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Explore November’s Community Newsletter

Want to know more about how we interact with our local community? Our monthly Community Newsletter explores the news, events, and research both at Durham University and in the city itself.
Man wearing sunglasses and headphones sits in front of a museum art exhibit.

Durham joins Arqus Alliance to help shape higher education across Europe

Durham University has joined the Arqus European University Alliance (Arqus) as an associate member.
Professor Karen O’Brien, Vice-Chancellor and Warden of Durham University with Arqus representative

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.

Mysteries of Antarctica and other big questions to be pursued with Royal Society support

Four Durham University scholars are among 33 researchers who have been named Royal Society University Research Fellows.
Antarctic ice sheet reflecting on clear water

Dr Louise Creechan to ‘neurodiversify’ the academy

Dr Louise Creechan, from our Institute for Medical Humanities and Department of English Studies, has won a prestigious award to make humanities research more accessible and inclusive for neurodivergent researchers.
Woman sitting at table, facing camera, hands on desk

Strengthening our partnerships in China

Long-standing relationships were strengthened and new opportunities explored through a visit by some of our senior leaders to mainland China and Hong Kong. A high-level delegation travelled in East Asia to expand our global network and explore opportunities to strengthen partnerships in the region. The visit included meetings with our university and institutional partners, the launch of a new scholarship campaign, and meetings with senior UK representatives in China.
a group standing for a photograph with bamboo either side of them

Strengthening our partnership with the Palace Museum, Beijing

We have strengthened our relationship with the Palace Museum, Beijing, through a delegation to China led by our Vice-Chancellor and Warden, which included the Museum and ourselves co-hosting the latest in our series of Global Lectures.
a group of people standing for a photograph with the Palace Museum in the background

Unlocking the full potential of our region

Universities are key to delivering the sustainable growth the UK needs, and nowhere more so than here in North East England where, a recent report found, research-intensive universities have helped unlock nearly £100m of investment in the region. In her monthly column, our Vice-Chancellor Professor Karen O'Brien explores how we can continue to help unlock the full potential of our region.
Karen O'Brien speaking into a microphone at a conference

Exploring how climate change could disrupt Arctic ecosystems

Our researchers have explored how Arctic marine species could be impacted by climate change and rising sea temperatures in the future. 
A polar bear walking on snow

Helping patients to manage chronic pain without strong opioids – a real possibility

Our researchers are changing lives by equipping clinicians and patients with the skills to help manage painful health conditions without using potentially harmful strong opioids.
A hand holding a Live Well With Pain leaflet

Durham Global Awards 2025 nominations now open

We are inviting nominations from across our community for the Durham Global Awards 2025. The range of ten Award categories celebrate and recognise impact our staff and students make on campus and around the world.
The trophies for the Durham Global Awards

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.