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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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Supporting the next generation through oracy development

The Commission on the Future of Oracy Education in England officially launched today at the Voice 21 Speaking Summit.

Research news
Arlene Holmes-Henderson MBE pictured outside the Department of Classics and Ancient History

New £5m research centre driving economic growth and sustainability

A new joint research initiative focusing on energy systems integration has been awarded £5m by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) to help boost UK economic growth and address regional needs.
Research news
An image of solar panels and wind turbines with a distant industrial landscape

First research flight images from innovative balloon-borne telescope

Our astronomers are part of an international team behind the successful first research flight of an innovative balloon-borne telescope that will investigate the mystery of dark matter.
Research news
A host of stars with the Tarantula Nebula at its centre

Durham awarded £1.25m to accelerate social science impact

We’ve been awarded £1.25 million from the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) to develop impact from ESRC-funded research.
Research news
Brass band outreach

Open for business: Northern Accelerator co-hosts investment showcase

Northstar Ventures, in partnership with Durham University-led Northern Accelerator, a collaboration between the North East’s universities, hosted a breakfast event in London to showcase the next decade’s £30 billion of investable opportunities in North East England.
Business and Partnerships
Left to right - Dominic Endicott, Director of Northstar Ventures & Sarah Green, Chief Executive NGI

Durham University start-up named as a finalist in prestigious Earthshot Prize 2022

Durham University start-up, Low Carbon Materials, has recently been announced as one of three international finalists in the Fix Our Climate category in the world’s most prestigious environmental prize, The Earthshot Prize 2022.
Global research
Low Carbon Materials CEO Natasha Boulding (1050 x 350px)

Can you help record the UK’s mammal activity?

If you’re interested in conservation and ecology, our MammalWeb project needs your help to chart the activity of the UK’s mammals.
Research news
Otters stare at the camera after being caught on a camera trap
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Supporting the next generation through oracy development

The Commission on the Future of Oracy Education in England officially launched today at the Voice 21 Speaking Summit.

Arlene Holmes-Henderson MBE pictured outside the Department of Classics and Ancient History

MRC announces Impact Prize 2023 finalists

Professor Paul Denny and team announced as MRC Impact Prize 2023 finalists in the Outstanding Team Impact category with their project Equitable global cooperation to support the fight against Neglected Tropical Diseases.

Understanding moral injury in war veterans

On 11 November, millions of people in the UK and beyond remember the service and sacrifice of our Armed Forces on what is known as Remembrance Day.
A group of soldiers dressed in camouflage clothing.
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Thought Leadership

Deepfake porn: why we need to make it a crime to create it, not just share it

Sharing deepfake pornography is a criminal offence but creating it isn't. Professor Clare McGlynn, from Durham Law School, has worked with many victims and explains why the law needs to change to protect others from suffering the same fate.

Global research
A hand on a laptop

How medieval chroniclers interpreted solar eclipses and other celestial events

The evolution of technology has allowed scientists to analyse celestial events in much greater detail. Medieval chroniclers didn’t have that luxury but Giles Gasper in our History department and Brian Tanner in our Physics department say that doesn’t mean there isn’t lots we can learn from the ways in which they talked about these events and understood the universe.
Global research
Stars in the solar system depicting a celestial event

Julian Assange: how British extradition law works

As Julian Assange waits to learn whether he can appeal his extradition to the US, Gemma Davies, from Durham Law School, explains how the extradition law is applied in Britain.
Global research
Protestors wearing masks in support of Julian Assange in 2012
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