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Research Impact
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Research to empower and inspire

We are a globally outstanding centre of teaching, learning and research excellence. We are a world top 100 university, with 10 of our subjects ranked in the world top 50 and 22 in the world top 100 in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026. We conduct innovative and impactful research to transform lives and make a difference, globally and locally: research to empower and inspire.
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Explore our global research

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  • Research Impact at Durham

    Read about our Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021 impact case studies.

    Aerial view of Durham

  • Global Culture

    Interested in how the cultural activities of Durham's staff and student bodies enrich life worldwide? Head to the Global Culture page to find out.

    Bollywood Dance group at the Oriental museum, Holi Festival, indian dance

Research Impact at Durham

Read about our Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021 impact case studies.

Aerial view of Durham

Global Culture

Interested in how the cultural activities of Durham's staff and student bodies enrich life worldwide? Head to the Global Culture page to find out.

Bollywood Dance group at the Oriental museum, Holi Festival, indian dance

Latest news

The abolition myth: how slavery survived by changing shape

Slavery did not end with abolitionism in the 19th century. Instead it was rebuilt, again and again, into new forms of unfree labour that still shape the world today
Remains of the Monte Alegre plantation, Barra do Piraí, Brazil

Durham and Berry College sign new partnership agreement

Durham University and Berry College have signed a new articulation agreement, formalising a partnership that has developed through several years of close collaboration.
Professor Janet Stewart, Executive Dean of Durham University’s Faculty of Arts and Humanities, alongside Dr Jonathan Deane Parker, Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Religion and Philosophy (Berry College) in Cosin's Library sign agreement.

How Iran used Ali Khamenei’s funeral as a political and diplomatic tool

In this article, Dr Marzieh Kouhi-Esfahani, from our School of Government and International Affairs, examines how the funeral of former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei became a significant political and diplomatic event, reflecting Iran's domestic priorities and international positioning.
A huge crowd gathered in Qom for the funeral of Ali Khamenei on July 7. Iranian Supreme Leader Office / EPA

At the forefront of international energy and climate research

Our researchers are leading on international energy and climate research – from monitoring vulnerable ice sheets to shaping future energy policy.
A montage of three images, from left to right, showing offshore wind turbines, an ice sheet and a person's hands holding a globe of the world.

International workshop on Capuchin history and theology

In early July Durham hosted an international gathering of friars, researchers and archivists interested in the history and theology of the Capuchin Franciscans at a two-day workshop.
Capuchin scholars gathered outside Durham Cathedral.JPG

Excommunication and division - the battle over the Catholic Church’s future

Dr Liam Temple from our Department of Theology and Religion looks at why Pope Leo's excommunication of a conservative Catholic rebel group matters, and how this is the latest development in a long-running saga. 
Image of St Peter's Basilica in Vatican City with the sun lighting part of the dome

Sumaúma Pledging Tree for Human Rights-Based Climate Action

The Sumaúma Pledging Tree for Human Rights-Based Climate Action is a new initiative that encourages governments, organisations and other stakeholders to make meaningful commitments that place human rights at the centre of climate action.
Pledge tree

Durham physicists part of mission to chart space and time

Our physicists are part of one of the most ambitious studies of the Universe ever undertaken.
A field of stars set against a black background.

European researchers join forces to address mental health challenges

Researchers from our School of Education are part of a new €4.4 million project aimed at improving the mental health of young people across Europe.
The backs of a group of teenagers with their arms around each others' shoulders standing outside.

Collingwood Lecture 2026: Professor Don Zagier explores the oldest and newest problems in mathematics

The Department of Mathematical Sciences was delighted to welcome Professor Don Zagier (Max Planck Institute for Mathematics, Bonn, and the International Centre for Theoretical Physics, Trieste) for the 2025/26 Collingwood Lecture, held on 11 June 2026.
Panorama photo of audience and lecturer at Collingwood Lecture 2026

The Arctic: understanding and stewarding our planet’s frozen north

Our research is advancing understanding of the Arctic, and how we might better protect this crucial part of our planet.
A small town of brightly coloured wooden houses stands in a frozen landscape

Leading academic gives evidence to The House of Lords on citizenship reform

Professor Thom Brooks, from our Law School, has given evidence to The House of Lords Justice and Home Affairs Committee, as part of its Settlement, Citizenship and Integration inquiry.
Professor Thom Brooks, from our Law School, giving evidence in the House of Lords
Sample tubes being held by purple latex gloves over a light box

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