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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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  • 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

Durham University, Science Europe, TERI and DFG Unite for COP31 Side Event on Implementing National Climate Targets

Durham University will join leading international research and policy organisations at COP31 to host an official UNFCCC side event exploring how science can drive effective climate mitigation and adaptation.
Panelists and audience at COP30

Prof Elisa Morgera to Champion Human Rights-Centred Climate Action at COP31

Prof Elisa Morgera, UN Special Rapporteur on Climate Change and Human Rights and Professor of Global Environmental Law at Durham University, will participate in COP31, where she will champion a human rights-centred approach to climate action and contribute to international discussions on pathways towards a just transition away from fossil fuels.
Prof Elisa Morgera and three attendees on a COP30 panel

The ‘activity trap’: fear of losing benefits is stopping some disabled people from exercising

Dr Toni Williams from our Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences explores the ‘activity trap’ and how fears about losing disability benefits can discourage disabled people from being physically active, drawing on research being led at Durham.
Disabled person exercising with a ball

Professor Francis Watson awarded prestigious British Academy medal

Professor Francis Watson from our Department of Theology and Religion has been awarded a prestigious medal by the British Academy in recognition of his research into the New Testament and early Christianity.
Prof Francis Watson

The village that sheltered outsiders, and what it means for Europe’s refugees now

Our archaeologists have uncovered how a border community once sheltered strangers fleeing violence, a stark contrast to the difficult experiences faced by many refugees and people on the move at Europe's borders today.
Three people standing on a hill next to a ruin.

Durham University joins Great North trade mission to India

Durham University’s global connections stood out as the North of England held a historic first trade mission to India.
A man and woman exchanging a gift

Pioneering evolutionary biologist wins prestigious research prize

Professor Guillaume Chomicki from our Department of Biosciences has been awarded a prestigious Philip Leverhulme Prize for his internationally recognised research in evolutionary biology.
A male academic wearing glasses holding a red rope attached to a tree, flanked by images of exotic plant life

Researchers propose first method to detect ‘mirror life’ 

Scientists have proposed what they believe is the first method for detecting ‘mirror life’ – a hypothetical form of life made from molecular building blocks that are the mirror image of those found naturally on Earth.
A computer generated image of a red and blue DNA strand with it's mirror image behind it

Prof Chris Stokes to Share Cryosphere Research at COP31

Professor Chris Stokes, from Durham University's Department of Geography, will attend COP31 to share the latest research on glaciers, ice sheets and the growing risks of sea-level rise in a warming world.
COP31

New toolkit supports conversations about mental health among neurodivergent young people

Research conducted with neurodivergent young people has inspired the launch of a new toolkit on how to speak with them about co-occurring mental health challenges when they seek support.
A young woman sits in a chair facing the camera, while talking to a therapist.

Durham researcher contributes to new UK disability physical activity report

Dr Toni Williams, from our Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences, has contributed to a major report with Disability Rights UK exploring the "Activity Trap".
A person being offered support by another person completing paperwork

Biosciences researchers join major £54m effort to tackle biosecurity threats

Our biosciences researchers are playing a leading role in a major new study investigating how pollution accelerates the evolution of drug-resistant bacteria, often called superbugs.
A water pipe outdoors with dirty brown water overflowing from it.
Sample tubes being held by purple latex gloves over a light box

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