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Research and business

We conduct innovative and impactful research to transform lives and make a difference, globally and regionally.
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Research to empower and inspire

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.

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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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What's new?

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Migraine remedies are everywhere on social media, but the evidence needs a closer look

Helping to debunk some myths about migraines, neuroscientist Professor Amanda Ellison talks about everything from caffeine, cold spoons to chips.

Research news
A woman with her hand against her forehead and a pained expression.

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.
Global research
Three people standing on a hill next to a ruin.

New toolkit supports conversations about mental health among neurodivergent young people

Research conducted with neurodivergent young people has inspired the launch of a new toolkit on how to speak with them about co-occurring mental health challenges when they seek support.
Global research
A young woman sits in a chair facing the camera, while talking to a therapist.

Durham joins £5.3m project to develop laser power technology

Researchers in our Centre for Advanced Instrumentation are helping to develop a pioneering laser power system that could keep high-altitude aircraft operating continuously.
Global research
Computer generated image of a ground-based laser beam powering an aircraft

Could the youth protests in South Asia help shape a better future?

Youth protests have become widespread in South Asia in recent times, including in India and Bangladesh. Professor Nayanika Mookherjee from our Anthropology Department explores how the protests could help shape a better future for South Asia.
Research news
A man waving the flag of Bangladesh

£1.7m grant to uncover the secrets of molecular behaviour using robotic chemistry and AI

Using robotic laboratories and AI, our researchers will study molecular behaviour to develop new chemicals and materials more efficiently, thanks to funding worth £1.7m (€2.1m).
Research news
Illustration of molecules

Nolan’s The Odyssey is an emotive meditation on modern moral injury

What does The Odyssey film tell us about the effects of war on soldiers? Dr Brian Powers from our International Centre for Moral Injury shares his thoughts.
Research news
A group of soldiers in camouflage clothing
Discover more news

Migraine remedies are everywhere on social media, but the evidence needs a closer look

Helping to debunk some myths about migraines, neuroscientist Professor Amanda Ellison talks about everything from caffeine, cold spoons to chips.

A woman with her hand against her forehead and a pained expression.

Dr Daniel P. Jones to imagine new futures for Tourette Syndrome

Dr Daniel P. Jones from our Institute for Medical Humanities and Department of Sociology has been awarded a prestigious Wellcome Early-Career Award to transform understandings of Tourette Syndrome.
Daniel Jones headshot

Could the youth protests in South Asia help shape a better future?

Youth protests have become widespread in South Asia in recent times, including in India and Bangladesh. Professor Nayanika Mookherjee from our Anthropology Department explores how the protests could help shape a better future for South Asia.
A man waving the flag of Bangladesh

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.
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  • Research staff directory

    Connect with our academic researchers, or click below to contact our business support team.
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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

Migraine remedies are everywhere on social media, but the evidence needs a closer look

Helping to debunk some myths about migraines, neuroscientist Professor Amanda Ellison talks about everything from caffeine, cold spoons to chips.

Research news
A woman with her hand against her forehead and a pained expression.

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.
Global research
Disabled person exercising with a ball

‘Terror of kings’: why the 1066 appearance of Halley’s Comet terrified the medieval world

The appearance of Halley’s Comet in 1066, as captured in the Bayeux Tapestry, was seen as a sign of impending change. Giles Gasper, Professor in High Medieval History, Department of History, and Brian Tanner, Emeritus Professor in the Department of Physics, tell us more about the ‘terror of kings’.
Research news
A depiction of Halley's comet stitched onto the Bayeux Tapestry. The comet has a ball of fire and a stem with flames coming from the stem like a rocket.
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Upcoming events

Success & Failure and (In)Visibility of Resistance - Workshop

Wednesday 28 October 2026 - Wednesday 28 October 2026
10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Venue to be confirmed
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Suicide and the Modern Stage

Wednesday 28 October 2026 - Wednesday 28 October 2026
1:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Atrium, Institute for Medical Humanities, Confluence Building, Mountjoy Centre, Stockton Rd, Durham DH1 3LE
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IMEMS Research Showcase: Professor Dame Jessica Rawson (University of Oxford), “The Great Wall of China: An Eternal Symbol of China’s Distinctive Culture”.

Wednesday 28 October 2026 - Wednesday 28 October 2026
3:00 PM to 4:30 PM
7 Owengate
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An Introduction to Mediation Advocacy and Client Representation

Thursday 29 October 2026 - Thursday 29 October 2026
2:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Chemistry Building, CG91, Arthur Holmes Lecture Theatre, Ground Floor, DH1 3LE
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Explore all University events

Business and partnerships

Research and Innovation Services

Research and Innovation Services
Durham University,
Boldon House,
Wheatlands Way,
Pity Me,
Durham,
DH1 5FA.

E: business.gateway@durham.ac.uk