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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.

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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
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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.

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How medieval monks tried to stay warm in the winter

Hot water bottles, electric blankets and the heating on – some of the ways we try and keep ourselves warm in the 21st century, but how did the medieval monks manage it? Historian Professor Giles Gasper takes a step back in time to explain.
Rievaulx Abbey in York

New materials conduct ions in solids as easily as in liquids

We’re part of an international team of scientists behind the creation of a new family of organic materials that can conduct ions - atoms or molecules with a net electrical charge - in solids.
A series of swirling spirals against a black backdrop.

Looking for ancient climate clues beneath 500 metres of Antarctic ice

Our geographers are part of international team looking at the possible fate of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet in our warming world.  
A snowplough drives across the Antarctic ice against a clear blue sky

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.
  • Three likely scenarios for Venezuela after Donald Trump's meddling

    After months of threats, which included the seizure of oil tankers, and air-strikes on alleged drug boats, on January 3rd, the United States removed Nicolás Maduro, Venezuela’s leader, and charged him with drug trafficking offences. Dr Omar Hammoud Gallego from our School of Government and International Affairs gives his analysis of the situation. 
    A man holding the Venezuelan flag in front of a building.
  • How medieval monks tried to stay warm in the winter

    Hot water bottles, electric blankets and the heating on – some of the ways we try and keep ourselves warm in the 21st century, but how did the medieval monks manage it? Historian Professor Giles Gasper takes a step back in time to explain.
    Rievaulx Abbey in York
  • New materials conduct ions in solids as easily as in liquids

    We’re part of an international team of scientists behind the creation of a new family of organic materials that can conduct ions - atoms or molecules with a net electrical charge - in solids.
    A series of swirling spirals against a black backdrop.

How medieval monks tried to stay warm in the winter

Hot water bottles, electric blankets and the heating on – some of the ways we try and keep ourselves warm in the 21st century, but how did the medieval monks manage it? Historian Professor Giles Gasper takes a step back in time to explain.
Rievaulx Abbey in York

New materials conduct ions in solids as easily as in liquids

We’re part of an international team of scientists behind the creation of a new family of organic materials that can conduct ions - atoms or molecules with a net electrical charge - in solids.
A series of swirling spirals against a black backdrop.

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

  • Three likely scenarios for Venezuela after Donald Trump's meddling

    After months of threats, which included the seizure of oil tankers, and air-strikes on alleged drug boats, on January 3rd, the United States removed Nicolás Maduro, Venezuela’s leader, and charged him with drug trafficking offences. Dr Omar Hammoud Gallego from our School of Government and International Affairs gives his analysis of the situation. 
    A man holding the Venezuelan flag in front of a building.
  • How medieval monks tried to stay warm in the winter

    Hot water bottles, electric blankets and the heating on – some of the ways we try and keep ourselves warm in the 21st century, but how did the medieval monks manage it? Historian Professor Giles Gasper takes a step back in time to explain.
    Rievaulx Abbey in York
  • How Hannah Arendt can help us understand this new age of far-right populism

    Professor Christopher J Finlay, Head of our School of Government and International Affairs, looks at the book The Origins of Totalitarianism, by German and American historian and philosopher Hannah Arendt, and what it can tell us about populism today.
    White road markings reading

How medieval monks tried to stay warm in the winter

Hot water bottles, electric blankets and the heating on – some of the ways we try and keep ourselves warm in the 21st century, but how did the medieval monks manage it? Historian Professor Giles Gasper takes a step back in time to explain.
Rievaulx Abbey in York

How Hannah Arendt can help us understand this new age of far-right populism

Professor Christopher J Finlay, Head of our School of Government and International Affairs, looks at the book The Origins of Totalitarianism, by German and American historian and philosopher Hannah Arendt, and what it can tell us about populism today.
White road markings reading

Upcoming events

Media Freedom in a Digital Age

Wednesday 14 January 2026 - Wednesday 14 January 2026
12:00 PM to 7:00 PM
PCL 058, Ground floor, Palatine Centre, Durham Law School
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30 years of the ECHR: Armed Conflict, Counter-terrorism, and National Security

Thursday 15 January 2026 - Thursday 15 January 2026
9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Durham University, Teaching and Learning Centre (TLC) Room 040
Durham Law school under a bright blue sky

From petrol stations to charging networks: how transport electrification is changing Norway’s energy landscape

Thursday 15 January 2026 - Thursday 15 January 2026
1:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Online
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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