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Current Research

Research that makes a difference.

Durham is an ancient seat of learning and a leading world University which, since its establishment in 1832, has developed a distinctive reputation for leadership and innovation in education and research.
Research and Business
Scientists examine DNA models in modern Neurological Research Laboratory

Research, scholarship and ideas are at the core of Durham University. We are home to some of the most talented researchers and scholars from around the world, tackling global issues, and making a difference to people's lives. Research directly informs our undergraduate and postgraduate teaching and, in partnership with policy-makers, industry, the public sector, and communities around the world, shapes local, national and international agendas.

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Why newborn babies don’t need sleep training

Are you a new parent worrying about whether your baby is sleeping enough or how long they should nap for? A new book by our world-leading baby sleep expert, Professor Helen Ball, could be just what you need.

Research news
A mum holding a newborn baby in her arms.

£11.5m project to turn sewage into sustainable fuels

Our engineering and energy researchers are sharing in £11.5m to turn sewage sludge into sustainable fuels for transport and carbon products for agriculture and industry.
Global research
Aerial view of a sewage treatment works.

1.5°C target too high for polar ice sheets and sea level rise

Efforts to limit the global temperature increase to 1.5°C under the Paris Climate Agreement may not go far enough to save the world’s ice sheets.
Global research
Rock and ice in the foreground with sea and ice in the background.

Prestigious award for physicist exploring the dawn of the Universe

Congratulations to Professor Ryan Cooke from our Department of Physics who is the joint recipient of the 2025 Gruber Foundation Cosmology Prize.
Research news
Professor Ryan Cook looking straight to camera and smiling. He is stood in front of shelves of books.

The recipe for finding clean hydrogen

Clean hydrogen could be key to a greener future and there is a lot if it right beneath our feet in the Earth’s crust. The trick is knowing exactly where it is and in which conditions it survives. For this, the geology needs to be just right.
Research news
Blue water-like bubbles of different sizes

University spin-out company receives prestigious King’s Award for Enterprise

University spin-out company Geoptic has been honoured with a King’s Award for Enterprise for its pioneering approach to assessing the condition and safety of railway tunnels.
Business and Partnerships
View looking through an old brick railway tunnel.

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.
Research news
Close up of two older women's hands clasping each other.
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  • Why newborn babies don’t need sleep training

    Are you a new parent worrying about whether your baby is sleeping enough or how long they should nap for? A new book by our world-leading baby sleep expert, Professor Helen Ball, could be just what you need.
    Research news
    A mum holding a newborn baby in her arms.

  • Prestigious award for physicist exploring the dawn of the Universe

    Congratulations to Professor Ryan Cooke from our Department of Physics who is the joint recipient of the 2025 Gruber Foundation Cosmology Prize.
    Research news
    Professor Ryan Cook looking straight to camera and smiling. He is stood in front of shelves of books.

  • The recipe for finding clean hydrogen

    Clean hydrogen could be key to a greener future and there is a lot if it right beneath our feet in the Earth’s crust. The trick is knowing exactly where it is and in which conditions it survives. For this, the geology needs to be just right.
    Research news
    Blue water-like bubbles of different sizes

Why newborn babies don’t need sleep training

Are you a new parent worrying about whether your baby is sleeping enough or how long they should nap for? A new book by our world-leading baby sleep expert, Professor Helen Ball, could be just what you need.

A mum holding a newborn baby in her arms.

Prestigious award for physicist exploring the dawn of the Universe

Congratulations to Professor Ryan Cooke from our Department of Physics who is the joint recipient of the 2025 Gruber Foundation Cosmology Prize.
Professor Ryan Cook looking straight to camera and smiling. He is stood in front of shelves of books.

The recipe for finding clean hydrogen

Clean hydrogen could be key to a greener future and there is a lot if it right beneath our feet in the Earth’s crust. The trick is knowing exactly where it is and in which conditions it survives. For this, the geology needs to be just right.
Blue water-like bubbles of different sizes
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Thought Leadership

Why can’t we stop feeding monkeys? Experts explain the reasons behind a dangerous habit

Dr Sian Waters of our Department of Anthropology and Tracie McKinney of the University of South Wales explore the damaging impact of humans feeding monkeys in tourist hot spots.

Research news
Two small brown monkeys sitting on a wall, one is holding a piece of fruit

Why your migraine might be making you crave a large Coke and fries

Professor of Neuroscience Amanda Ellison explains the science behind a new TikTok trend for handling migraines.
Research news
A pile of french fries against a plain white background

Pope Leo XIV’s inauguration mass – here’s what to expect

A service rich in symbolism, Leo XIV’s inauguration mass this Sunday (18 May) will mark the start of what is likely to be a highly consequential papacy. Dr William Crozier, Duns Scotus Assistant Professor in Franciscan Studies, in our Department of Theology and Religion/Centre for Catholic Studies, tells us more.
Global research
The dome of St Peter's Basilica in Rome against an orange and blue dusk sky
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