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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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Simulations solve centuries-old cosmic puzzle – and reveal new class of ancient star systems

Astronomers have solved a centuries-old puzzle surrounding one of the Universe’s oldest and densest star systems.

Global research
A strip of stars runs from top to bottom of the picture against a black background and shrouded by purple clouds

Polar geoengineering ideas will not help and could harm, experts warn

Five of the most-publicised polar geoengineering ideas are highly unlikely to help the polar regions, according to a new study involving our geographers.
Global research
An ice sheet juts out into the ocean.

Twenty Durham researchers appointed to REF 2029 sub-panels

Twenty of our researchers will take important roles in assessing UK universities’ research quality.
Research news
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Study shows the lack of ‘me time’ for new mothers

New mothers only have about an hour out of their waking day for rest, according to new research by our psychologists.
Research news
A mother kissing her baby's foot whils the baby is lying on the bed

Understanding readers’ imaginations could enhance mental health therapies

A new tool to understand how people imagine differently when reading could have potential implications for the treatment of mental ill health.
Global research
Cards scattered on a table with the central card reading ReaderBank

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.

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
Discover more news

Twenty Durham researchers appointed to REF 2029 sub-panels

Twenty of our researchers will take important roles in assessing UK universities’ research quality.

Woman in lab coat holding microscope-like device

Study shows the lack of ‘me time’ for new mothers

New mothers only have about an hour out of their waking day for rest, according to new research by our psychologists.
A mother kissing her baby's foot whils the baby is lying on the bed

Has immigration led to a new form of labour market protectionism in Europe?

Drawing on a study of legislative changes in Austria, Germany, Ireland and the UK, Omar Hammoud-Gallego, Pat McGovern and Eiko Thielemann identify a new development in immigration control that extends beyond borders into the workplace.
A welder at work wearing a visor with sparks showing.

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

  • What we’ve learned about narcissism over the past 30 years

    You’ve probably seen the word “narcissist” thrown around online in headlines, on dating apps or in therapy-themed TikToks. But the label that people often unthinkingly slap on toxic bosses or reality TV villains hides a much more complicated psychological picture. Here our Assistant Professor of Educational Psychology, Sarah Walker, explores the evolution of our knowledge of narcissism over the last three decades.
    Durham news
    A man wearing a smart blue shirt and waistcoat poses for a selfie using a selfie stick

  • Professor Jonathan Darling on the use of hotels in housing asylum seekers

    The UK Government is seeking to end the use of hotels to house asylum seekers. Professor Jonathan Darling, from our Department of Geography, explains the situation and how ‘asylum hotels’ became so contentious.
    Research news
    A group of women standing around with bags on the floor.

  • Has immigration led to a new form of labour market protectionism in Europe?

    Drawing on a study of legislative changes in Austria, Germany, Ireland and the UK, Omar Hammoud-Gallego, Pat McGovern and Eiko Thielemann identify a new development in immigration control that extends beyond borders into the workplace.
    Research news
    A welder at work wearing a visor with sparks showing.

What we’ve learned about narcissism over the past 30 years

You’ve probably seen the word “narcissist” thrown around online in headlines, on dating apps or in therapy-themed TikToks. But the label that people often unthinkingly slap on toxic bosses or reality TV villains hides a much more complicated psychological picture. Here our Assistant Professor of Educational Psychology, Sarah Walker, explores the evolution of our knowledge of narcissism over the last three decades.

Durham news
A man wearing a smart blue shirt and waistcoat poses for a selfie using a selfie stick

Professor Jonathan Darling on the use of hotels in housing asylum seekers

The UK Government is seeking to end the use of hotels to house asylum seekers. Professor Jonathan Darling, from our Department of Geography, explains the situation and how ‘asylum hotels’ became so contentious.
Research news
A group of women standing around with bags on the floor.

Has immigration led to a new form of labour market protectionism in Europe?

Drawing on a study of legislative changes in Austria, Germany, Ireland and the UK, Omar Hammoud-Gallego, Pat McGovern and Eiko Thielemann identify a new development in immigration control that extends beyond borders into the workplace.
Research news
A welder at work wearing a visor with sparks showing.
Discover more comment and opinion

Upcoming events

A Wheely Workshop

Wednesday 17 September 2025 - Wednesday 17 September 2025
9:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Durham Amateur Rowing Club Green Lane DH1 3JU
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Republican Bodies: Medicine, Natural Philosophy and Politics

Thursday 18 September 2025 - Thursday 18 September 2025
10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
7 Owengate
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What's 'new' about matrescence?

Friday 19 September 2025 - Friday 19 September 2025
3:30 PM to 5:00 PM
Institute for Medical Humanities
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What's 'new' about matrescence?

Friday 19 September 2025 - Friday 19 September 2025
3:30 PM to 5:00 PM
Institute for Medical Humanities, Confluence 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