Skip to main content

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:

Chemists discover why sunscreen stains leave you seeing red

Have you ever tried bleaching sunscreen stains on clothing, only to be left with bright red results?
Sunscreen bottles arranged in a circle around a sun drawn in white cream on a bright blue background

Putting human rights at the heart of COP30

Durham Law professor Elisa Morgera is advising governments on how human rights can be included in negotiations at the COP30 climate summit.
A person holds a sign reading There is No Planet B above their head.

Durham scientist contributes to global UNESCO report on unprecedented glacier loss

Geographer Dr Caroline Clason has played a key role in a major new international report highlighting the accelerating decline of the world’s glaciers and ice sheets.
A mountain glacier running into water.

New exhibition celebrates women who live and breathe North East football

The stories of female fans of Newcastle and Sunderland men’s football teams are celebrated in a new online and pop-up exhibition at Durham University.
A crowd of football fans with the words: Away from home. The untold stories of women football fans

Durham scientists supporting NASA mission to find Earth-like worlds

Our scientists are investigating how a UK-led team could design and build a core instrument for a flagship NASA mission to search for life on distant planets.
An Earth-like planet in the foreground with a nearby star in the distance.

New telescope captures first light in Chile

A major milestone in a global telescope collaboration involving astronomers from our Department of Physics has been achieved.
Images showing 4MOST first light observations, showing typical sky area covered by one 4MOST pointing (image to the left), together with one example spectrum, out of the 2,400 simultaneously measured spectra acquired by 4MOST (image to the right).

Chemists discover why sunscreen stains leave you seeing red

Have you ever tried bleaching sunscreen stains on clothing, only to be left with bright red results?
Sunscreen bottles arranged in a circle around a sun drawn in white cream on a bright blue background

How a medieval Oxford friar used light and colour to find out what stars and planets are made of

A medieval friar challenged the scientific orthodoxy of his day around the make-up of stars and planets. Dr William Crozier from our Department of Theology and Religion sheds a light on this 13th century “controversy”.
The moon

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 a medieval Oxford friar used light and colour to find out what stars and planets are made of

A medieval friar challenged the scientific orthodoxy of his day around the make-up of stars and planets. Dr William Crozier from our Department of Theology and Religion sheds a light on this 13th century “controversy”.
The moon

What the review of England’s national curriculum means for disadvantaged schools

Professor Stephen Gorard from our School of Education reflects on the national curriculum review for children from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Students at school

Upcoming events

Rights to Non-human Animals: Philosophical Justifications and Legal Perspectives in Dialogue

Friday 14 November 2025 - Friday 14 November 2025
8:45 AM to 5:30 PM
Hybrid event, held at St John’s College, and online via teams
FINAL Rights to Non-Human Animals

Communicating Science and Evidence

Friday 14 November 2025 - Friday 14 November 2025
1:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Collingwood College, Penthouse Suite
tutor explaining to students at science convention

DELI Lunchtime Seminar: Luke Dimitrios Spieker

Friday 14 November 2025 - Friday 14 November 2025
1:00 PM to 2:00 PM
PCL048 - Hogan Lovells Lecture Theatre
Durham Law school under a bright blue sky

Whose Knowledge Counts? Colonial legacies, epistemic justice and the challenge of intercultural and indigenous universities

Monday 17 November 2025 - Monday 17 November 2025
1:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Cosin's Hall, Seminar Room, Palace Green
Modern Multi-Level Library Interior with Bookshelves

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