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Durham is an ancient seat of learning and a leading world University which, since its establishment in 1832, has developed a distinctive reputation for leadership and innovation in education and research.
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Scientists examine DNA models in modern Neurological Research Laboratory

Research, scholarship and ideas are at the core of Durham University. We are home to some of the most talented researchers and scholars from around the world, tackling global issues, and making a difference to people's lives. Research directly informs our undergraduate and postgraduate teaching and, in partnership with policy-makers, industry, the public sector, and communities around the world, shapes local, national and international agendas.

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How medieval monks tried to stay warm in the winter

Hot water bottles, electric blankets and the heating on – some of the ways we try and keep ourselves warm in the 21st century, but how did the medieval monks manage it? Historian Professor Giles Gasper takes a step back in time to explain.
Rievaulx Abbey in York

New materials conduct ions in solids as easily as in liquids

We’re part of an international team of scientists behind the creation of a new family of organic materials that can conduct ions - atoms or molecules with a net electrical charge - in solids.
A series of swirling spirals against a black backdrop.

Looking for ancient climate clues beneath 500 metres of Antarctic ice

Our geographers are part of international team looking at the possible fate of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet in our warming world.  
A snowplough drives across the Antarctic ice against a clear blue sky

Scientists secure major award to drive sustainable consumer innovation

We have been awarded a share of more than £24 million of national funding for the prestigious Industrial Doctoral Landscape Award (IDLA) to advance research into sustainable consumer goods.
Researchers at library

A partnership to create a new Hong Kong Durham East-West research institute

Durham University has entered into a partnership with the MarcoPolo700 Foundation to develop a pioneering East-West Institute in Hong Kong and Durham.
Mountains with winding roads across them

Greenhouse gases to intensify extreme flooding in the Central Himalayas

Rising greenhouse gas emissions could see the size of extreme floods in the Central Himalayas increase by between as much as 73% and 84% by the end of this century.
A river running through a valley with tree lined mountains behind.
  • Three likely scenarios for Venezuela after Donald Trump's meddling

    After months of threats, which included the seizure of oil tankers, and air-strikes on alleged drug boats, on January 3rd, the United States removed Nicolás Maduro, Venezuela’s leader, and charged him with drug trafficking offences. Dr Omar Hammoud Gallego from our School of Government and International Affairs gives his analysis of the situation. 
    A man holding the Venezuelan flag in front of a building.
  • How medieval monks tried to stay warm in the winter

    Hot water bottles, electric blankets and the heating on – some of the ways we try and keep ourselves warm in the 21st century, but how did the medieval monks manage it? Historian Professor Giles Gasper takes a step back in time to explain.
    Rievaulx Abbey in York
  • New materials conduct ions in solids as easily as in liquids

    We’re part of an international team of scientists behind the creation of a new family of organic materials that can conduct ions - atoms or molecules with a net electrical charge - in solids.
    A series of swirling spirals against a black backdrop.

How medieval monks tried to stay warm in the winter

Hot water bottles, electric blankets and the heating on – some of the ways we try and keep ourselves warm in the 21st century, but how did the medieval monks manage it? Historian Professor Giles Gasper takes a step back in time to explain.
Rievaulx Abbey in York

New materials conduct ions in solids as easily as in liquids

We’re part of an international team of scientists behind the creation of a new family of organic materials that can conduct ions - atoms or molecules with a net electrical charge - in solids.
A series of swirling spirals against a black backdrop.
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Thought Leadership

  • Three likely scenarios for Venezuela after Donald Trump's meddling

    After months of threats, which included the seizure of oil tankers, and air-strikes on alleged drug boats, on January 3rd, the United States removed Nicolás Maduro, Venezuela’s leader, and charged him with drug trafficking offences. Dr Omar Hammoud Gallego from our School of Government and International Affairs gives his analysis of the situation. 
    A man holding the Venezuelan flag in front of a building.
  • How medieval monks tried to stay warm in the winter

    Hot water bottles, electric blankets and the heating on – some of the ways we try and keep ourselves warm in the 21st century, but how did the medieval monks manage it? Historian Professor Giles Gasper takes a step back in time to explain.
    Rievaulx Abbey in York
  • How Hannah Arendt can help us understand this new age of far-right populism

    Professor Christopher J Finlay, Head of our School of Government and International Affairs, looks at the book The Origins of Totalitarianism, by German and American historian and philosopher Hannah Arendt, and what it can tell us about populism today.
    White road markings reading

How medieval monks tried to stay warm in the winter

Hot water bottles, electric blankets and the heating on – some of the ways we try and keep ourselves warm in the 21st century, but how did the medieval monks manage it? Historian Professor Giles Gasper takes a step back in time to explain.
Rievaulx Abbey in York

How Hannah Arendt can help us understand this new age of far-right populism

Professor Christopher J Finlay, Head of our School of Government and International Affairs, looks at the book The Origins of Totalitarianism, by German and American historian and philosopher Hannah Arendt, and what it can tell us about populism today.
White road markings reading