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Current Research

Research that makes a difference.

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.
Research and Business
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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University spin-out company receives prestigious King’s Award for Enterprise

University spin-out company Geoptic has been honoured with a King’s Award for Enterprise for its pioneering approach to assessing the condition and safety of railway tunnels.

Business and Partnerships
View looking through an old brick railway tunnel.

Study on domestic abuse of older people sheds light on risk factors

New research has found that older people are more likely to be abused by their partners than by a family member.
Research news
Close up of two older women's hands clasping each other.

People with health issues denied medication in police custody

People in police custody with health issues are regularly put at risk because medication is delayed or unavailable.
Research news
Old-fashioned police lantern sign

New study links wealth inequality and human sustainability across millennia

Wealth inequality has been linked to human sustainability for over 10,000 years. That’s according to a new study led by Professor Dan Lawrence from our Archaeology department.
Global research
Leafy, residential area with large houses backing onto an area of compact, more deprived housing

Two early career bioscientists will tackle health challenges with prestigious award

Dr Ting-Yu Lin of our Department of Biosciences and Dr Francesco Boselli of our Departments of Biosciences and Engineering have each been granted a Springboard Award to help support their research in biomedical sciences.
Research news
Two Durham University bioscientists pose for portraits

How graduates are driving economic growth

A new report reveals the critical role that university graduates play in driving growth, including by starting their own businesses.
Business and Partnerships
Staff in high-visibility jackets laying asphalt on a road

Durham astrophysicists’ key contributions to cosmic discoveries

Scientists from our Centre for Extragalactic Astronomy and our Institute for Computational Cosmology are playing a crucial role as part of a major international space mission to map the Universe.
Global research
This image shows examples of galaxies in different shapes, all captured by Euclid during its first observations of the Deep Field areas
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Study on domestic abuse of older people sheds light on risk factors

New research has found that older people are more likely to be abused by their partners than by a family member.

Close up of two older women's hands clasping each other.

People with health issues denied medication in police custody

People in police custody with health issues are regularly put at risk because medication is delayed or unavailable.
Old-fashioned police lantern sign

Two early career bioscientists will tackle health challenges with prestigious award

Dr Ting-Yu Lin of our Department of Biosciences and Dr Francesco Boselli of our Departments of Biosciences and Engineering have each been granted a Springboard Award to help support their research in biomedical sciences.
Two Durham University bioscientists pose for portraits
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Explore our global research

Discover how our research is changing lives around the world using the button below. We also have a static PDF version available.

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Durham University Research

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Thought Leadership

Now is the time for responsible and courageous truth tellers to make ourselves clear and heard

Professor Karen O'Brien, our Vice-Chancellor, spoke to the 2025 Sir Harry Evans Investigative Journalism Summit on the importance of truth seeking and truth telling. This is her speech.

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
Woman smiling, looking off camera to right

Bronze-age Britain traded tin with the Mediterranean, shows new study – settling a two-century debate

Dr Benjamin Roberts and Dr Alan Williams of the Department of Archaeology share findings from their new study published in the journal Antiquity.
Research news
Golden coloured Bronze age artefact

Strategic patience is the smartest response to Trump’s tariffs

By refusing to be drawn into a trade war, Europe can protect itself from further damage and demonstrate the futility of unilateral tariffs, writes Josh Fenton, PhD candidate in marketing at Durham University Business School.
Research news
A transport ship carries shipping containers full of goods
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