We are delighted to announce that a Pain Academy Project had been shortlisted by the HSJ Patient Safety Awards 2025 in the catergory of Best Use of Integrated Care and Partnership Working in Patient Safety Award

Exploring how plant medicine, light therapy and being in nature can complement pharmaceuticals, this tranquil event at Dilston Physic Garden was full to the brim with expert trails, talks, medicinal teas and interactive dance & music. The day was co-led by Prof. Paul Chazot, Dr Nicolette Perry and Prof. Elaine Perry, with creative performances by Balbir Singh Dance Company (BSDC) that reinforced themes of renewal, rhythm, and equilibrium in both the natural world and human health.

On 22 May 2025, Alzheimer’s Society – County Durham, in partnership with Durham University and the Balbir Singh Dance Company, presented A Trail of Blue – a city-wide awareness event aimed at highlighting the impact of Alzheimer’s through artistic and sensory experiences.

The Durham Group recently held their annual open day at their weekly Pain Cafe which meets at Brandon Community Hall. They find that holding an open day not only gets the word out to the local community, but also brings together a good network of professionals to network and help each other. The day was a great success with plenty of people coming along for information.

In January 2025, the UK Parliament’s Science, Innovation and Technology Select Committee launched a call for submissions to inform the next priority areas for its work.

Dr Frances Cole (WRIHW Honorary Fellow) and Professor Paul Chazot (Director, WRIHW Pain Challenge Academy) say thank you to everyone who attended the first ever Live Well with Pain Footsteps to Change Conference 2025 in Birmingham, and for all your contributions and support on the day.

WRIHW's Andrea Lambell (Co-Director) has been involved in a vital report which will assist the University in creating a welcoming and inclusive environment to all.

Professor in the School of Education Nadia Siddiqui explains the disadvantage gap index and what can be done to reduce it.

The latest and the last Child of the North report has been published on the important topic of creating a culture of inclusive opportunity through arts and creativity. Many WRIHW Fellows feature in the author list and we are incredibly proud of this contribution.

Next week, Durham University are hosting the Coimbra Group 40th Anniversary Climate Symposium. We’ll welcome Rectors and Vice-Chancellors from across Europe to Durham for a thought-provoking two-day event. The Symposium will explore the role of universities as agents of transformative change for climate, nature, planetary health, and society. As institutions at the forefront of research, education, and policy engagement, universities play a critical role in addressing the climate emergency.

A lack of suitable childcare options is inflicting huge financial and emotional strain on vulnerable families, according to new research involving Durham academics.

The NHSA are shining the spotlight on hundreds of innovative women today - on International Women’s Day - as they publish the annual #NorthInnovationWomen list. You may recognise some familiar faces from the WRIHW and Durham.