As 2024 draws to a close, we’re reflecting on some of our successes over the last 12 months. From addressing the mysteries of the Universe, to joining forces with local partners to benefit our region, it’s been a year full of achievements.

Bonobo apes orphaned by the illegal trade in bushmeat and pets can overcome trauma and develop social abilities like those of their mother-reared peers.

Television presenter Matt Baker will be among the leaders in their fields to receive honorary degrees from the University in January 2025.   

Associate Professor Kelly Jakubowski studies the songs that run through our heads to establish why they’re there, and what can be done about them.

We are partnering with the Office for National Statistics (ONS) to support aspiring data professionals. This collaboration aims to enhance career opportunities for students, paving the way for more and higher-quality job prospects for graduates.

Whether it’s Santa Claus, Father Christmas, or St Nicholas that he goes by, at this time of year children everywhere are excited for his arrival. But, does the promise of presents from ‘the man in red’ make children behave better?

We’ve partnered with the Foundation of Light charity to work together on initiatives aimed at improving communities across North East England.

Communist suppression distorted music history in Eastern Europe. Now, Professor Patrick Zuk is being recognised for setting the record straight.

Hedging against political risks enhances international stock portfolio performance more effectively than diversification alone, according to a study involving Professor Stavros Zenios.

Thanks to a grant from the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC), Associate Professor Alex Barber will create awareness around an undercelebrated month.

We’re sharing in an investment of almost £30m to train the next generation of researchers to tackle the world’s environmental challenges.

Durham is one of just two universities this year to exceed £100,000 in fundraising for Movember, meaning that the outstanding collaborative efforts of our Colleges and Team Durham clubs have secured the top spot on the Big Moustache on Campus Challenge UK leaderboard, raising an incredible £126,879.

Thinking of studying a Masters in 2025? Consider one of our new postgraduate degrees and elevate your career at a World Top 100 university.

Research Associate in Medical Humanities Veronica Heney reviews the latest example of a rising genre of women's fiction.

Assistant Professor in International Security William Plowright explores what may happen next in Syria following the toppling of Bashar al-Assad's regime.

What is utopianism? How did it emerge as a way of imagining alternatives to the present? Why do people often look to the past when they imagine an alternative future?

Want to know more about how we interact with our local community? Our monthly Community Newsletter explores the news, events, and research both at Durham University and in the city itself.

We recently welcomed Mr Ali Obaid Shalgham, the Head of the Iraqi State Board of Antiquities and Heritage and Deputy Minister of Culture, and a delegation from the University of Al-Qadisiyah, to Durham.

We're working with others, locally, regionally and nationally, to improve life chances and promote prosperity in our region and nation. In her monthly column, our Vice-Chancellor Professor Karen O'Brien explores some of our regional partnerships and the benefits they will bring to North East England.