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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
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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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Brain cells as traffic controllers

A groundbreaking study led by Dr Marco Bocchio in our Department of Psychology reveals how specific brain cells called interneurons can act as our in-built traffic controllers.

Research news
Abstract colourful image of a person's head and brain.

New imaging of bacterial DNA uncovers secrets to future antibiotic design

In a new study, scientists from our top-rated Biosciences department joined forces with researchers from Jagiellonian University (Poland), and the John Innes Centre to reveal how a bacterial enzyme called DNA gyrase twists and stabilises DNA.
Research news
Graphic of DNA

Loneliness in old age and the role of social workers

Loneliness has been identified as a major challenge for social work because of its significant impact on health and social care services, particularly for older people. It is linked to conditions like heart disease, stroke and Alzheimer’s disease.
Research news
Three older women chatting to each other.

How teaching shortages could be tackled

A worldwide comparison of 18 countries suggests that teaching needs to be made more attractive to a wider pool of graduates to tackle shortages in the profession.
Research news
A group of school pupils with their hands up in a classroom with a teacher.

Abuse crisis in Catholic Church has led to drop in Mass attendance

A third of Catholics who previously went to Mass have reduced their attendance or stopped going altogether as a result of the child sexual abuse crisis in the Catholic Church.
Research news
A rosary on a bible

Pupils with SEND continue to fall behind their peers

Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) are continuing to fall behind their peers with the gap widening despite the introduction of SEND legislation.
Research news
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Medical humanities pioneer to oversee influential bioethics council

Professor Jane Macnaughton from our Institute for Medical Humanities and Department of Anthropology has been chosen as the next Chair of the Nuffield Council on Bioethics Governing Board.
Durham news
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  • Brain cells as traffic controllers

    A groundbreaking study led by Dr Marco Bocchio in our Department of Psychology reveals how specific brain cells called interneurons can act as our in-built traffic controllers.
    Research news
    Abstract colourful image of a person's head and brain.

  • New imaging of bacterial DNA uncovers secrets to future antibiotic design

    In a new study, scientists from our top-rated Biosciences department joined forces with researchers from Jagiellonian University (Poland), and the John Innes Centre to reveal how a bacterial enzyme called DNA gyrase twists and stabilises DNA.
    Research news
    Graphic of DNA

  • Loneliness in old age and the role of social workers

    Loneliness has been identified as a major challenge for social work because of its significant impact on health and social care services, particularly for older people. It is linked to conditions like heart disease, stroke and Alzheimer’s disease.
    Research news
    Three older women chatting to each other.

Brain cells as traffic controllers

A groundbreaking study led by Dr Marco Bocchio in our Department of Psychology reveals how specific brain cells called interneurons can act as our in-built traffic controllers.

Abstract colourful image of a person's head and brain.

New imaging of bacterial DNA uncovers secrets to future antibiotic design

In a new study, scientists from our top-rated Biosciences department joined forces with researchers from Jagiellonian University (Poland), and the John Innes Centre to reveal how a bacterial enzyme called DNA gyrase twists and stabilises DNA.
Graphic of DNA

Loneliness in old age and the role of social workers

Loneliness has been identified as a major challenge for social work because of its significant impact on health and social care services, particularly for older people. It is linked to conditions like heart disease, stroke and Alzheimer’s disease.
Three older women chatting to each other.
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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

How to support neurodivergent postgraduate researchers

How can universities ensure PhD students of all neurotypes can thrive? Professor Debbie Riby, Dr Amy Pearson, and Jess Hirst, from our Department of Psychology, discuss how to provide neurodiversity-affirmative supervision.

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
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Academies haven’t raised pupil achievement – there’s no need for them to have privileges that other schools do not

Professor of Education and Public Policy Stephen Gorard responds to the current Labour government's plans to cut back on some of the exceptions afforded to academy schools.
Research news
A teacher stands in front of a white board while students sitting in front of her raise their hands

Do aliens exist? We studied what scientists really think

Professor in Philosophy of Science Peter Vickers reveals the results of four surveys asking experts if they think there's intelligent life beyond Earth.
Research news
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