Skip to main content

Current Research News

Confused about carbon capture? Experts explain why we need different types

Co-authored by Durham’s Professor Jon Gluyas, a leading expert in geoenergy and carbon capture and storage, this article explores the often-confusing landscape of carbon capture technologies and explains why different approaches are needed to tackle climate change.
Fossil fuel power stations showing smoke coming out of the chimneys.

UK’s first dedicated neurodiversity focused doctoral training programme

We are part of a pioneering new £5 million programme that aims to transform understanding of neurodiversity and human difference.
Grey background with different coloured ropes forming the outline of a human head and neck in profile

How our Milky Way once underwent a dramatic flip

The Milky Way may have undergone some cosmic gymnastics during its history with a dramatic disc flip, according to new research from our astronomers.
Artist’s impression of debris of the Gaia-Enceladus galaxy

Want to keep the peace? Try a little tenderness

Ever noticed how, in tense situations, people may use reassuring touches to try and calm things down? This could be an evolutionary social tool dating back millions of years.
Image of two juvenile bonobos from behind, one with comforting arm around the other

The abolition myth: how slavery survived by changing shape

Slavery did not end with abolitionism in the 19th century. Instead it was rebuilt, again and again, into new forms of unfree labour that still shape the world today
Remains of the Monte Alegre plantation, Barra do Piraí, Brazil

At the forefront of international energy and climate research

Our researchers are leading on international energy and climate research – from monitoring vulnerable ice sheets to shaping future energy policy.
A montage of three images, from left to right, showing offshore wind turbines, an ice sheet and a person's hands holding a globe of the world.

AI tool helps historians converse with the ancient world

Researchers at Durham University have collaborated with Google DeepMind on a new AI-powered research tool designed to analyse ancient Greek and Latin inscriptions.
A lead ancient plaque with an inscription from Dodona in Greece.

Understanding mental health difficulties in pupils with SEND

A major new study will provide the first national picture of how often pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) are referred for, and diagnosed with, mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety and stress-related disorders.
School pupils wearing red school uniform writing at desks in a classroom.

Durham physicists part of mission to chart space and time

Our physicists are part of one of the most ambitious studies of the Universe ever undertaken.
A field of stars set against a black background.

Ancient rock carvings suggest Bronze Age maritime links across Europe

Bronze Age rock carvings suggest communities across Europe were far more connected than previously thought.
Photograph of ‘Triangular boat’ petroglyph in the panel 18 of Laje da Churra, North Portugal. Photo credit: Ana M. Bettencourt.

The Arctic: understanding and stewarding our planet’s frozen north

Our research is advancing understanding of the Arctic, and how we might better protect this crucial part of our planet.
A small town of brightly coloured wooden houses stands in a frozen landscape

Exploring the hidden histories of the female body

For many women, childbirth is transformative. For Dr Erin Maglaque from our Department of History, it also sparked an exploration into how history has shaped understanding, expectation and perceptions of the female body.
Seventeenth century illustrations of women undertaking what were considered feminine occupations such as cooking, sewing and weaving
4 students in lab coats in a laboratory

Research Newsletter

Sign up for our research newsletter to receive the latest updates on ground-breaking studies, acclaimed academics, and emerging trends shaping the academic landscape. Designed for researchers, senior leaders and curious minds, our newsletter delivers valuable insights and expert commentary.

Subscribe to the Research Newsletter