Global Impact - Durham University

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 12 of our subjects ranked in the world top 50 and 19 in the world top 100. 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

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

Latest news

Motor Neurone Disease Awareness Month: Durham spin-out given the go-ahead to trial new treatments

June is Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Awareness Month. Andy Whiting, an Emeritus Professor in our Department of Chemistry and CEO of our spin-out company Nevrargenics Limited, explains how his team is using new funding to discover new treatments and hopefully a cure for the condition.

World Refugee Day 2024: Hannah Rose Thomas and Tears of Gold

This World Refugee Day we hear from one of our History and Arabic graduates, Hannah Rose Thomas, as she discusses her inspirational new book, Tears of Gold: Portraits of Yazidi, Rohingya, and Nigerian Women.

Fourth International Judicial Roundtable Explores Technology and Climate Change as Key Issues in Commercial Courts and Dispute Resolution

The fourth international Judicial Roundtable at the end of April 2024 in Durham explored topics within Technology and Climate Change, with judges and leading policymakers from around the world.

Royal honour for Professor Harriet Bulkeley

One of our leading geography researchers has been honoured by His Majesty King Charles III.

A head and shoulders photograph of Professor Harriet Bulkeley

Prof. E. Pohl Invited to Lunch by Ambassador of Pakistan to Ethiopia, H.E. Mr. Mian Atif Sharif

Prof. E. Pohl was honoured to be invited for lunch by the Ambassador of Pakistan to Ethiopia, H.E. Mr. Mian Atif Sharif, where he had the opportunity to discuss the Global Network on Neglected Tropical Diseases and how we need to find collective solution for a global problem.

A group of scientists pose from all around the world

National equality, diversity and inclusion prize for Dr Bahar Baser

One of our inspiring international affairs researchers has been recognised for her significant contribution to promoting inclusivity.

Dr Bahar Baser looking at the camera holding a circular glass award and a certificate

National Clean Air Month: Exploring the link between your brain health and air pollution

With May being National Clean Air Month, we spoke to Professor Brian Castellani from our Department of Sociology and the Wolfson Research Institute for Health and Wellbeing about his work on the impact of air pollution on our health.

Durham scientists part of team behind stunning new images of the Universe

Our scientists are involved in a major international space mission that has released five unprecedented new images of the Universe.

A vibrant nursery of star formation enveloped in a shroud of interstellar dust or purple, red and white

Expert warns dyslexia diagnosis is failing struggling readers

A new book by two leading psychologists warns that a focus on diagnosing dyslexia is leaving many children without the help they urgently need.

How Durham researchers are informing global debate

Our researchers are constantly pushing the boundaries of knowledge, and using their learning to inform public and policy debate. Here are a few recent examples.

New faith schools in England could soon allocate all their places on religious grounds – here’s why that’s a bad idea

A proposed change to an admissions cap could see faith schools no longer having to offer 50% of their places to children from outside their religion. Professor Stephen Gorard, from our School of Education, explains why he believes such a move would be a bad decision.

A girl raises her hand next to a boy while learning in a classroom

Star bars show galaxies evolved faster than previously thought

Our astronomers have looked back more than ten billion years in time to find that the Universe’s early galaxies developed much faster than scientists previously thought.