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Current Research

Research that makes a difference.

Durham is an ancient seat of learning and a leading world University which, since its establishment in 1832, has developed a distinctive reputation for leadership and innovation in education and research.
Research and Business
Scientists examine DNA models in modern Neurological Research Laboratory

Research, scholarship and ideas are at the core of Durham University. We are home to some of the most talented researchers and scholars from around the world, tackling global issues, and making a difference to people's lives. Research directly informs our undergraduate and postgraduate teaching and, in partnership with policy-makers, industry, the public sector, and communities around the world, shapes local, national and international agendas.

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Using computers to track the changing sound of bands

Coldplay, Radiohead or R.E.M. – which band has changed their music the most over the years?

Research news
Lead singer of Coldplay, Chris Martin, performing at a concert.

Women football players as role models – an uneven playing field?

All eyes have been on women’s football, and on the England team as the winners of the UEFA Women’s Euros in Switzerland. The players are often held up as role models but is the pressure to inspire greater on women compared to men? Professor Stacey Pope from our Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences has looked into this.
Research news
England footballer Leah Williamson talking at a press conference

Melsonby Hoard saved for the nation

One of the UK’s largest and most important Iron Age finds – excavated by archaeologists at Durham University – has been saved for the nation.
Global research
Close up of on ornate iron age artefact being held in a person's hands.

Working together with people in secure mental health units to stay healthy

We’re collaborating with the NHS to empower people in secure mental health units get the exercise that they need to stay healthy.
Research news
Looking down a hospital ward.

Milky Way could be teeming with more satellite galaxies than previously thought

The Milky Way could have many more satellite galaxies than scientists have previously been able to predict or observe.
Global research
A simulation showing a bright white galaxy at the centre, surrounded by fainter galaxies, against a black backdrop.

Working to answer the ultimate question – are we alone in the Universe?

Dr Cyril Bourgenot from our Centre for Advanced Instrumentation is part of a team developing cutting-edge technology to enable astronomers to look deeper into the Universe. He is presenting this work as part of the Royal Astronomical Society’s National Astronomy Meeting 2025, which is being hosted by Durham University this week. Here, Cyril tells us about his work and how it could help answer the ultimate astronomical question – is there life elsewhere.
Global research
Keck Observatory in Hawaii, taken at night with lasers shining into the sky

National Astronomy Meeting 2025 - exploring Durham’s rich astronomical research

Almost a thousand of the world’s top space scientists will visit Durham University next week (7 to 11 July) as we host the UK’s National Astronomy Meeting (NAM) 2025.
Global research
Two people looking up at a dark, starry sky.
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Using computers to track the changing sound of bands

Coldplay, Radiohead or R.E.M. – which band has changed their music the most over the years?

Lead singer of Coldplay, Chris Martin, performing at a concert.

Women football players as role models – an uneven playing field?

All eyes have been on women’s football, and on the England team as the winners of the UEFA Women’s Euros in Switzerland. The players are often held up as role models but is the pressure to inspire greater on women compared to men? Professor Stacey Pope from our Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences has looked into this.
England footballer Leah Williamson talking at a press conference

Working together with people in secure mental health units to stay healthy

We’re collaborating with the NHS to empower people in secure mental health units get the exercise that they need to stay healthy.
Looking down a hospital ward.
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Thought Leadership

A Bermuda stalagmite reveals how the Gulf Stream shifted – and what it might do as the climate changes further

An ancient Bermuda stalagmite has revealed more about past shifting of the Gulf Stream. Professor James Baldini, in our Department of Earth Sciences, and PhD candidate Edward Forman, Climate Tipping Points, University of Southampton, tell us more and what it could mean for a major system of ocean currents.

Global research
A cave with stalactites hanging from the ceiling being reflected in a pool of water beneath them.

From Army to Academia: History PhD Student Becomes BBC New Generation Thinker

PhD student and former soldier Ashleigh Percival-Borley is exploring the untold stories of World War II's Special Operations Executive. She has recently been announced as a BBC New Generation Thinker for 2025. We caught up with Ashleigh to find out more about this, her research and how being a military veteran informs her work.
Durham news
Ashleigh Percival-Borley facing the camera smiling

Women football players as role models – an uneven playing field?

All eyes have been on women’s football, and on the England team as the winners of the UEFA Women’s Euros in Switzerland. The players are often held up as role models but is the pressure to inspire greater on women compared to men? Professor Stacey Pope from our Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences has looked into this.
Research news
England footballer Leah Williamson talking at a press conference
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