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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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Melsonby Hoard saved for the nation

One of the UK’s largest and most important Iron Age finds – excavated by archaeologists at Durham University – has been saved for the nation.

Global research
Close up of on ornate iron age artefact being held in a person's hands.

Working together with people in secure mental health units to stay healthy

We’re collaborating with the NHS to empower people in secure mental health units get the exercise that they need to stay healthy.
Research news
Looking down a hospital ward.

Milky Way could be teeming with more satellite galaxies than previously thought

The Milky Way could have many more satellite galaxies than scientists have previously been able to predict or observe.
Global research
A simulation showing a bright white galaxy at the centre, surrounded by fainter galaxies, against a black backdrop.

Working to answer the ultimate question – are we alone in the Universe?

Dr Cyril Bourgenot from our Centre for Advanced Instrumentation is part of a team developing cutting-edge technology to enable astronomers to look deeper into the Universe. He is presenting this work as part of the Royal Astronomical Society’s National Astronomy Meeting 2025, which is being hosted by Durham University this week. Here, Cyril tells us about his work and how it could help answer the ultimate astronomical question – is there life elsewhere.
Global research
Keck Observatory in Hawaii, taken at night with lasers shining into the sky

National Astronomy Meeting 2025 - exploring Durham’s rich astronomical research

Almost a thousand of the world’s top space scientists will visit Durham University next week (7 to 11 July) as we host the UK’s National Astronomy Meeting (NAM) 2025.
Global research
Two people looking up at a dark, starry sky.

Using GPS trackers to study red deer behaviour in Scotland

Researchers are tracking the movement of red deer in the Highlands of Scotland using GPS collars as part of a new project.
Research news
Two red deer

Pioneering collaboration will create new Green Corridors in the North East

We’re part of a collaboration to create three new ‘Green Corridors’ in the North East of England, transforming urban, suburban, and rural areas across the region.
Research news
River Wear in the foreground flowing past the remains of Finchale Priory in County Durham
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Working together with people in secure mental health units to stay healthy

We’re collaborating with the NHS to empower people in secure mental health units get the exercise that they need to stay healthy.

Looking down a hospital ward.

Using GPS trackers to study red deer behaviour in Scotland

Researchers are tracking the movement of red deer in the Highlands of Scotland using GPS collars as part of a new project.
Two red deer

Pioneering collaboration will create new Green Corridors in the North East

We’re part of a collaboration to create three new ‘Green Corridors’ in the North East of England, transforming urban, suburban, and rural areas across the region.
River Wear in the foreground flowing past the remains of Finchale Priory in County Durham

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.
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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

Women football players as role models – an uneven playing field?

All eyes have been on women’s football, and on the England team as the winners of the UEFA Women’s Euros in Switzerland. The players are often held up as role models but is the pressure to inspire greater on women compared to men? Professor Stacey Pope from our Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences has looked into this.

Research news
England footballer Leah Williamson talking at a press conference

Bold but pragmatic: how we harness Northern innovation without hurting the Golden Triangle

A new report from the Northern Powerhouse Partnership shines a spotlight on the North of England’s innovation ecosystem, exploring its role in driving productivity and unlocking future economic potential. The report is co-authored by Professor Kieran Fernandes, Executive Dean of Durham Business School. Here he delves into how the region can harness its innovation strengths to fuel long-term growth and prosperity.
Business School news
Professor Kieran Fernandes is pictured on a white background

This tropical plant builds isolated ‘apartments’ to prevent battles among the aggressive ant tenants it relies on for survival

Professor Guillaume Chomicki from our Biosciences department reveals that some tropical plants in Fiji build special structures to house ants which is cleverly designed to stop them from fighting.
Research news
Tropical plants
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Upcoming events

ReaderBank: Unlocking the Mind and Mental Health

Wednesday 13 August 2025 - Wednesday 13 August 2025
5:30 PM to 6:30 PM
Edinburgh Futures Institute, Venue B
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Ben Alderson-Day & Adam Zeman: The Science of Imagination

Thursday 14 August 2025 - Thursday 14 August 2025
12:00 PM to 1:00 PM
Edinburgh Futures Institute, Spiegeltent
Ben Alderson-Day & Adam Zeman

Jenny Kleeman & Ben Alderson-Day: Mental Health in the Digital Age

Friday 15 August 2025 - Friday 15 August 2025
2:45 PM to 3:45 PM
Edinburgh Futures Institute, Spiegeltent
Jenny Kleeman & Ben Alderson-Day: Mental Health in the Digital Age

Systemic Integration of Climate Change in International Law

Thursday 28 August 2025 - Friday 29 August 2025
9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Singapore (TBC)
CIL CSDLP Singapore Conference
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