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Delivering Bold Research

Our ten University Research Institutes (URIs) are powerhouses of interdisciplinary innovation. We foster the conditions for innovative and impactful research, addressing global and regional challenges: research to empower and inspire.

Operating across faculties and departments, the URIs bring together researchers from diverse disciplines and perspectives. We support the development of new ideas, methods and approaches, secure transformative funding from philanthropic sources and research funding bodies, and deliver impact through research on cross-cutting themes and pressing global challenges.

A group of researchers talking around a table

Our University Research Institutes

Explore the world-changing research of our individual University Research Centres, and keep up to date with their latest news and events.

Biophysical Sciences Institute

Interdisciplinary science crossing the boundary between biology and the other physical sciences, we have a united community of over 150 academics and researchers.
BSI Cell

Durham Energy Institute (DEI)

Decarbonising energy is one of the most pressing challenges facing the world today. We are accelerating inclusive energy transitions through world-leading research.
Hands holding a globe made of grass type material

Institute for Computational Cosmology (ICC)

We are a leading international centre for research into the origin and evolution of the Universe, asking some of the most fundamental questions in science.
Images of planets projected onto the Ogden Centre

Institute for Data Science (IDAS)

We are the University's multidisciplinary platform for new ideas in Data Science, cutting across the silos of subject-specific knowledge.
A graphic of a stream of data

Institute for Medical Humanities

We conduct interdisciplinary research into what we call 'hidden experience' and investigate experiences of health and illness which are marginalised or invisible.
Graphic abstract art

Institute for Particle Physics Phenomenology (IPPP)

Our research sits at the interface between theoretical particle physics and experiments ranging from particle colliders to gravitational wave detectors.
Graphics of particle physics data

Institute of Advanced Study (IAS)

We offer world-leading researchers a unique space for transformative reflection in and beyond individual disciplines, fostering an inclusive, interdisciplinary community.
Old building with a pale blue door and steps

Institute of Hazard, Risk and Resilience

We support innovative research and training for use in policy and practice, collaborating directly with communities, non-governmental organisations and governments.
A contemporary building with blue sky

Institute of Medieval and Early Modern Studies

We're a talented community of academics, curators, students, and practitioners, covering a global range of areas from Late Antiquity to the late eighteenth century.
An ancient manuscript

Wolfson Research Institute for Health and Wellbeing

We're Durham’s flagship interdisciplinary Institute, delivering the Health@Durham Strategy and fostering research in human health from the individual to global scale.
A researcher injecting fluid into a cap worn by a student

 

 

University student
Our research is built on collaboration and partnership, recognising that we can achieve more together. Our interdisciplinary approach gives us new perspectives and sparks novel approaches.

Professor Karen O'Brien
Vice-Chancellor and Warden

Latest University Research Institute News

  • Impact of childcare gap highlighted in new study

    A lack of suitable childcare options is inflicting huge financial and emotional strain on vulnerable families, according to new research involving Durham academics.
    The front cover of a report
  • Welcome to Visiting Researcher Professor Peggy Lu

    We are delighted to announce that Professor Peih-Ying (Peggy) Lu from the School of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University (KMU) has joined IMH and the Platform on a 4-month fellowship from the National Science and Technology Council.
    Image used for news article
  • Summit explores regional inequalities facing women

    Researchers, policy makers and politicians from across the North of England have gathered at Durham University to discuss worsening health and work inequalities for women in the region.
    Five women standing behind a table. Two are leaning over the table, holding pens over a document

Welcome to Visiting Researcher Professor Peggy Lu

We are delighted to announce that Professor Peih-Ying (Peggy) Lu from the School of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University (KMU) has joined IMH and the Platform on a 4-month fellowship from the National Science and Technology Council.
Image used for news article

Summit explores regional inequalities facing women

Researchers, policy makers and politicians from across the North of England have gathered at Durham University to discuss worsening health and work inequalities for women in the region.
Five women standing behind a table. Two are leaning over the table, holding pens over a document

 

 

Upcoming events

Carolingian Calligraphy Workshop

Monday 23 June 2025 - Tuesday 24 June 2025
12:00 PM to 5:00 PM
7 Owengate, Durham DH1 3HB
Promotional flier for Carolingian Calligraphy Workshop

ICCL PGR Conference

Monday 30 June 2025 - Monday 30 June 2025
1:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Hogan Lovells Lecture Theatre, Durham University
Durham Law school under a bright blue sky

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
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Media Enquiries

For any media enquiries relating to the University Research Institutes, please contact the Communications Team.

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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