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Research to empower and inspire

We are a globally outstanding centre of teaching, learning and research excellence. We are a world top 100 university, with 12 of our subjects ranked in the world top 50 and 19 in the world top 100. We conduct innovative and impactful research to transform lives and make a difference, globally and locally: research to empower and inspire.
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Latest news

World Tourism Day: Exploring the philosophy of travel

Philosophy and travel have been tangled together for centuries. On World Tourism Day, Professor Emily Thomas, who is the Head of our Department of Philosophy, assesses how the two interlink in unexpected and fascinating ways.
A hand placing a pin in a world map

European Day of Languages: Will lesser spoken languages soon only be kept alive by AI technology?

European Day of Languages is an annual celebration of the diverse range of languages spoken across the continent. But as Dr Fintan Mallory, from our Department of Philosophy, explains how we shouldn't expect AI technology to save lesser spoken languages.
German words on a page

Sexual strangulation has become popular – but that doesn’t mean it’s wanted

The act of strangulation has become increasingly normalised and sexualised. Dr Hannah Bows, from our Law School, explains that despite its increased popularity, research shows it isn't necessarily wanted, especially by women.
A hand gripping a white quilt next to a silver condom wrapper

A new wave of Venezuelan refugees would threaten a humanitarian crisis – Latin America could learn from Europe

As Venezuela continues to grapple with political and economic collapse, the international community – and particularly neighbouring Latin American nations – must be prepared for another surge of migration. Dr Omar Hammoud Gallego, from our School of Government and International Affairs, explores how the region should react to this situation.
An image of Maracaibo in northwestern Venezuela

Durham joins cutting-edge astronomical project BlackGEM

We have become part of an incredible space project called BlackGEM. This partnership grants us access to advanced telescope array in Chile, boosting research and educational opportunities.
BlackGEM project signing ceremony

Trump survived another apparent assassination attempt – but it won’t have the same positive effect on his polling

Donald Trump has been the subject of another apparent assassination attempt. Dr David Andersen, from our School of Government and International Affairs, explores whether this will boost the Republican Party presidential candidate's chances of a return to The White House.
Donald Trump delivering a speech at a political rally near Atlanta in 2016

Astronomers discover largest black hole jets ever recorded in space

A Durham physicist is part of an international research team that has discovered the biggest pair of black hole jets ever seen in space, spanning 23 million light-years in total length.
A colourful artist's impression of a giant black hole jet in space

International Day of Peace: Exploring the role of cricket in post-civil-war Sri Lanka

Since the end of Sri Lanka’s civil war in 2009, several former international cricketers, politicians and NGOs have made claims that cricket is an important tool for reconciliation. On International Day of Peace, Dr Ben Hildred, from our Department of Anthropology, explains how his research considers the role of cricket in development and peace efforts across the country.
Sri Lankan children playing cricket. A batter has hit the ball.

Antarctica’s receding sea ice could impact seabirds’ food supply

Antarctica’s rapidly receding sea ice could have a negative impact on the food supply of seabirds that breed hundreds of miles away from the continent.
A northern giant petrel flying above water with a mountainous landscape in the background

Firebrand finally tells Katherine Parr’s story – and Jude Law is grippingly grotesque as Henry VIII

Firebrand starring Jude Law and Alicia Vikander tells the story of Katherine Parr and explores how she outlived her murderous husband, Henry VIII. But is it worth a watch? Professor Alec Ryrie, from our Department of Theology and Religion, gives his views on the new cinema release.
Henry and Katherine Parr. Illustration by John Leech (1817-1864)

Durham Sport and Exercise Sciences researchers appointed to new roles

Dr Toni Williams and Professor Martin Roderick have accepted new positions with the International Society of Qualitative Research in Sport and Exercise and the associated journal Qualitative Research in Sport, Exercise and Health.
Dr Toni Williams (right) and Professor Martin Roderick (left) smiling in front of a Durham University banner

International Literacy Day: How picture books can open up discussion about social media with children

Should we ban young children from social media? Do children know the pitfalls of TikTok, Instagram and Snapchat? To coincide with the celebration of International Literacy Day, we talked to Dr Cristina Costa, from our School of Education, who has been working on a digital literacy project with children at a County Durham primary school. She explains how her project co-producing picture books about social media topics with children can help to better understand how young people view social media.
A hand holding a phone showing social media apps
Aerial view of Durham

Research Impact at Durham

Read about our Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021 impact case studies.

Impact Case Studies
Korean drummers playing at the Oriental Museum

Global Culture

Interested in how the cultural activities of Durham's staff and student bodies enrich life worldwide? Head to the Global Culture page to find out.

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