We have been ranked third in the UK for interdisciplinary science research.
Our researchers work across traditional academic disciplines to address global challenges, transforming lives for the better.
That’s why we’re very pleased to have been placed third in the UK, and 128th globally, in the second annual Times Higher Education Interdisciplinary Science Rankings.
The heart of interdisciplinary research at Durham is our 10 research institutes, where academics from often very different backgrounds are encouraged to collaborate, share ideas and approaches, and find innovative solutions.
Much of our interdisciplinary research focuses on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – 17 goals to create a better world by 2030, from ending poverty to addressing climate change.
We rank 24th in the QS Sustainability Rankings 2026. Recently, seven of our staff and students travelled to COP (Conference of Parties) 30, the recent global climate conference in Brazil.
Earlier this year, we launched the Leverhulme Centre for Algorithmic Life, which brings together experts from across the sciences, social sciences, and humanities to explore how artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning are transforming society. This is led by Professor Louise Amoore, from our Department of Geography.
Earlier this month, six of our researchers, five from our Department of Physics and one from our Department of Engineering, were named in the 2025 Clarivate Highly Cited Researchers list.
Our ranking of third in the UK for interdisciplinary science adds to our status as a world top 100 university, and The Times and The Sunday Times UK University of the Year 2026. We have a best-ever 21 subjects in the world top 100 in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025, and we are in the top five for all three major UK university rankings.
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