and Jess Hirst, from our Department of Psychology, discuss how to provide neurodiversity-affirmative supervision.
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
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Academies haven’t raised pupil achievement – there’s no need for them to have privileges that other schools do not

Professor of Education and Public Policy Stephen Gorard responds to the current Labour government's plans to cut back on some of the exceptions afforded to academy schools.
Research news
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