Skip to main content
Research Impact
Outside the Calman Learning Centre

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.
Explore our latest research news
Research
This is the image alt text

Explore our global research

Discover how our research is changing lives around the world using the button below. We also have a static PDF version available.

Read our research brochure

Static PDF version

 

 

Discover more

  • 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

Can the UK achieve the fastest AI adoption in the G7?

Professor Kieran Fernandes, Executive Dean of our Business School, explores the UK’s ambition to lead the G7 in AI adoption, arguing that success depends not on innovation alone, but on how effectively AI is embedded across businesses, public services and regions.
Abstract AI data wave with tech line patterns and digital network effects

Durham Geography ranked 6th in world

We have been ranked 6th in the prestigious QS World University Rankings by Subject.
QS

Durham named a World Top 50 international university

We’ve been named in the top 50 of the world’s most international universities, by a newly published league table.
A group of female students walk down a cobbled street in the sunshine. Other students are either side of the group. In the background are the towers of Durham Cathedral.

Ancient societies reveal surprising global history of democracy

A new international study has challenged long-held assumptions about the origins and history of democratic practices.
A large ancient outdoor plaza featuring ruins of grey stone walls

Spotlight on: Professor Graham Towl – lifetime achievement award for leading forensic psychologist

Our ‘Spotlight on’ series celebrates the world-leading work of our academics. Just over 20 years after being peer nominated as the most influential forensic psychologist in the UK, Professor Graham Towl was awarded 2025 British Psychological Society Lifetime Achievement Award.
Professor Graham Towl looking to camera, taken outside with tree in background

Spotlight on: Professor Jon Gluyas - pioneering geoenergy solutions for a sustainable future

This instalment of our ‘Spotlight on’ series focuses on Professor Jon Gluyas - a leading geoscientist who has spent his career addressing some of society's most pressing energy challenges.
Professor Jon Gluyas looking straight to camera in front of a dark background

Are women more safe today in England and Wales than they were in the past – or less? What the evidence shows

Professor Nicole Westmarland, in our Department of Sociology, reviews the evidence around rates of violence against women and girls in England and Wales.
Woman walking alone through a pedestrian tunnel

Spotlight on: Professor Fuschia Sirois – transforming how we understand wellbeing

Our ‘Spotlight on’ feature showcases the work of our world-leading academics. Professor Fuschia Sirois, in our Department of Psychology, is pioneering a more compassionate approach to understanding the risk and resilience factors that shape health and wellbeing.
Professor Fuschia Sirois smiling to camera

DNA-binding proteins from volcanic lakes could improve disease diagnosis

A recent publication in Nucleic Acids Research reports the discovery of new DNA associated enzymes from some of the most extreme environments on Earth and shown that they can improve rapid medical tests for infectious diseases.
Cameraman Terry Winn at Euro News shooting a TV documentary about the Virus-X project.

Durham to lead new era of quantum science research

Durham is to lead an ambitious new era of quantum science, funded by a landmark award from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).
Professor Simon Cornish is pictured in the quantum lab

Spotlight on: Professor Markian Prokopovych – advocating history’s role in supporting Ukraine's future

Our Spotlight On series highlights the leading work of our academics. Professor Markian Prokopovych from our Department of History specialises in modern European history. The war in Ukraine has transformed his research, prompting him to explore how the past can help shape Ukraine's future.
Professor Markian Prokopovych smiling and facing the camera with a blurred background

Covid lockdowns set back children’s development for years

Children who started school during the Covid-19 pandemic may be experiencing lasting setbacks in their ability to self-regulate and adapt to new situations.
Two primary school-aged children in a class setting completing a worksheet
Sample tubes being held by purple latex gloves over a light box

Research Newsletter

Sign up for our research newsletter to receive the latest updates on ground-breaking studies, acclaimed academics, and emerging trends shaping the academic landscape. Designed for researchers, senior leaders and curious minds, our newsletter delivers valuable insights and expert commentary.

Subscribe to the Research Newsletter