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Vice-Chancellor congratulates alumni superteam for triumph in University Challenge

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.
University Challenge team

World top 100 every year since 2010

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.
Three female students standing on a bridge, with Castle in background

A comedy of the ages: Professor combines academia with stand-up comedy

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.
An image of Luke Sunderland looking up

Supporting innovation and creating opportunity

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.
Vice Chancellor Karen O'Brien wearing a green top smiling at the camera

Understanding the impact of human persecution on baboons

Human persecution leads to anxiety and physiological stress amongst baboons. That’s according to the findings of new research by our Department of Anthropology.
Two babooon mothers with their infants looking out at the surroundings

Exploring the Upside Down: New book examines religious themes in hit Netflix show Stranger Things

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. 
The front cover of the book which is blue and red along with a headshot of Dr Adam Powell smiling wearing a blue shirt

World top 40 for sustainability

We have been named among the world’s top 40 universities for delivering the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Female researcher working at scientific equipment

ERC Spotlight: Reconstructing Antarctic sea-ice evolution with Professor Erin McClymont

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.
Professor Erin McClymont (left) examines a new snow petrel deposit, recovered by PhD student Thale Damm-Johnsen (right) from Dronning Maud Land, Antarctica, for the ANTSIE project

Call for urgent reform in international battle against crime

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

University Chapel Choirs to come together for one night only to raise money for local cause

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

Award-winning actors among leaders in their field to receive honorary degrees

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 profile picture of each of the summer 2025 honorary graduates

Chancellor inspires Politics A-Level students at global affairs ‘in conversation’ event

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.
A group of students dressed casually stood with Chancellor Dr Fiona Hill