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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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Durham physicists part of mission to chart space and time

Our physicists are part of one of the most ambitious studies of the Universe ever undertaken.
A field of stars set against a black background.

Ancient rock carvings suggest Bronze Age maritime links across Europe

Bronze Age rock carvings suggest communities across Europe were far more connected than previously thought.
Photograph of ‘Triangular boat’ petroglyph in the panel 18 of Laje da Churra, North Portugal. Photo credit: Ana M. Bettencourt.

The Arctic: understanding and stewarding our planet’s frozen north

Our research is advancing understanding of the Arctic, and how we might better protect this crucial part of our planet.
A small town of brightly coloured wooden houses stands in a frozen landscape

Exploring the hidden histories of the female body

For many women, childbirth is transformative. For Dr Erin Maglaque from our Department of History, it also sparked an exploration into how history has shaped understanding, expectation and perceptions of the female body.
Seventeenth century illustrations of women undertaking what were considered feminine occupations such as cooking, sewing and weaving

Baby slings: what the evidence says about benefits, risks and safe use

Baby slings and carriers are popular among new parents, but is there enough trusted guidance available on how to use them safely? PhD student, Sophie Lovell-Kennedy, has delved into the evidence.
Newborn baby asleep on a bed.

Knighthood for world-leading cosmologist Professor Carlos Frenk

Professor Carlos Frenk – who is behind one of the foremost theories of the evolution of the Universe – has been knighted in The King’s Birthday Honours.
A man with white hair and glasses, wearing a cream linen jacket and blue shirt smiles at the camera

Ancient rock carvings suggest Bronze Age maritime links across Europe

Bronze Age rock carvings suggest communities across Europe were far more connected than previously thought.
Photograph of ‘Triangular boat’ petroglyph in the panel 18 of Laje da Churra, North Portugal. Photo credit: Ana M. Bettencourt.

Baby slings: what the evidence says about benefits, risks and safe use

Baby slings and carriers are popular among new parents, but is there enough trusted guidance available on how to use them safely? PhD student, Sophie Lovell-Kennedy, has delved into the evidence.
Newborn baby asleep on a bed.

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

How radical nuns who transformed education for poor girls

Dr Alexandra Verini from our Department of Theology and Religion explores how pioneering Catholic nuns transformed education for poor girls in 19th Century Britain. 
19 century engraving, Nursery scene: young nun entertains toddlers at playschool

Excommunication and division - the battle over the Catholic Church’s future

Dr Liam Temple from our Department of Theology and Religion looks at why Pope Leo's excommunication of a conservative Catholic rebel group matters, and how this is the latest development in a long-running saga. 
Image of St Peter's Basilica in Vatican City with the sun lighting part of the dome

Upcoming events

Lab Coat Lunch 5: SOUL PAINT: Where are you feeling?

Wednesday 8 July 2026 - Wednesday 8 July 2026
1:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Online
A close up of a blue overcoat with colourful images of cell printed/stamped on it, against a whimsical green painted background showing brush strokes

Offshore wind as the backbone of a secure, affordable and decarbonised grid

Wednesday 15 July 2026 - Wednesday 15 July 2026
6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Event Space, Floor 2, Mountjoy Centre, Durham University, Stockton Road, Durham DH1 3LE
DEI events logo 2025 to 2026

INCSA Conference 2026 - Revolution, Revelation, Reconciliation - Registration Open!

Tuesday 21 July 2026 - Friday 24 July 2026
9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
National Union Building, Washington, DC and Online
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Exploring the Quantum-Classical Boundary: Across Scales and Sciences

Friday 24 July 2026 - Friday 24 July 2026
10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
PO005, Department of Philosophy, 50 Old Elvet, Durham
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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