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Research to empower and inspire

We are a globally outstanding centre of teaching, learning and research excellence. We are a world top 100 university, with 12 of our subjects ranked in the world top 50 and 19 in the world top 100. We conduct innovative and impactful research to transform lives and make a difference, globally and locally: research to empower and inspire.
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Explore our global research

Discover how our research is changing lives around the world using the button below. We also have a static PDF version available.

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Latest news

Departmental delegation to India creates exciting opportunities

We recently took part in a delegation along with the Department of Education to collaborate with academic institutions and archaeological organisations in India. We are all looking forward to working together to manage cultural heritage sustainably.
Colleagues from Durham University and Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda Archaeology Departments

Oldest fossils of mysterious animal group are actually seaweeds

A leading scientist from our Department of Earth Sciences has collaborated with researchers in China to reveal that a group of prehistoric sea creatures is not as ancient as we thought - their earliest fossils are actually seaweeds.
Fossils seaweed

Supporting teacher training in India

Experts from our top-rated School of Education, in association with the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Pune, have undertaken a unique training programme for teachers in India on ‘hands on-minds on-effective teaching and learning of science.’
IISER India

Solving problems across boundaries

Did you know that our researchers have been working with colleagues at the Chinese of Academy of Sciences (CAS) for over 30 years on areas ranging from climate change to astronomy?
Abstract picture of a globe with lines illustrating connections.

How Shakespeare was inspired by controversial student theatre

Student theatre may be a staple of undergraduate life today, but in Shakespeare’s time it was controversial and provocative, and may have inspired some of ‘The Bard’s’ most important pieces.
Image showing book of Shakespeare plays open with image of Shakespeare

Pinpointing carbon-free helium gas fields to avert global supply crisis

Our Durham Energy Institute researchers are part of an international team that has identified hidden natural helium gas fields.
Helium gas coloured purple in a test tube when interacting with a plasma ball

Strengthened connections with the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras

We are delighted to announce the signing of a memorandum of understanding with the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras).
A group of people standing in front of a sign that says Indian Institute of Technology Madras

Robotic bees to support real-life ecosystem

A leading scientist from our Department of Computer Science has collaborated with researchers from University of Graz, Czech Technical University and Middle East Technical University to build robotic bee replicants that will affect the whole ecosystem.
Bee

Durham strengthening ties with India

We are proud to be a global university, with research collaborations, partnerships and student, alumni and employer connections all over the world. As part of this global outlook, we’re very pleased be strengthening our ties with India.
India visit 2023

Talking Ukraine with Dr Markian Prokopovych

We continue to be deeply concerned and saddened by the war taking place in Ukraine. We are an international university, committed to social responsibility and democratic values. As we mark the one-year anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Dr Markian Prokopovych, Associate Professor at our History Department, discusses a series of topical webinars, and the global significance Ukraine has become.
Ukraine flag and Dr Markian Prokopovych

Global Engagement Grant Success

Three members of IMH have received grants from the Global Engagement Grants, a Durham University scheme which supports global engagement and partnership development.
Global network

Trade union membership increased between 2017 and 2020 – thanks to women

Membership of trade unions steadily increased between 2017 and 2020, driven by a large increase in female membership.
Female speaker at business conference
Aerial view of Durham

Research Impact at Durham

Read about our Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021 impact case studies.

Impact Case Studies
Korean drummers playing at the Oriental Museum

Global Culture

Interested in how the cultural activities of Durham's staff and student bodies enrich life worldwide? Head to the Global Culture page to find out.

Find out more