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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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Collaborating with Action for ME to improve understanding of ME

Dr Katharine Cheston, from our Institute for Medical Humanities and Department of Sociology, is working with the charity Action for ME to better understand what it is like to live with ME and long Covid.
Woman facing camera, smiling. Head and shoulders visible

UK must increase water availability to meet decarbonisation goals

The UK must significantly increase water availability to meet its decarbonisation goals, according to new research led by our Department of Engineering and involving our Department of Earth Sciences.
The Humber Suspension Bridge spans over the River Humber.

The new archbishop of Canterbury has already made history – but she has huge challenges ahead

Dr William Crozier, Duns Scotus Assistant Professor in Franciscan Studies, in our Department of Theology and Religion, discusses the challenges facing the new Archbishop of Canterbury.
A wider view of the cloister at Canterbury Cathedral

Law School expert wins prestigious award for research on freedom of expression

Dr Ge Chen has won an international honour for his research into freedom of expression with a focus on China.
Head and shoulders picture of a man wearing glasses and looking slightly downwards and off to the side of the camera.

Durham University to co-chair the Japan-UK RENKEI research consortium

We are strengthening our research links with Japan with the appointment of Professor Claire O’Malley as the UK co-chair of the Japan-UK RENKEI consortium.
A row of people sitting behind tables and signing documents. A banner behind them reads RENKEI.

Durham University to help deliver AI Growth Zone

Durham University will take a key role in delivering a new AI Growth Zone in North East England – an initiative that promises to create thousands of jobs.
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What does the future hold for the North East region?

How did the North East region transform from one with innovative firms to one with assembly line factories to eventually become a destination for call centres and Amazon distribution centres?
The Angel of the North in Gateshead

UK must increase water availability to meet decarbonisation goals

The UK must significantly increase water availability to meet its decarbonisation goals, according to new research led by our Department of Engineering and involving our Department of Earth Sciences.
The Humber Suspension Bridge spans over the River Humber.

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

Thought Leadership

The new archbishop of Canterbury has already made history – but she has huge challenges ahead

Dr William Crozier, Duns Scotus Assistant Professor in Franciscan Studies, in our Department of Theology and Religion, discusses the challenges facing the new Archbishop of Canterbury.
A wider view of the cloister at Canterbury Cathedral

Specialised teachers can make mainstream schools better for children with special educational needs

Dr Johny Daniel, Associate Professor in our School of Education, explores what the UK government could do to ensure that children with special educational needs receive the support they need in mainstream schools.
A female teacher in a classroom leaning over a schoolboy to turn a page of a book as they both smile

Upcoming events

Durham Research Methods Cafe - Next Session

Wednesday 22 October 2025 - Wednesday 22 October 2025
11:30 AM to 1:00 PM
Nine DTP/DRMC Hub. 1st Floor, Arthur Holmes Building. Left of the Calman Learning Centre, side entrance. Signposted DRMC/Nine DTP.
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IMH 2025-27 Research Themes Launch

Wednesday 22 October 2025 - Wednesday 22 October 2025
3:30 PM to 5:00 PM
CLC406, Calman Learning Centre
A postcard detailing the six new IMH Research Themes

Book launch & CVAC welcome 2025-26

Wednesday 22 October 2025 - Wednesday 22 October 2025
5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Hotel Indigo, 9 Old Elvet, Durham DH1 3HL
a picture of the book cover With Love. From an Invader.

The Owengate Forge: Nicole Phillip (University of the West Indies), '"Ceanglaichean": Grenada's Scottish Connections'.

Thursday 23 October 2025 - Thursday 23 October 2025
1:00 PM to 2:00 PM
7 Owengate
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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