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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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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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Milky Way’s neighbouring galaxies could tell us about the infant Universe

New research has found that ultra-faint satellite galaxy systems orbiting our Milky Way could tell us about the conditions of the early Universe – and why some galaxies grew while others didn’t.
A computer simulation image showing stars and gaseous material in a simulated ultra-faint dwarf galaxy in yellow, orange, purple and pink colours.

Christianity in the UK is flourishing in immigrant communities – but a US style Christian nationalism is lurking elsewhere

Has Christianity become a nationalist weapon used to defend a particular form of British culture? Professor Mathew Guest from our Department of Theology and Religion looks at the shifts in society.
Two hands holding a Bible.

Novel house design cuts childhood malaria significantly

A major study involving Durham University shows that a radical rethink of rural housing design in sub-Saharan Africa can protect children from the three deadliest childhood diseases.
A two-storey Star Home

New movie charts Milky Way’s formation across nine billion years

Our physicists have created a new movie taking us back nine billion years in time to understand the formation of our Milky Way.
A simulated image of a spiral galaxy with a bright centre and spiral arms, set against a black backdrop.

Why some children with learning difficulties get identified – and others don’t

A major study has revealed that where a child goes to school plays a role in whether they get diagnosed with a specific learning difficulty or not. Lead author, Dr Johny Daniel explains.
Young children writing in a classroom

Funding award for research into custom-built surgical reconstruction plates

Cutting-edge Engineering research into custom 3D plates for reconstructive surgery has been awarded funding from the Academy of Medical Sciences.
A graphic showing a human jaw bone held together by 3D surgical plates.

Christianity in the UK is flourishing in immigrant communities – but a US style Christian nationalism is lurking elsewhere

Has Christianity become a nationalist weapon used to defend a particular form of British culture? Professor Mathew Guest from our Department of Theology and Religion looks at the shifts in society.
Two hands holding a Bible.

Novel house design cuts childhood malaria significantly

A major study involving Durham University shows that a radical rethink of rural housing design in sub-Saharan Africa can protect children from the three deadliest childhood diseases.
A two-storey Star Home

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

The old adage that people leave managers, not companies is true – but only up to a point

Exploring why employees leave their jobs, PhD candidate Jafni Bin Johari Jiken and DBA graduate and alumnus Dr Asrif Yusoff from Durham University Business School examine how leadership and workplace conditions shape staff retention.
Overwhelmed business man in office surrounded by co workers

Why some children with learning difficulties get identified – and others don’t

A major study has revealed that where a child goes to school plays a role in whether they get diagnosed with a specific learning difficulty or not. Lead author, Dr Johny Daniel explains.
Young children writing in a classroom

Upcoming events

Copyright and Intangible Cultural Heritages in China: Conflict, Compatibility, and Coexistence

Monday 27 April 2026 - Monday 27 April 2026
2:30 PM to 3:30 PM
PCL 058
Copyright and Intangible Cultural Heritages in China Conflict, Compatibility, and Coexistence

Dancing Across Disciplines

Tuesday 28 April 2026 - Tuesday 28 April 2026
10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Tom Percival Annex
A long-exposure photograph captures a dancer in a dark dress on a stage, with their movement creating a blurred, ethereal trail of multiple overlapping arms and figures against a black background.

Join us for fika!

Wednesday 29 April 2026 - Wednesday 29 April 2026
9:30 AM to 10:30 AM
IMH (Confluence Building)
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Lab Coat Lunch 3: After the War – Arts and film practice in hospice care

Wednesday 29 April 2026 - Wednesday 29 April 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