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.
Explore our latest research news
Research Impact at Durham
Read about our Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021 impact case studies.
Latest news
Researchers find eruption date of ancient German volcano possibly wrong by 130 years
In a new study, leading scientists have revealed that the new high precision radiocarbon-based date set for Laacher See volcano eruption of 13,000 years before present is probably not correct.
The EPSRC Prosperity Partnership project shortlisted for the External Partnerships award at the World Sustainability Awards 2023
Project is led by Sheffield University with Durham and Hull Universities, Siemens Gamesa and Ørsted as partners.
Durham scientists to map the dark Universe
Our astronomers and cosmologists are involved in an international satellite mission to map the dark Universe.
Durham’s world-leading status affirmed in QS World University Rankings 2024
Our status as a globally outstanding centre of teaching and research excellence has been affirmed once again in the QS World University Rankings 2024, being ranked 78th in the world.
Highly-educated entrepreneurs benefit more from accelerator programmes
Due to their knowledge gap in entrepreneurship skills, new entrepreneurs who are highly educated are most likely to benefit from new venture accelerator programmes.
How ceramics are telling the story of 14th century Chinese trade
The history of Chinese trade is sometimes still a bit of a mystery due to the lack of historical records. This is where archaeologists are relying on ceramics to tell the story.
Leading Catholic figure visits Durham University
One of the Catholic Church’s leading figures has been welcomed to Durham University.
Durham researchers awarded new funding to harness the power of Artificial Intelligence
Researchers at the Durham Energy Institute have been awarded a £1.84m grant to lead a consortium of university and industry partners in developing virtual power plant technologies. The new funding is part of UK Research and Innovation’s (UKRI) £13 million investment to fund 13 projects to help the UK meet its Net Zero targets.
Key climate temperature goals could be too high
Scientists – including one of Durham’s leading glaciologists - and several countries highly vulnerable to climate change have warned that key global temperature goals might be too high.
Development of communication in chimpanzees echoes that of human infants
Our closest living relatives could help us better understand how communication evolved in humans and how our own language skills emerge.
European birds move to cooler areas but natural obstacles ‘control the traffic’
European birds have shifted towards northeast Europe in the last 30 years in search of cooler temperatures but natural obstacles are causing problems.
Firms with CEOs under clan culture influence are more likely to be internationally-focused
Firms that have CEOs with a sense of working in the name of their enduring family are much more likely to be internationally focused.
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.