Skip to main content

Pioneering projects

Explore our diverse range of projects, from spin-out creation, research collaborations and supporting innovation. Whether we're tackling net zero challenges, advancing health sciences, or developing new technologies, our case studies showcase the impact and success of businesses and researchers working with us. 

 

90% of research rated 'world-leading' or 'internationally excellent' (UK Research Excellence Framework 2021)
£85 M research awards made to Durham (2022/23)

Towards a better future

Among our scientists, social scientists, business, arts and humanities scholars we have world-leading authorities in their field.

We are one of the top universities in the world, for taking action to address the most pressing environmental, social and governance challenges facing society today. Our researchers are shaping the world, from the intimate to the infinite.

Iceberg cracking and falling into the water
University student
Researchers at Durham University offer technical expertise that cannot be found elsewhere. We have been collaborating closely on a multitude of projects for several years and hope this will continue to be fruitful long into the future.

Dr Hira Virdee
Founder & CEO Lumi Space
This is the image alt text

We are a globally outstanding centre of research

Research at Durham brings together the leading minds in their fields who work collaboratively across departments and with our partners to develop new ways of thinking that have a positive impact on societal and global challenges. 

Explore our research playlist

Research Degrees

Whether you’re looking to connect with international industry and business through your work, or the global academic research community, as a postgraduate at Durham you can expect the freedom and facilities to explore what’s important to you.

Research Degree Icon

What's new?

Filter:

Our academics comment on the world’s biggest stories

Our academics are at the forefront of world events, contributing to national and international policy-making, and helping frame understanding of new developments based on their research expertise.  
A close up of a globe of the world.

Spotlight on: Professor Emma Cave – shaping the future of health law

Welcome to our Spotlight On series, where we showcase the world-leading work of our academics. Professor Emma Cave, from our Law School is tackling some of the key challenges in health law.
Professor Emma Cave facing the camera in front of a light coloured background

Revealing dark matter’s influence on the Universe

Research jointly led by our astronomers has created the highest resolution map of the dark matter that threads through our Universe.
A contoured map of dark matter, seen in blue, against a black background.

Overseas-qualified workers could address England’s social worker shortage, research suggests

The severe shortage of social workers in England could be addressed by employing overseas-qualified social workers living in the UK, according to new research.
An paper cut out of an intergeneration family holding hands, sitting in the palms of a person's hands.

Leading research into vulnerable ice sheets

From the Arctic to the Antarctic, we’re leading on research into the effect of climate change on the world’s ice sheets – and advising global policymakers on how to protect them.
An orange sky above a rocky, icy landscape. The orange sky is reflected in an icy sea.

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.
  • Spotlight on: Professor Emma Cave – shaping the future of health law

    Welcome to our Spotlight On series, where we showcase the world-leading work of our academics. Professor Emma Cave, from our Law School is tackling some of the key challenges in health law.
    Professor Emma Cave facing the camera in front of a light coloured background
  • 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

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

Explore policies, governance and our staff directory

We develop opportunities for businesses to: link with policymakers, understand our research governance and connect with academic researchers.

  • Policy Hub

    We support knowledge exchange activities, develop networks and projects, and provide policy and impact training.
    Policy written in lettered cubes
  • Ethics and governance

    Research ethics is a key part of research integrity, which aims to safeguard the interests and well-being of those impacted by the research.
    paper people dancing around glass globe
  • Research staff directory

    Connect with our academic researchers, or click below to contact our business support team.
    Business people sitting round a table at a meeting

Policy Hub

We support knowledge exchange activities, develop networks and projects, and provide policy and impact training.
Policy written in lettered cubes

Ethics and governance

Research ethics is a key part of research integrity, which aims to safeguard the interests and well-being of those impacted by the research.
paper people dancing around glass globe

Research staff directory

Connect with our academic researchers, or click below to contact our business support team.
Business people sitting round a table at a meeting

Thought leadership

  • 2026 Bangladeshi Elections and Information Bombs

    Professor Nayanika Mookherjee from our Anthropology Department explores how misinformation in Bangladesh exploits entrenched social and political vulnerabilities to sustain existing power hierarchies. Drawing on research on birangonas and contemporary cases of blasphemy accusations and mob violence, the piece shows how rumours amplified by social media turn everyday infractions into lethal outcomes.
    Image displaying fake news
  • 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

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

Upcoming events

IMEMS Owengate Forge: Richard Annis (Durham University), 'World Heritage Site Research Findings So far.'

Thursday 29 January 2026 - Thursday 29 January 2026
1:00 PM to 2:00 PM
7 Owengate
Background image for IMEMS events

'Climate Apartheid': provocation or reality?

Monday 2 February 2026 - Monday 2 February 2026
1:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Cosin's Hall, Seminar Room, Palace Green
house in bangladesh almost submerged in flood water

International Scholars of the History of Women Religious Association - ISHWRA - Luca Al Sabbagh

Tuesday 3 February 2026 - Tuesday 3 February 2026
3:00 PM to 4:30 PM
Online

3 February, 6:00 pm, Martin Paul Sorowka, Artistry, Artifice and Accuracy in British Artists’ Drawings of Seville

Tuesday 3 February 2026 - Tuesday 3 February 2026
6:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Online via Zoom (link in the description)
: Cover of Sorowka’s book British Travelers in Sevlle & their Drawings 1715-1854

Research and Innovation Services

Research and Innovation Services
Durham University,
Boldon House,
Wheatlands Way,
Pity Me,
Durham,
DH1 5FA.

E: business.gateway@durham.ac.uk