Research and Business

Research to empower and inspire

At Durham, our academic staff conduct forward-thinking, interdisciplinary research that has an impact on communities all over the world. Collaboration with a broad mix of partners is central to enhancing global knowledge and developing global citizenship. 

Business and partnerships

University Research Institutes

Facilities and services

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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)

Northern Accelerator

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Building Atom Bank's Digital Twin

Kromek

Footy.com

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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.

Our Global Research Brochure

Read our static PDF version

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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.

Explore Postgraduate Research

What's new?

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Why do some people eat soil? From a prisoner’s lifeline to a modern tasting menu, the history of geophagy

To satisfy food cravings, as an antidote to poison or just as a snack – humans have been eating soil for millions of years. PhD candidate, Zander Simpson, has studied the long history of geophagy.

Research news
Research shows AI chatbots are driving violence against women and girls

A new report provides the first comprehensive analysis of how AI chatbots are facilitating violence against women and girls (VAWG) in dangerous new ways.

Research news
Medieval wall painting clue to Durham Castle’s high-status past

A hidden section of medieval wall painting, not seen for hundreds of years, is giving clues to the grand past of Durham Castle.

Research news
Spotlight on: Professor Fuschia Sirois – transforming how we understand wellbeing

Our ‘Spotlight on’ feature showcases the work of our world-leading academics. Professor Fuschia Sirois, in our Department of Psychology, is pioneering a more compassionate approach to understanding the risk and resilience factors that shape health and wellbeing.

Global research
Spotlight on: Professor Markian Prokopovych – advocating history’s role in supporting Ukraine's future

Our Spotlight On series highlights the leading work of our academics. Professor Markian Prokopovych from our Department of History specialises in modern European history. The war in Ukraine has transformed his research, prompting him to explore how the past can help shape Ukraine's future.

Global research
Major education reforms in England unveiled – here’s what the experts think

The UK government’s recently published proposed education reforms include measures to improve teacher recruitment, student achievement and belonging at school. Education experts, including Professor Stephen Gorard from our School of Education, share their thoughts on the proposals.

Research news
Spotlight on: Professor Edith Hall – leading the campaign for Classics education for all

Our ‘Spotlight on’ series showcases the world-leading work of our academics. Professor Edith Hall is passionate about the lessons we can learn from ancient civilisations and is leading a campaign to put Classics education back on the UK curriculum.

Global research

Why do some people eat soil? From a prisoner’s lifeline to a modern tasting menu, the history of geophagy

To satisfy food cravings, as an antidote to poison or just as a snack – humans have been eating soil for millions of years. PhD candidate, Zander Simpson, has studied the long history of geophagy.

Research news

Two cupped hands holding a pile of soil.

Research shows AI chatbots are driving violence against women and girls

A new report provides the first comprehensive analysis of how AI chatbots are facilitating violence against women and girls (VAWG) in dangerous new ways.

Research news

A person with a mobile phone showing a chatbot on the screen.

Medieval wall painting clue to Durham Castle’s high-status past

A hidden section of medieval wall painting, not seen for hundreds of years, is giving clues to the grand past of Durham Castle.

Research news

A man with a beard and glasses looks at a fragment of medieval wall painting in a masonry style with a red flower and stem motif

Spotlight on: Professor Fuschia Sirois – transforming how we understand wellbeing

Our ‘Spotlight on’ feature showcases the work of our world-leading academics. Professor Fuschia Sirois, in our Department of Psychology, is pioneering a more compassionate approach to understanding the risk and resilience factors that shape health and wellbeing.

Global research

Professor Fuschia Sirois smiling to camera

Spotlight on: Professor Markian Prokopovych – advocating history’s role in supporting Ukraine's future

Our Spotlight On series highlights the leading work of our academics. Professor Markian Prokopovych from our Department of History specialises in modern European history. The war in Ukraine has transformed his research, prompting him to explore how the past can help shape Ukraine's future.

Global research

Professor Markian Prokopovych smiling and facing the camera with a blurred background

Major education reforms in England unveiled – here’s what the experts think

The UK government’s recently published proposed education reforms include measures to improve teacher recruitment, student achievement and belonging at school. Education experts, including Professor Stephen Gorard from our School of Education, share their thoughts on the proposals.

Research news

School children in a classroom with a teacher

Spotlight on: Professor Edith Hall – leading the campaign for Classics education for all

Our ‘Spotlight on’ series showcases the world-leading work of our academics. Professor Edith Hall is passionate about the lessons we can learn from ancient civilisations and is leading a campaign to put Classics education back on the UK curriculum.

Global research

Professor Edith Hall smiling to camera, standing outside, in front of large columns, with a cat in the left background

Discover more news

Why do some people eat soil? From a prisoner’s lifeline to a modern tasting menu, the history of geophagy

To satisfy food cravings, as an antidote to poison or just as a snack – humans have been eating soil for millions of years. PhD candidate, Zander Simpson, has studied the long history of geophagy.

Research news
Research shows AI chatbots are driving violence against women and girls

A new report provides the first comprehensive analysis of how AI chatbots are facilitating violence against women and girls (VAWG) in dangerous new ways.

Research news
Medieval wall painting clue to Durham Castle’s high-status past

A hidden section of medieval wall painting, not seen for hundreds of years, is giving clues to the grand past of Durham Castle.

Research news

Why do some people eat soil? From a prisoner’s lifeline to a modern tasting menu, the history of geophagy

To satisfy food cravings, as an antidote to poison or just as a snack – humans have been eating soil for millions of years. PhD candidate, Zander Simpson, has studied the long history of geophagy.

Research shows AI chatbots are driving violence against women and girls

A new report provides the first comprehensive analysis of how AI chatbots are facilitating violence against women and girls (VAWG) in dangerous new ways.

Medieval wall painting clue to Durham Castle’s high-status past

A hidden section of medieval wall painting, not seen for hundreds of years, is giving clues to the grand past of Durham Castle.

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.
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.
Research staff directory

Connect with our academic researchers, or click below to contact our business support team.

Policy Hub

We support knowledge exchange activities, develop networks and projects, and provide policy and impact training.

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.

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

Contact our Research and Innovations team

Thought leadership

Why do some people eat soil? From a prisoner’s lifeline to a modern tasting menu, the history of geophagy

To satisfy food cravings, as an antidote to poison or just as a snack – humans have been eating soil for millions of years. PhD candidate, Zander Simpson, has studied the long history of geophagy.

Research news
Can the UK achieve the fastest AI adoption in the G7?

Professor Kieran Fernandes, Executive Dean of our Business School, explores the UK’s ambition to lead the G7 in AI adoption, arguing that success depends not on innovation alone, but on how effectively AI is embedded across businesses, public services and regions.

Global research
Are women more safe today in England and Wales than they were in the past – or less? What the evidence shows

Professor Nicole Westmarland, in our Department of Sociology, reviews the evidence around rates of violence against women and girls in England and Wales.

Global research

Why do some people eat soil? From a prisoner’s lifeline to a modern tasting menu, the history of geophagy

To satisfy food cravings, as an antidote to poison or just as a snack – humans have been eating soil for millions of years. PhD candidate, Zander Simpson, has studied the long history of geophagy.

Research news

Can the UK achieve the fastest AI adoption in the G7?

Professor Kieran Fernandes, Executive Dean of our Business School, explores the UK’s ambition to lead the G7 in AI adoption, arguing that success depends not on innovation alone, but on how effectively AI is embedded across businesses, public services and regions.

Global research

Abstract AI data wave with tech line patterns and digital network effects

Are women more safe today in England and Wales than they were in the past – or less? What the evidence shows

Professor Nicole Westmarland, in our Department of Sociology, reviews the evidence around rates of violence against women and girls in England and Wales.

Global research