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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)

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.

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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
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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.

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New study links wealth inequality and human sustainability across millennia

Wealth inequality has been linked to human sustainability for over 10,000 years. That’s according to a new study led by Professor Dan Lawrence from our Archaeology department.
Leafy, residential area with large houses backing onto an area of compact, more deprived housing

Two early career bioscientists will tackle health challenges with prestigious award

Dr Ting-Yu Lin of our Department of Biosciences and Dr Francesco Boselli of our Departments of Biosciences and Engineering have each been granted a Springboard Award to help support their research in biomedical sciences.
Two Durham University bioscientists pose for portraits

How graduates are driving economic growth

A new report reveals the critical role that university graduates play in driving growth, including by starting their own businesses.
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Durham astrophysicists’ key contributions to cosmic discoveries

Scientists from our Centre for Extragalactic Astronomy and our Institute for Computational Cosmology are playing a crucial role as part of a major international space mission to map the Universe.
This image shows examples of galaxies in different shapes, all captured by Euclid during its first observations of the Deep Field areas

‘Undercover anthropologist’ recognised for exceptional potential

Dr Sheina Lew-Levy, from our Department of Psychology, has been awarded a prestigious Philip Leverhulme Prize for Psychology.
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Spotlight on: Professor Karen Johnson – advocating for the importance of soil health

Our Spotlight On series celebrates our academics’ global impact. Karen Johnson is a Professor of Environmental Engineering and a passionate advocate for soil health. She believes soil is an under-appreciated resource that can help address a range of environmental challenges.
Professor Karen Johnson smiling into the camera against a neutral backdrop

Two early career bioscientists will tackle health challenges with prestigious award

Dr Ting-Yu Lin of our Department of Biosciences and Dr Francesco Boselli of our Departments of Biosciences and Engineering have each been granted a Springboard Award to help support their research in biomedical sciences.
Two Durham University bioscientists pose for portraits

Climate change is hampering River Thames clean-up efforts

Global warming is making it harder to clean up the iconic River Thames in the UK, according to a new study involving scientists from Durham University.
Small boats going along the River Thames in the UK.

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.
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  • 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.
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  • 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

Pope Francis dies – an unconventional pontiff who sought to modernise Catholicism

Dr Liam Temple, Assistant Professor in our Department of Theology and Religion, reflects on Pope Francis’ tenure.
Pope Francis greeting crowds of people

The Net Positive mindset: a challenge to business leaders

We need a mindset shift in the next generation of global leaders, a global business leader has said.
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Upcoming events

CNCSI Contagion and Contamination workshop

Thursday 1 May 2025 - Thursday 1 May 2025
9:50 AM to 5:00 PM
Online
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IAS Writing Group

Friday 2 May 2025 - Friday 2 May 2025
9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Senior Common Room (SCR) Dining Room, Hatfield College
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Institutions in the Nineteenth Century and Beyond

Wednesday 7 May 2025 - Wednesday 7 May 2025
10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Teaching and Learning Centre, South Road Durham Room TLC101
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Making Sense Workshop 5: Near Death Experiences

Wednesday 7 May 2025 - Wednesday 7 May 2025
12:30 PM to 2:00 PM
Institute for Medical Humanities
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Research and Innovation Services

Research and Innovation Services
Durham University
Mountjoy Centre
Stockton Road
Durham
DH1 3LE

E: business.gateway@durham.ac.uk