This week, Vice-Chancellor Karen O’Brien met with the team of Durham alumni who stormed their way to victory in the festive season of University Challenge last year, to congratulate them and celebrate their win.

We have been named in the world top 100 in the QS World University Rankings 2026, a position we have achieved every year since 2010.

Luke Sunderland, a Professor in French from our School of Modern Languages and Cultures, combines his research on the Middle Ages with stand-up comedy. During July and August he is due to perform at the Durham and Newcastle Fringe Festivals, as well as the Greater Manchester and Buxton Fringes, before performing at Edinburgh in August. We spoke to Luke to find out more.

In her monthly column, Our Vice-Chancellor Professor Karen O'Brien reacts to the Comprehensive Spending Review and reflects on the positive contribution Durham University makes regionally, nationally and globally.

Human persecution leads to anxiety and physiological stress amongst baboons. That’s according to the findings of new research by our Department of Anthropology.

A new book co-edited by Dr Adam Powell, of our Department of Theology and Religion, takes an unexpected look at one of Netflix’s most popular series. ‘Religion and Theology in Stranger Things’ explores how themes of faith, spirituality, and meaning emerge from the hit show’s supernatural storylines. We caught up with Dr Powell to find out more. 

We have been named among the world’s top 40 universities for delivering the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

We will host the European Research Council's (ERC) Scientific Council meeting this June. Leading up to the visit, we are highlighting some of the projects at Durham that are happening thanks to support from the ERC.

The UK’s extradition, mutual legal assistance, and criminal jurisdiction systems need urgent reform, according to a new report.

Chapel choirs from across the University are joining forces to fundraise for for RTMinds, a Durham-based mental health charity.

Acclaimed actors Mark Gatiss and Gina McKee are among the leading figures in the arts, broadcasting, law and science receiving honorary Durham degrees this summer.  

A group of aspiring university students were given a rare insight into global affairs during a Chancellor-In-Conversation event led by our Chancellor, the renowned foreign policy expert, Dr Fiona Hill.