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Thought Leadership

Water cremation: sustainable body disposal is coming to Scotland – here are the benefits

A sustainable method of disposing the body after death called alkaline hydrolysis is set to be regulated in Scotland. Dr Georgina Robinson, from our Theology and Religion department, explains what advantages that will bring.
A lily to symbolise death

Arlene Holmes-Henderson: The Future is Fulbright!

This month, we see the Festival of Fulbright come to a close with a final event at the US Embassy on 8th May. In this piece, Dr Arlene Holmes-Henderson gives a wonderful insight into the festival that all began at Durham earlier this year.
Image of Dr Arlene Holmes-Henderson

Landmark Syriac Studies conference brings international research excellence to UK

A landmark conference about Syriac Studies brought more than 70 researchers from 20 countries to Durham last month. The event was a hub for academic collaboration and knowledge sharing. It was also a formative experience for early-career scholars. Here, the organisers reflect on the key highlights of the conference and why there has recently been a major revival of academic interest in Syriac Studies.
A group photo taken at the Syriac Studies in the UK conference

Peter Higgs’ famous particle discovery is now at the heart of strategies to unlock the secrets of the universe

Described as a "giant of particle physics", Peter Wade Higgs sadly died earlier this month. Dr Martin Bauer from our Physics department explains how Peter’s ground-breaking work means his legacy will live on.
Peter Higgs in a gown in 2013 on the day he received his honorary degree

Exploring Shakespeare through the art of dance

Professor David Fuller, from our Department of English Studies, discusses his passions for music, ballet and Shakespeare. His latest research explores how ballet can provide new insights into The Bard’s work.
Two ballet dancers performing, in black and white with dark background

Deepfake porn: why we need to make it a crime to create it, not just share it

Sharing deepfake pornography is a criminal offence but creating it isn't. Professor Clare McGlynn, from Durham Law School, has worked with many victims and explains why the law needs to change to protect others from suffering the same fate.
A hand on a laptop

Comet 3A and how medieval chroniclers interpreted celestial events

Many people in the UK have been gazing skyward during October, as Comet 3A, dubbed the 'comet of the century' became visible for the first time in 80,000 years. Our scientists scrutinise the cosmos in great detail. But how did medieval chroniclers interpret the skies and their wonders? Giles Gasper from our Department of History and Brian Tanner from our Department of Physics investigate.
Stars in the solar system depicting a celestial event

Julian Assange: how British extradition law works

As Julian Assange waits to learn whether he can appeal his extradition to the US, Gemma Davies, from Durham Law School, explains how the extradition law is applied in Britain.
Protestors wearing masks in support of Julian Assange in 2012

Governance and leadership of a modern university

Our Vice-Chancellor, Professor Karen O’Brien, opens a new, comprehensive and far-reaching collection of essays by the Higher Education Policy Institute (HEPI), discussing the digital landscape of a modern university and making the case to elevate digital transformation to a strategic level.
Our Vice-Chancellor Karen O'Brien with a background of books

How a balloon-borne experiment can do the job of the Hubble space telescope

Results have shown that balloon-borne experiments to explore space can be just as useful as those launched by rockets, while costing a fraction of the price. Dr Fionagh Thomson and Professor Richard Massey, from our Physics Department, explain how they are also ideal training for the next generation of technology leaders.
SuperBIT waiting for launch while its giant helium balloon is inflated

The mystery of consciousness shows there may be a limit to what science alone can achieve

Science is rightly celebrated, but as the problem of consciousness is revealing, there may be a limit to what we can learn through science alone, argues Professor Philip Goff in our Department of Philosophy.
A picture of a head with colourful tiles inside

Ukraine war: Pope Francis should learn from his WWII predecessor’s mistakes in appeasing fascism

Following recent comments made by Pope Francis, South College Principal, Professor Tim Luckhurst, takes a look back at the actions of Pope Pius XII during World War Two.
Pope Francis on board some transport while a crowd watches