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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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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.

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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
A group of soldiers in camouflage clothing

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.
    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

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

Thought leadership

  • How private schools segregate students by class and strengthen social divisions

    Dr Sol Gamsu from our Sociology Department shares insights into how private schools reinforce social class segregation across the UK, concentrating educational privilege among wealthier families and deepening inequalities in opportunity and attainment. Drawing on research into school demographics, he highlights how a more socially mixed, comprehensive education system could help challenge these divisions and build a fairer, more democratic society.
    A student writing
  • La Bola Negra: this deeply moving cinematic homage to Lorca is part of his queer legacy

    Directed by legendary Spanish film-making duo Javier Ambrossi and Javier Calvo – also known as “Los Javis” – La Bola Negra (The Black Ball) is Spain’s big hope for next year’s Oscars. Professor Santiago Fouz-Hernández of our School of Modern Languages and Cultures explores the film's themes and iconography.
    Sepia-toned images of two young men with dark hair
  • How to reduce harmful sexual behaviour and protect your kids and their peers

    What do we know about young people whose sexual behaviour harms others? And how can we keep them and those around them safe? Together with colleagues in Australia, Emeritus Professor Simon Hackett, of our Centre for Research into Violence and Abuse and our Department of Sociology, examines this issue.
    The back of a young boy walking into a modern school wearing a backpack.

La Bola Negra: this deeply moving cinematic homage to Lorca is part of his queer legacy

Directed by legendary Spanish film-making duo Javier Ambrossi and Javier Calvo – also known as “Los Javis” – La Bola Negra (The Black Ball) is Spain’s big hope for next year’s Oscars. Professor Santiago Fouz-Hernández of our School of Modern Languages and Cultures explores the film's themes and iconography.
Sepia-toned images of two young men with dark hair

How to reduce harmful sexual behaviour and protect your kids and their peers

What do we know about young people whose sexual behaviour harms others? And how can we keep them and those around them safe? Together with colleagues in Australia, Emeritus Professor Simon Hackett, of our Centre for Research into Violence and Abuse and our Department of Sociology, examines this issue.
The back of a young boy walking into a modern school wearing a backpack.

Upcoming events

Astronomy Colloquium - 'Astrophysicists and AI Worries'

Wednesday 11 November 2026 - Wednesday 11 November 2026
2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
OCW017, The Ogden Centre
Exterior view of Ogden Centre against blue sky

Causal processes in practice – new ideas from Cartwright & Pemberton

Thursday 12 November 2026 - Thursday 12 November 2026
3:30 PM to 5:00 PM
TBC
Dominos falling on each other

"More and more and more: an all-consuming history"

Thursday 12 November 2026 - Thursday 12 November 2026
5:00 PM to 6:00 PM
online
book cover of more and more

Crossroads: A Research Cabaret

Thursday 12 November 2026 - Thursday 12 November 2026
7:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Radisson Blu Hotel, Durham Frankland Lane Durham DH1 5TA
Text: 'Presenting Crossroads: A Research Cabaret', under spotlights and flanked by blue curtains

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