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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 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.
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Latest news

English Language Day: The medieval influences that shaped the English language we speak today

On English Language Day (Tuesday 23 April), Professor Neil Cartlidge from our English department explains how the language we use today was heavily influenced by medieval culture.
Two open pages on a dictionary

Durham research project could find better treatments for depression and anxiety

Dr Marco Bocchio, from our Department of Psychology, has received a funding award of £124,000 as part of a new project aiming to uncover new insights into the human brain.
A head and shoulders picture of Marco Bocchio

Innovative body image research secures prestigious €2.5m grant

Researchers from our world-leading Department of Psychology have been awarded a c.€2.5m European Research Council (ERC) Advanced Grant for an international body image research project.
Three individuals running in a park setting

Deepfake porn: why we need to make it a crime to create it, not just share it

Sharing deepfake pornography is a criminal offence but creating it isn't. Professor Clare McGlynn, from Durham Law School, has worked with many victims and explains why the law needs to change to protect others from suffering the same fate.
A hand on a laptop

Highly organised CEOs can hinder firm strategic flexibility in volatile environments

Chief Executive Officerss who prioritise planning and organisation can find their skills make them a hindrance to their organisations when it comes to adapting to external changes, according to new research.
Outline of business people meeting discussion with cityscape in the background

Comet 3A and how medieval chroniclers interpreted celestial events

Many people in the UK have been gazing skyward during October, as Comet 3A, dubbed the 'comet of the century' became visible for the first time in 80,000 years. Our scientists scrutinise the cosmos in great detail. But how did medieval chroniclers interpret the skies and their wonders? Giles Gasper from our Department of History and Brian Tanner from our Department of Physics investigate.
Stars in the solar system depicting a celestial event

Precisely measuring our expanding Universe

Our physicists are part of an international team that has made the largest 3D map of the Universe, measuring its expansion over 11 billion years.
A map of the Universe showing a web of blue, green and white against a black backdrop

How Sir Charles Villiers Stanford’s legacy lives on 100 years after his death

Professor Jeremy Dibble, from our Department of Music, has devoted much of his academic career to researching and writing about Sir Charles Villiers Stanford. Friday 29 March 2024 will mark 100 years since the composer’s death so we sat down with Jeremy to understand how Stanford’s legacy is very much alive.
Professor Jeremy Dibble standing in front of a bookcase and a blackboard with musical notes written on it

Julian Assange: how British extradition law works

As Julian Assange waits to learn whether he can appeal his extradition to the US, Gemma Davies, from Durham Law School, explains how the extradition law is applied in Britain.
Protestors wearing masks in support of Julian Assange in 2012

Professor Helen Ball talks 'normal' infant sleep on BBC Radio 4

Infant sleep is an emotive topic, and at times a controversial one. On this episode of 'Child', a BBC Radio 4 Podcast, Professor Helen Ball and India Rakusen discuss what 'normal' means when it comes to infant sleep, why people are so anxious about it, and the topic of bed sharing.
Close up of parent holding a newborn baby's hand

How a balloon-borne experiment can do the job of the Hubble space telescope

Results have shown that balloon-borne experiments to explore space can be just as useful as those launched by rockets, while costing a fraction of the price. Dr Fionagh Thomson and Professor Richard Massey, from our Physics Department, explain how they are also ideal training for the next generation of technology leaders.
SuperBIT waiting for launch while its giant helium balloon is inflated

The mystery of consciousness shows there may be a limit to what science alone can achieve

Science is rightly celebrated, but as the problem of consciousness is revealing, there may be a limit to what we can learn through science alone, argues Professor Philip Goff in our Department of Philosophy.
A picture of a head with colourful tiles inside
Aerial view of Durham

Research Impact at Durham

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

Impact Case Studies
Korean drummers playing at the Oriental Museum

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.

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