Phillip Horky is Professor of Ancient Philosophy. He has recently been taking part in the Being Human Festival, a nationwide festival celebrating the value of humanities research for all. He tells us about his research into the Cosmos, which he shared with the public at What on Earth is That? A festival event which considered our relationship with the night sky on 17 January at High Force Waterfall and Hotel.

Dr Alison Jobe from our Department of Sociology and Dr Helen Williams of Sunderland University share insights from their upcoming research on women with learning disabilities/autism reporting sexual violence.

Dr Rory McCarthy from our School of Government and International Affairs argues that religion still shapes politics even at a time of Islamist setbacks in North Africa.

Professor Paul Pettitt, from our Department of Archaeology, sheds some light on Neanderthal art.

Professor Simon Hogg from our Department of Engineering discusses why are wind turbines increasing in size at such a rapid rate, and is there a limit to how big they can go?

Giles Gasper, from our History Department, is Professor in High Medieval History. Professor Gasper outlines the importance of food, a shared warm space, and what we have in common with those living in medieval times.

Durham University's Principal of South College, Tim Luckhurst, explains how Britain celebrated Christmas in 1942.

An interview with Christian Harkensee and Rebecca Gowland discussing what the past can reveal about the social forces that shape modern health crises.

Nothing conjures up nostalgic ideas of a wholesome family Christmas more than the idea of loved ones gathering around the piano to sing carols, or indeed voices raised in church in song on Christmas Day. However, Professor Jeremy Dibble, tells us why carols and carol singing haven’t always been seen in such a virtuous light.

Lucinda Murphy, a PhD student in the Department of Theology and Religion, tells us about her research in which she has explored Christmas magic in all its varieties.

Dr Emily Thomas, Department of Philosophy, writes on space and time in seventeenth to early twentieth century philosophy. She shows us how you can turn any history into a timeline - this one was inspired by a history of Santa Claus.

Simon J. James is Professor of Victorian Literature in the Department of English Studies. This festive season he discusses memory in Dickens’ work, and the importance of remembering past versions of ourselves at Christmas.