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Research highlights

Highlighted research stories for the Faculty of Arts and Humanities

Spotlight on: Professor Edith Hall – leading the campaign for Classics education for all

Professor Edith Hall asks what we can learn from ancient civilisations and leads a campaign to put Classics education back on the UK curriculum
Edith Hall

Do aliens exist? We studied what scientists really think

Professor in Philosophy of Science Peter Vickers reveals the results of four surveys asking if experts think there's intelligent life beyond Earth.
A UFO floats against the night sky with its tractor beam lit

PhD scholar reveals the emotional impact of the White Ship disaster

Harriet Strahl, a PhD History student, has shed new light on the emotional and societal repercussions of the 1120 White Ship disaster
King Henry I on his throne, mourning. Table of his children and Matilda's two sons. The White Ship is depicted in a disabled condition behind.

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IMEMS receives major donation to address 21st century challenges through the prism of the past

Researchers at the University’s Institute of Medieval and Early Modern Studies (IMEMS) have been awarded a significant philanthropic investment aimed at advancing research to address critical global challenges.
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Digital revolution in humanities research

Our top-rated Computer Science department is leading the charge in bringing high-performance computing (HPC) to the humanities through a new UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) funded project.
The image portrays a collection of stone, fractured and cracked, reaching out from a chaotic tangle of wires.

Reimagining the imagination at the world’s largest literary festival

Researchers from our Institute for Medical Humanities have taken our innovative ReaderBank project to the Jaipur Literature Festival in Rajasthan, India.
Four people standing smiling at the camera

PhD scholar reveals the emotional impact of the White Ship disaster

Harriet Strahl, a PhD student in our History department, has shed new light on the emotional and societal repercussions of the 1120 White Ship disaster.
King Henry I on his throne, mourning. Table of his children and Matilda's two sons. The White Ship is depicted in a disabled condition behind.

Durham subjects among world top 100

Four of our subjects have been ranked among the world’s top 100 in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2025.
Three young people seated left, looking right, smiling

Professor Peter Vickers uncovers new method to measure global scientific consensus

A team of international researchers led by Professor Peter Vickers from our top-rated Philosophy department has developed a breakthrough method for gathering and analysing global scientific opinion with speed and precision.
Scientists analysing reports

Spotlight on: Professor Philip Goff – challenging the foundations of science through philosophy

Our ‘Spotlight On’ series highlights some of our pioneering researchers who are leading transformative work. Professor Philip Goff from our Department of Philosophy is challenging the long-held quantitative focus of physical science through his work on consciousness.
Black and white image of Professor Philip Goff set against a white background

PhD scholar reveals the emotional impact of the White Ship disaster

Harriet Strahl, a PhD student in our History department, has shed new light on the emotional and societal repercussions of the 1120 White Ship disaster.
King Henry I on his throne, mourning. Table of his children and Matilda's two sons. The White Ship is depicted in a disabled condition behind.
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