Research highlights
Highlighted research stories for the Faculty of Social Sciences
Cracks in Greenland Ice Sheet growing more rapidly
The Greenland Ice Sheet is cracking open more rapidly as it responds to climate change.
Professor Clare McGlynn helps change law on sexually explicit deepfakes
Creating a sexually explicit deepfake is set to become a criminal offence in the UK, thanks in part to the work of a leading Durham law professor
Will Donald Trump be ranked as a great president? Here’s what the research tells us
Associate Professor in US Politics David Andersen explores how President Trump could end up ranking compared to other US presidents.
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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.
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New study paves way for greener digital infrastructure
We have contributed to new international research that critically assesses the intricate relationship between urban digitisation and sustainability, focusing on the significant environmental impact of data centres.
Research news
People with health issues denied medication in police custody
People in police custody with health issues are regularly put at risk because medication is delayed or unavailable.
Research news
Study finds England’s trainee teachers excel in early reading instruction
A new study led by Dr Johny Daniel from our top-ranked School of Education have found that trainee teachers in England are significantly better prepared to teach early reading skills compared to their counterparts in India, particularly in phonics instruction.
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The Greenland ice sheet is falling apart – new study
Tom Chudley, a Leverhulme Early Career Fellow in our Department of Geography, shares new research showing how quickly the Greenland ice sheet is melting.
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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.
Research news
Declassified spy images help locate ancient battle site
Archaeologists from Durham University and University of Al-Qadisiyah in Iraq have pinpointed the location of a famous early Islamic battle using declassified spy satellite images.
Research news
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.

New study paves way for greener digital infrastructure
We have contributed to new international research that critically assesses the intricate relationship between urban digitisation and sustainability, focusing on the significant environmental impact of data centres.
People with health issues denied medication in police custody
People in police custody with health issues are regularly put at risk because medication is delayed or unavailable.
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