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Britain’s long-distance tin trade transformed the Bronze Age across Europe and the Mediterranean

A new study led by researchers from our top-rated Archaeology department has revealed that 3300 years ago, tin mined in south-west Britain was a key resource for major Bronze Age civilisations in the Eastern Mediterranean thousands of kilometres away.
Experimental archaeology recreating tin smelting using tin ore in a crucible, surrounded by charcoal powered by a simple skin bellows plus insets of tin ore used (alluvial cassiterite excavated from a Bronze Age site in Cornwall) and a sectioned crucible showing the tin metal produced

Study on domestic abuse of older people sheds light on risk factors

New research has found that older people are more likely to be abused by their partners than by a family member.
Close up of two older women's hands clasping each other.

New study paves way for greener digital infrastructure

We have contributed to new international research that critically assesses the intricate relationship between urban digitisation and sustainability, focusing on the significant environmental impact of data centres.
Data centre

People with health issues denied medication in police custody

People in police custody with health issues are regularly put at risk because medication is delayed or unavailable.
Old-fashioned police lantern sign

Study finds England’s trainee teachers excel in early reading instruction

A new study led by Dr Johny Daniel from our top-ranked School of Education have found that trainee teachers in England are significantly better prepared to teach early reading skills compared to their counterparts in India, particularly in phonics instruction.
Trainee teachers in a classroom

The Greenland ice sheet is falling apart – new study

Tom Chudley, a Leverhulme Early Career Fellow in our Department of Geography, shares new research showing how quickly the Greenland ice sheet is melting.
The Greenland ice sheet as viewed from above

Durham subjects among world top 100

Four of our subjects have been ranked among the world’s top 100 in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2025.
Three young people seated left, looking right, smiling

Declassified spy images help locate ancient battle site

Archaeologists from Durham University and University of Al-Qadisiyah in Iraq have pinpointed the location of a famous early Islamic battle using declassified spy satellite images.
Black and white close-up spy satellite imagery of al-Qadisiyyah taken in 1974 and used in this research study. Credit US Geological Survey

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.
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.
A group of school pupils with their hands up in a classroom with a teacher.

Training the next generation of social scientists

We’re leading a partnership to train the next generation of social scientists which has received over £28m in new funding.
Image showing a group of students studying at a table

New guidelines advise against routine weighing and measuring of athletes

New guidelines are shaking up the world of sport by advising against routine, systematic weighing and measuring of athletes.
A female gymnast performing a gymnastic manoeuvre with a ball.