Department of Chemistry

A thriving centre of scientific activity for teaching and world-leading research in the chemical sciences.

Welcome to the Department of Chemistry at Durham

Durham’s Chemistry Department delivers research-led and socially relevant chemical education, with alumni that are innovators and leaders in chemical industries and beyond. Our research is transformational and translational, with specific strengths in: developing underpinning spectroscopic and computational methods; devising novel processes and materials for sustainable chemistry; and creating molecules, formulations, technologies and global networks to improve health. Our values foster a supportive, diverse community in a small historic city with deep regional roots and a global reach.

Find out more about us

96% of our research outputs are world-leading or internationally excellent (REF 2021)

5th in the Complete University Guide 2026

9th in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025

8th in the Guardian University Guide 2025

Study with us

Undergraduate Study

We offer both BSc and MChem undergraduate courses, many accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry.
Postgraduate Study

Discover our MSc and PhD research degrees at a world-leading university.

Undergraduate Study

We offer both BSc and MChem undergraduate courses, many accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Postgraduate Study

Discover our MSc and PhD research degrees at a world-leading university.

A student with goggles on, conducting an experiment

What's new?

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Pioneering research to support digital innovation in pharmaceuticals

We along with Cambridge Crystallographic Data Centre (CCDC) have secured funding as part of an Innovate UK grant to advance sustainable pharmaceutical manufacturing.

Research news
Women in chemistry: Q&A with Professor Aurora J. Cruz-Cabeza

Dr Aurora J. Cruz-Cabeza is a Professor of Materials Chemistry in our department of Chemistry, in the field of molecular crystals and crystallisation.

Durham news
Breakthrough drug for motor neurone disease shows promise in new study

A new drug called Ellorarxine is offering hope to those suffering from motor neurone disease (MND), according to a recent study published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences.

Research news
Professor Paul Denny and team win prestigious MRC Outstanding Team Impact Prize

An international team of scientists led by Professor Paul Denny from our top-rated Biosciences and Chemistry departments has made significant strides in the fight against neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) such as leishmaniasis and Chagas disease.

Durham news
Prof. A. Beeby granted access to the Utrecht Psalter for special research

Prof. A. Beeby granted access to the Utrecht Psalter for special research

Durham news
The global team on Neglected Tropical Diseases Wins the Durham Global SDG Award 2023

We are pleased to announce that the global consortium on Neglected Tropical Diseases led by Durham University won the inaugural Durham Global SDG award.

Research news
Professor Paul Denny and team announced as MRC Impact prize 2023 finalists in the Outstanding Team Impact category.

Professor Paul Denny and team announced as MRC Impact prize 2023 finalists in the Outstanding Team Impact category.

Research news

Pioneering research to support digital innovation in pharmaceuticals

We along with Cambridge Crystallographic Data Centre (CCDC) have secured funding as part of an Innovate UK grant to advance sustainable pharmaceutical manufacturing.

Research news

Digital tools help scientists to predict crystallisation outcomes

Women in chemistry: Q&A with Professor Aurora J. Cruz-Cabeza

Dr Aurora J. Cruz-Cabeza is a Professor of Materials Chemistry in our department of Chemistry, in the field of molecular crystals and crystallisation.

Durham news

Prof Aurora Cruz of Chemistry department

Breakthrough drug for motor neurone disease shows promise in new study

A new drug called Ellorarxine is offering hope to those suffering from motor neurone disease (MND), according to a recent study published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences.

Research news

Professor Paul Denny and team win prestigious MRC Outstanding Team Impact Prize

An international team of scientists led by Professor Paul Denny from our top-rated Biosciences and Chemistry departments has made significant strides in the fight against neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) such as leishmaniasis and Chagas disease.

Durham news

Neglected tropical diseases network team members

Prof. A. Beeby granted access to the Utrecht Psalter for special research

Durham news

Profs Beeby and Gameson examine Utrecht Psalter via laser scanner

The global team on Neglected Tropical Diseases Wins the Durham Global SDG Award 2023

We are pleased to announce that the global consortium on Neglected Tropical Diseases led by Durham University won the inaugural Durham Global SDG award.

Research news

The image shows four scientist holding an award certificate

Professor Paul Denny and team announced as MRC Impact prize 2023 finalists in the Outstanding Team Impact category.

Research news

a picture of the sign outside our department

See all news

Pioneering research to support digital innovation in pharmaceuticals

We along with Cambridge Crystallographic Data Centre (CCDC) have secured funding as part of an Innovate UK grant to advance sustainable pharmaceutical manufacturing.

Research news
Breakthrough drug for motor neurone disease shows promise in new study

A new drug called Ellorarxine is offering hope to those suffering from motor neurone disease (MND), according to a recent study published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences.

Research news
The global team on Neglected Tropical Diseases Wins the Durham Global SDG Award 2023

We are pleased to announce that the global consortium on Neglected Tropical Diseases led by Durham University won the inaugural Durham Global SDG award.

Research news

Pioneering research to support digital innovation in pharmaceuticals

We along with Cambridge Crystallographic Data Centre (CCDC) have secured funding as part of an Innovate UK grant to advance sustainable pharmaceutical manufacturing.

Breakthrough drug for motor neurone disease shows promise in new study

A new drug called Ellorarxine is offering hope to those suffering from motor neurone disease (MND), according to a recent study published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences.

The global team on Neglected Tropical Diseases Wins the Durham Global SDG Award 2023

We are pleased to announce that the global consortium on Neglected Tropical Diseases led by Durham University won the inaugural Durham Global SDG award.

Our research

We are a vibrant, research-led department with an international reputation for cutting-edge science.

Our research is consistently seen as internationally excellent in research assessments and was the best in the UK for impact that has arisen from that research in the last exercise.

Research and impact at Durham

Diversity and Inclusion

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, (EDI) is fundamental to a supportive, progressive and successful Department. The Chemistry Department provides an open and inclusive workplace and study culture where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. We are responsible for promoting best practice in everything we do.

Meet us and get involved

DU Women in Science

Our People

Alumni

Athena SWAN

Find out more

Our facilities and equipment

We provide services to our in-house researchers and students. We also work with many UK and overseas companies and other universities and research institutions.

We are a recognised centre of excellence in crystallography, attracting academic collaborations from all over the world due to our unique range of instrumentation. Our state-of-the art equipment for powder diffraction measurements and members of staff have considerable expertise in all aspects of this analytical technique.

Our world-leading facilities