On Saturday 20 June 2026, Ustinov College and Ustinov Graduate Common Room were delighted to welcome alumni, students, staff, families, and friends to Ustinov Day 2026, held for the first time at Sheraton Park.

Five Durham Olympic and Paralympic athletes, alongside our Head of Rowing, are backing a vision to hold a future Olympic and Paralympic Games in the North of England.

We have been ranked 85th in the QS World University Rankings 2027, up nine places from last year.  

The late Dr Marjorie “Mo” Mowlam, one of the most influential figures in modern British politics and our esteemed alumna, has been honoured with a blue plaque at her former college. The plaque recognises both her time at Durham University and her remarkable contribution to peace and public service.

Professor Carlos Frenk – who is behind one of the foremost theories of the evolution of the Universe – has been knighted in The King’s Birthday Honours.

Durham alumnus David Sproxton, CBE – co-founder and trustee of the animation studio behind Wallace & Gromit – has been knighted in The King’s Birthday Honours.

Durham University has announced an exciting partnership with Microsoft to help shape the future of AI skills, education, and opportunity. The collaboration was announced at London Tech Week 2026 by Darren Hardman, Corporate Vice President & CEO, Microsoft UK and Ireland, as part of wider discussions on how artificial intelligence is transforming the future of work across the UK.

We are to award honorary degrees to nine distinguished individuals, four of whom are alumni, during our Summer Congregation ceremonies, taking place from 1 to 8 July 2026 at Durham Cathedral.

Yuk Chi Chan (Law, College of St Hild and St Bede, 2016-2019), has been named the United States national winner for Business and Innovation at the prestigious British Council Study UK Alumni Awards, recognising his entrepreneurial leadership and impact on the global space sector. Yuk Chi came to Durham after serving with the Singapore Army Engineers, choosing to study law at Durham because of its reputation for academic excellence and its distinctive collegiate experience.

Our alumni have taken part in a programme of career networking and engagement activity across the United States from 7–15 May 2026.

On Friday 1 May, Ustinov College held a collaborative event at Queen’s Tennis Club in London. Attended by alumni, Global Citizenship Programme (GCP) scholars, Graduate Common Room (GCR) representatives and College staff, the event aimed to reconnect participants, reflect on shared experiences and strengthen links across the Ustinov community.

University Chancellor Dr Fiona Hill hosted the 11th Annual Chancellor’s Circle Dinner on 30 April at the historic Fishmongers’ Hall in London. Chancellor’s Circle members gathered to celebrate the group’s transformational giving and the difference this makes to the University.