Skip to main content

Research and business

We conduct innovative and impactful research to transform lives and make a difference, globally and regionally.
A purple illustration of the planet with virtual connections

Research to empower and inspire

At Durham, our academic staff conduct forward-thinking, interdisciplinary research that has an impact on communities all over the world. Collaboration with a broad mix of partners is central to enhancing global knowledge and developing global citizenship. 

Business and partnerships

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.

Iceberg cracking and falling into the water
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
This is the image alt text

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.

Research Degree Icon

What's new?

Filter:

Research shows AI chatbots are driving violence against women and girls

A new report provides the first comprehensive analysis of how AI chatbots are facilitating violence against women and girls (VAWG) in dangerous new ways.

Research news
A person with a mobile phone showing a chatbot on the screen.

Medieval wall painting clue to Durham Castle’s high-status past

A hidden section of medieval wall painting, not seen for hundreds of years, is giving clues to the grand past of Durham Castle.
Research news
A man with a beard and glasses looks at a fragment of medieval wall painting in a masonry style with a red flower and stem motif

Spotlight on: Professor Fuschia Sirois – transforming how we understand wellbeing

Our ‘Spotlight on’ feature showcases the work of our world-leading academics. Professor Fuschia Sirois, in our Department of Psychology, is pioneering a more compassionate approach to understanding the risk and resilience factors that shape health and wellbeing.
Global research
Professor Fuschia Sirois smiling to camera

Spotlight on: Professor Markian Prokopovych – advocating history’s role in supporting Ukraine's future

Our Spotlight On series highlights the leading work of our academics. Professor Markian Prokopovych from our Department of History specialises in modern European history. The war in Ukraine has transformed his research, prompting him to explore how the past can help shape Ukraine's future.
Global research
Professor Markian Prokopovych smiling and facing the camera with a blurred background

Major education reforms in England unveiled – here’s what the experts think

The UK government’s recently published proposed education reforms include measures to improve teacher recruitment, student achievement and belonging at school. Education experts, including Professor Stephen Gorard from our School of Education, share their thoughts on the proposals.
Research news
School children in a classroom with a teacher

Spotlight on: Professor Edith Hall – leading the campaign for Classics education for all

Our ‘Spotlight on’ series showcases the world-leading work of our academics. Professor Edith Hall is passionate about the lessons we can learn from ancient civilisations and is leading a campaign to put Classics education back on the UK curriculum.
Global research
Professor Edith Hall smiling to camera, standing outside, in front of large columns, with a cat in the left background

Spotlight on: Professor Chris Gerrard – leading archaeology across academic disciplines

Our Spotlight on series celebrates the world-leading work of our academics. Professor Chris Gerrard is an archaeologist who thrives on taking a cross-discipline approach to uncovering the past, giving rise to fascinating insights and innovative projects.
Global research
Professor Chris Gerrard, wearing a protective hard hat, at the top of a ladder at an archaeological site, smiling to camera
Discover more news

Research shows AI chatbots are driving violence against women and girls

A new report provides the first comprehensive analysis of how AI chatbots are facilitating violence against women and girls (VAWG) in dangerous new ways.

A person with a mobile phone showing a chatbot on the screen.

Medieval wall painting clue to Durham Castle’s high-status past

A hidden section of medieval wall painting, not seen for hundreds of years, is giving clues to the grand past of Durham Castle.
A man with a beard and glasses looks at a fragment of medieval wall painting in a masonry style with a red flower and stem motif

Spotlight on: Professor Philip Goff – challenging the foundations of science through philosophy

Our ‘Spotlight On’ series highlights some of our pioneering researchers who are leading transformative work. Professor Philip Goff from our Department of Philosophy is challenging the long-held quantitative focus of physical science through his work on consciousness.
Black and white image of Professor Philip Goff set against a white background

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
Contact our Research and Innovations team

Thought leadership

Are women more safe today in England and Wales than they were in the past – or less? What the evidence shows

Professor Nicole Westmarland, in our Department of Sociology, reviews the evidence around rates of violence against women and girls in England and Wales.

Global research
Woman walking alone through a pedestrian tunnel

How to spot the use and abuse of the word ‘context’

Everyone’s been in a debate when someone says: “You’re taking that out of context.” But what does it actually mean to understand something “in context”? Here Dr Paolo Heywood from our Department of Anthropology explores the use and abuse of the word 'context'.
Research news
Cluster of press microphones being held around an unidentified person

No, autistic people are not ‘mind blind’ – here’s why

Dr Travis LaCroix, in our Department of Philosophy, challenges a long-standing misconception about autism: that autistic people are inherently unable to understand others’ thoughts or feelings.
Global research
Five teenage children sat together on grass in conversation
Discover more comment and opinion

Upcoming events

IMEMS Research Showcase: Cameron Cross (University of Michigan), "At the Navel of Knowledge: Love, Speech, and Silence in Nizami's Haft Paykar (1209)."

Wednesday 18 March 2026 - Wednesday 18 March 2026
3:00 PM to 4:30 PM
7 Owengate
Background image for IMEMS events

COP30 Debrief Event at Durham Castle

Wednesday 18 March 2026 - Wednesday 18 March 2026
8:00 PM to 9:30 PM
Durham Castle, Great Hall
COP Castle debrief

From Durham to Santa Marta and Beyond

Thursday 19 March 2026 - Friday 20 March 2026
9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Redhills Durham Miners Hall, Durham, UK
COP30 Elisa

BSI - Geography Mixer Session

Thursday 19 March 2026 - Thursday 19 March 2026
1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Seminar: W007 (Department of Geography)  Mixer: Coffee, cake and conversation - Manley Room, First floor. 
Arctic Ice
Explore all University events

Business and partnerships

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