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Research and Business

We conduct innovative and impactful research to transform lives and make a difference, globally and regionally.
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Research to Empower and Inspire

At Durham, our academic staff conduct forward-thinking, interdisciplinary research that has an impact on communities all over the world. Collaboration with a broad mix of partners is central to enhancing global knowledge and developing global citizenship. 

Business and Partnerships

Pioneering Projects

Explore our diverse range of projects, from spin-out creation, research collaborations and supporting innovation. Whether we're tackling net zero challenges, advancing health sciences, or developing new technologies, our case studies showcase the impact and success of businesses and researchers working with us. 

 

90% of research rated 'world-leading' or 'internationally excellent' (UK Research Excellence Framework 2021)
£85 M research awards made to Durham (2022/23)

Towards a better future

Among our scientists, social scientists, business, arts and humanities scholars we have world-leading authorities in their field.

We are one of the top universities in the world, for taking action to address the most pressing environmental, social and governance challenges facing society today. Our researchers are shaping the world, from the intimate to the infinite.

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University student
Researchers at Durham University offer technical expertise that cannot be found elsewhere. We have been collaborating closely on a multitude of projects for several years and hope this will continue to be fruitful long into the future.
Dr Hira Virdee
Founder & CEO Lumi Space
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We are a globally outstanding centre of research

Research at Durham brings together the leading minds in their fields who work collaboratively across departments and with our partners to develop new ways of thinking that have a positive impact on societal and global challenges. 

Explore our research playlist

Research Degrees

Whether you’re looking to connect with international industry and business through your work, or the global academic research community, as a postgraduate at Durham you can expect the freedom and facilities to explore what’s important to you.

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What's new?

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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.
Discover more news

  • 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

Explore policies, governance and our staff directory

We develop opportunities for businesses to: link with policymakers, understand our research governance and connect with academic researchers.

  • Policy Hub

    We support knowledge exchange activities, develop networks and projects, and provide policy and impact training.
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  • Ethics and Governance

    Research ethics is a key part of research integrity, which aims to safeguard the interests and well-being of those impacted by the research.
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  • Research Staff Directory

    Connect with our academic researchers, or click below to contact our business support team.
    Business people sitting round a table at a meeting

Policy Hub

We support knowledge exchange activities, develop networks and projects, and provide policy and impact training.
Policy written in lettered cubes

Ethics and Governance

Research ethics is a key part of research integrity, which aims to safeguard the interests and well-being of those impacted by the research.
paper people dancing around glass globe

Research Staff Directory

Connect with our academic researchers, or click below to contact our business support team.
Business people sitting round a table at a meeting
Contact our Research and Innovations Team

Thought Leadership

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
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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

The Climate Fiction Prize 2025: the five shortlisted books reviewed by experts.

Five novels have been shortlisted for the 2025 Climate Fiction Prize. Academics, including Associate Professor in African Literature Louisa Egbunike, review the finalists ahead of the announcement of the winner on May 14.
Research news
Books lined up on bookshelves
Discover more comment and opinion

Upcoming events

What on Earth am I doing (next)?

Wednesday 4 June 2025 - Wednesday 4 June 2025
12:00 PM to 1:00 PM
CG83 - Chemistry
Test

Making Sense Workshop 6: The Soul

Wednesday 4 June 2025 - Wednesday 4 June 2025
1:15 PM to 2:45 PM
Institute for Medical Humanities
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Anthropology Departmental Lecture – Chainsaw Politics and Trust in the State

Wednesday 4 June 2025 - Wednesday 4 June 2025
3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Lecture Room D110, Department of Anthropology, Durham University
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Developmental and Contextual Factors Influencing Adoptees’ Internalization of Adoption Trauma

Wednesday 4 June 2025 - Wednesday 23 April 2025
3:00 PM to 4:13 PM
Lecture Room D110, Ground Floor, Dawson Building, Durham University
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Explore all University events

Business and Partnerships

Research and Innovation Services

Research and Innovation Services
Durham University,
Boldon House,
Wheatlands Way,
Pity Me,
Durham,
DH1 5FA.

E: business.gateway@durham.ac.uk