Skip to main content
Research and Business
A purple illustration of the planet with virtual connections

Current Research

Research that makes a difference.

Durham is an ancient seat of learning and a leading world University which, since its establishment in 1832, has developed a distinctive reputation for leadership and innovation in education and research.
Research and Business
Scientists examine DNA models in modern Neurological Research Laboratory

Research, scholarship and ideas are at the core of Durham University. We are home to some of the most talented researchers and scholars from around the world, tackling global issues, and making a difference to people's lives. Research directly informs our undergraduate and postgraduate teaching and, in partnership with policy-makers, industry, the public sector, and communities around the world, shapes local, national and international agendas.

Discover More

What's new?

Filter:

Royal Astronomical Society honours Durham scientists

Two Durham scientists whose work helps us to understand the Universe and our own planet are being recognised by one of the UK’s leading learned societies.

Research news
Head and shoulder pictures of Dr Andrew Valentine (left) and Emeritus Professor Ian Smail (right). Both men have beards and glasses and are looking directly at the camera.

Brain cells as traffic controllers

A groundbreaking study led by Dr Marco Bocchio in our Department of Psychology reveals how specific brain cells called interneurons can act as our in-built traffic controllers.
Research news
Abstract colourful image of a person's head and brain.

New imaging of bacterial DNA uncovers secrets to future antibiotic design

In a new study, scientists from our top-rated Biosciences department joined forces with researchers from Jagiellonian University (Poland), and the John Innes Centre to reveal how a bacterial enzyme called DNA gyrase twists and stabilises DNA.
Research news
Graphic of DNA

Loneliness in old age and the role of social workers

Loneliness has been identified as a major challenge for social work because of its significant impact on health and social care services, particularly for older people. It is linked to conditions like heart disease, stroke and Alzheimer’s disease.
Research news
Three older women chatting to each other.

How teaching shortages could be tackled

A worldwide comparison of 18 countries suggests that teaching needs to be made more attractive to a wider pool of graduates to tackle shortages in the profession.
Research news
A group of school pupils with their hands up in a classroom with a teacher.

Abuse crisis in Catholic Church has led to drop in Mass attendance

A third of Catholics who previously went to Mass have reduced their attendance or stopped going altogether as a result of the child sexual abuse crisis in the Catholic Church.
Research news
A rosary on a bible

Pupils with SEND continue to fall behind their peers

Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) are continuing to fall behind their peers with the gap widening despite the introduction of SEND legislation.
Research news
Close up of a child's hand writing on a lined piece of paper
Discover More News

Royal Astronomical Society honours Durham scientists

Two Durham scientists whose work helps us to understand the Universe and our own planet are being recognised by one of the UK’s leading learned societies.

Head and shoulder pictures of Dr Andrew Valentine (left) and Emeritus Professor Ian Smail (right). Both men have beards and glasses and are looking directly at the camera.

Brain cells as traffic controllers

A groundbreaking study led by Dr Marco Bocchio in our Department of Psychology reveals how specific brain cells called interneurons can act as our in-built traffic controllers.
Abstract colourful image of a person's head and brain.

New imaging of bacterial DNA uncovers secrets to future antibiotic design

In a new study, scientists from our top-rated Biosciences department joined forces with researchers from Jagiellonian University (Poland), and the John Innes Centre to reveal how a bacterial enzyme called DNA gyrase twists and stabilises DNA.
Graphic of DNA
This is the image alt text

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.

Read our research brochure

Durham University Research

Play video 1

Thought Leadership

How to support neurodivergent postgraduate researchers

How can universities ensure PhD students of all neurotypes can thrive? Professor Debbie Riby, Dr Amy Pearson, and Jess Hirst, from our Department of Psychology, discuss how to provide neurodiversity-affirmative supervision.

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
A wooden jigsaw-like picture of a head, with coloured bricks apparently flying away from it

Academies haven’t raised pupil achievement – there’s no need for them to have privileges that other schools do not

Professor of Education and Public Policy Stephen Gorard responds to the current Labour government's plans to cut back on some of the exceptions afforded to academy schools.
Research news
A teacher stands in front of a white board while students sitting in front of her raise their hands

Do aliens exist? We studied what scientists really think

Professor in Philosophy of Science Peter Vickers reveals the results of four surveys asking experts if they think there's intelligent life beyond Earth.
Research news
A UFO floats against the night sky with its tractor beam lit
Discover more comment and opinion