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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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Church of England must do more to recognise dangers of spiritual authority

The Church of England must do more to create a culture in which spiritual authority is handled safely, according to a new report from Durham University.

Research news
Four lit candles with stained glass window in the background.

Using computers to track the changing sound of bands

Coldplay, Radiohead or R.E.M. – which band has changed their music the most over the years?
Research news
Lead singer of Coldplay, Chris Martin, performing at a concert.

Faculty of Arts and Humanities Earns Prestigious Athena Swan Silver Award

The Faculty of Arts and Humanities has been awarded a highly regarded Athena Swan Silver Award, becoming only the second faculty of its kind in the UK to receive this distinction. This milestone acknowledges the significant progress made in advancing gender equality across all departments and highlights a firm commitment to continued improvement through to 2030.
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
Group picture with Executive Dean Janet Stewart and Deputy Executive Dean (People and Workplace Culture) Alexandra Harrington.

Professor Janet Stewart highlights importance of arts and humanities at THE European Summit

Professor Janet Stewart, Executive Dean of our Faculty of Arts and Humanities, spoke at the Times Higher Education Europe Universities Summit in Budapest last week.
Global research
Professor Janet Stewart

Director of Institute for Medical Humanities honoured by Linköping University

Professor Angela Woods, Director of the Institute for Medical Humanities (IMH) and a Professor of Medical Humanities in our Department of English Studies, has been awarded an honorary doctorate by Linköping University.
Research news
Woman smiling looking at camera

Strengthening our landmark collaboration with the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History

We have welcomed Dr Anthea M. Hartig, Elizabeth MacMillan Director of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History to our University – marking a significant milestone in our growing collaboration.
Durham news
Visit by Smithsonian director Dr Anthea

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.
Global research
Image of a skyline with a shooting star in the horizon
More Arts and Humanities research

Church of England must do more to recognise dangers of spiritual authority

The Church of England must do more to create a culture in which spiritual authority is handled safely, according to a new report from Durham University.

Four lit candles with stained glass window in the background.

Using computers to track the changing sound of bands

Coldplay, Radiohead or R.E.M. – which band has changed their music the most over the years?
Lead singer of Coldplay, Chris Martin, performing at a concert.

Durham hosts world’s first major international conference on critical neurodiversity studies 

Over three hundred researchers, practitioners, and artists gathered in Durham and online for a three-day conference on Critical Neurodiversity Studies: Directions / Intersections / Contradictions.  
Photograph of conference participants listening to a speaker.
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