Global Research - 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 10 of our subjects ranked in the world top 50 and 22 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 Research Signature Strengths

Discover where Durham research is truly leading the field.

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Quality across a broad range of disciplines

We are home to world-leading scholars across the sciences, social sciences, business, and arts and humanities.

A copper alloy bridle bit from The Melsonby Hoard being cleaned under a microscope.

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Latest news

Umfrage zu Ansichten über Pflanzenintelligenz

Einladung zur Teilnahme an einer weltweiten Umfrage

Enquête sur les opinions concernant l’intelligence des plantes

Invitation à participer à une enquête mondiale

Survey on views about plant intelligence

Invitation to participate in a global survey

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.