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Research and Business

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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Boundary Breaking Research and Global Knowledge Exchange

At Durham, our academic staff conduct forward-thinking, interdisciplinary research that has an impact on communities all over the world. Collaboration with a broad mix of partners is central to enhancing global knowledge and developing global citizenship. 

Business and Partnerships

Pioneering Projects

Explore our diverse range of projects, from spin-out creation, research collaborations and supporting innovation. Whether we're tackling net zero challenges, advancing health sciences, or developing new technologies, our case studies showcase the impact and success of businesses and researchers working with us. 

 

90% of research rated 'world-leading' or 'internationally excellent' (UK Research Excellence Framework 2021)
£85 M research awards made to Durham (2022/23)

Towards a better future

Among our scientists, social scientists, business, arts and humanities scholars we have world-leading authorities in their field.

We are one of the top universities in the world, for taking action to address the most pressing environmental, social and governance challenges facing society today. Our researchers are shaping the world, from the intimate to the infinite.

Iceberg cracking and falling into the water
University student
Researchers at Durham University offer technical expertise that cannot be found elsewhere. We have been collaborating closely on a multitude of projects for several years and hope this will continue to be fruitful long into the future.
Dr Hira Virdee
Founder & CEO Lumi Space
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We are a globally outstanding centre of research

Research at Durham brings together the leading minds in their fields who work collaboratively across departments and with our partners to develop new ways of thinking that have a positive impact on societal and global challenges. 

Explore our research playlist

Research Degrees

Whether you’re looking to connect with international industry and business through your work, or the global academic research community, as a postgraduate at Durham you can expect the freedom and facilities to explore what’s important to you.

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Spotlight on: Professor Claire Horwell - protecting public health during volcanic eruptions

Our Spotlight On series celebrates our academics’ global impact. Professor Claire Horwell is a world-renowned expert on the health hazards of volcanic air pollution.

Research news
Professor Claire Horwell pictured outside with foliage and a view of a volcano behind her

Spacecraft regularly burn up in the atmosphere - is this causing harm?

Physics fellow Dr Fionagh Thomson will explore the potential risks of decommissioning satellites in the atmosphere in a project funded by the UK Space Agency. 
Research news
Polar stratospheric clouds above buildings

Babies respond positively to smell of foods experienced in the womb

Babies show positive responses to the smell of foods they were exposed to in the womb after they are born.
Global research
A montage of four pictures showing close ups of newborn babies' faces with different expressions.

Durham’s strengths in space and quantum research focus of German Ambassador’s visit

Our strengths in space and quantum research were the main focus of a visit to Durham University by the German Ambassador to the UK.
Global research
Two men look through a panel into the interior of a large box which contains machinery and wires.

Are We Becoming More Anti-Social?

Dr Thuy-vy T Nguyen is an Associate Professor in our Department of Psychology, and Principal Investigator of the Solitude Lab. Here, she discusses whether people are becoming more anti-social.
Research news
Sky at sunset with a lone person looking out away from the camera in silhouette

The Greenland ice sheet is falling apart – new study

Tom Chudley, a Leverhulme Early Career Fellow in our Department of Geography, shares new research showing how quickly the Greenland ice sheet is melting.
Research news
The Greenland ice sheet as viewed from above

Reimagining the imagination at the world’s largest literary festival

Researchers from our Institute for Medical Humanities have taken our innovative ReaderBank project to the Jaipur Literature Festival in Rajasthan, India.
Global research
Four people standing smiling at the camera
Discover more news

Spotlight on: Professor Claire Horwell - protecting public health during volcanic eruptions

Our Spotlight On series celebrates our academics’ global impact. Professor Claire Horwell is a world-renowned expert on the health hazards of volcanic air pollution.

Professor Claire Horwell pictured outside with foliage and a view of a volcano behind her

Spacecraft regularly burn up in the atmosphere - is this causing harm?

Physics fellow Dr Fionagh Thomson will explore the potential risks of decommissioning satellites in the atmosphere in a project funded by the UK Space Agency. 
Polar stratospheric clouds above buildings

Spotlight on: Professor Philip Goff – challenging the foundations of science through philosophy

Our ‘Spotlight On’ series highlights some of our pioneering researchers who are leading transformative work. Professor Philip Goff from our Department of Philosophy is challenging the long-held quantitative focus of physical science through his work on consciousness.
Black and white image of Professor Philip Goff set against a white background

Explore policies, governance and our staff directory

We develop opportunities for businesses to: link with policymakers, understand our research governance and connect with academic researchers.

  • Policy Hub

    We support knowledge exchange activities, develop networks and projects, and provide policy and impact training.
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  • Ethics and Governance

    Research ethics is a key part of research integrity, which aims to safeguard the interests and well-being of those impacted by the research.
    paper people dancing around glass globe

  • Research Staff Directory

    Connect with our academic researchers, or click below to contact our business support team.
    Business people sitting round a table at a meeting

Policy Hub

We support knowledge exchange activities, develop networks and projects, and provide policy and impact training.
Policy written in lettered cubes

Ethics and Governance

Research ethics is a key part of research integrity, which aims to safeguard the interests and well-being of those impacted by the research.
paper people dancing around glass globe

Research Staff Directory

Connect with our academic researchers, or click below to contact our business support team.
Business people sitting round a table at a meeting
Contact our Research and Innovations Team

Thought Leadership

  • Bilingual children with special educational needs may be missing out on support in England

    Johny Daniel, an assistant professor in our School of Education, writes on what can be done to help these students catch up with their peers.
    Research news
    Children sitting in a classroom raise their hands

  • Is Tesla’s sales slump down to Elon Musk?

    In January, sales of Tesla cars slumped across five European countries. Professor Gretchen Larsen in Marketing, Durham University Business School, and Dr James Obiegbu, at Bournemouth University, examine if this is down to the controversies surrounding Elon Musk.
    Global research
    A close up of the rear wing of a black Tesla car as it charges at a red and white Tesla branded charging station.

  • The Power of Storytelling in shaping inclusive Higher Education

    Dr Monika Nangia, Director of Student & Academic Services and Academic Registrar, shares her views on diversity and inclusion in UK higher education leadership, the impact and way forward. Monika has more than two decades of experience in higher education management and is a passionate advocate for diverse voices in higher education leadership positions.
    Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
    Monika Nangia is pictured at the Palatine Centre, Durham

Bilingual children with special educational needs may be missing out on support in England

Johny Daniel, an assistant professor in our School of Education, writes on what can be done to help these students catch up with their peers.

Research news
Children sitting in a classroom raise their hands

Is Tesla’s sales slump down to Elon Musk?

In January, sales of Tesla cars slumped across five European countries. Professor Gretchen Larsen in Marketing, Durham University Business School, and Dr James Obiegbu, at Bournemouth University, examine if this is down to the controversies surrounding Elon Musk.
Global research
A close up of the rear wing of a black Tesla car as it charges at a red and white Tesla branded charging station.

The Power of Storytelling in shaping inclusive Higher Education

Dr Monika Nangia, Director of Student & Academic Services and Academic Registrar, shares her views on diversity and inclusion in UK higher education leadership, the impact and way forward. Monika has more than two decades of experience in higher education management and is a passionate advocate for diverse voices in higher education leadership positions.
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
Monika Nangia is pictured at the Palatine Centre, Durham
Discover more comment and opinion

Upcoming events

The Forge: Craig Barclay, “Recent developments at the Oriental Museum”

Thursday 20 February 2025 - Thursday 20 February 2025
1:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Oriental Museum, Elvet Hill, Durham, DH1 3TH
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AI Gossip

Thursday 20 February 2025 - Thursday 20 February 2025
1:00 PM to 2:30 PM
Institute for Medical Humanities, Confluence Building, Durham University
Image for the Passport Talk by NCL 20 Feb

CCLP Book Launch

Friday 21 February 2025 - Friday 21 February 2025
11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
This hybrid event is taking place online via Zoom and in person at PCL048, Palatine Centre.
CCLP Event Poster

“Swimbling” to manage your health, wellbeing and persistent pain

Saturday 22 February 2025 - Saturday 22 February 2025
7:00 PM to 10:30 PM
Seaham Town Hall
swimbling
Explore our research institutes and centres

Business and Partnerships

Research and Innovation Services

Research and Innovation Services
Durham University
Mountjoy Centre
Stockton Road
Durham
DH1 3LE

E: business.gateway@durham.ac.uk
T: 0191 334 4650