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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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Durham scientists supporting NASA mission to find Earth-like worlds

Our scientists are investigating how a UK-led team could design and build a core instrument for a flagship NASA mission to search for life on distant planets.

Global research
An Earth-like planet in the foreground with a nearby star in the distance.

New telescope captures first light in Chile

A major milestone in a global telescope collaboration involving astronomers from our Department of Physics has been achieved.
Research news
Images showing 4MOST first light observations, showing typical sky area covered by one 4MOST pointing (image to the left), together with one example spectrum, out of the 2,400 simultaneously measured spectra acquired by 4MOST (image to the right).

Collaborating with Action for ME to improve understanding of ME

Dr Katharine Cheston, from our Institute for Medical Humanities and Department of Sociology, is working with the charity Action for ME to better understand what it is like to live with ME and long Covid.
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
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UK must increase water availability to meet decarbonisation goals

The UK must significantly increase water availability to meet its decarbonisation goals, according to new research led by our Department of Engineering and involving our Department of Earth Sciences.
Research news
The Humber Suspension Bridge spans over the River Humber.

The new archbishop of Canterbury has already made history – but she has huge challenges ahead

Dr William Crozier, Duns Scotus Assistant Professor in Franciscan Studies, in our Department of Theology and Religion, discusses the challenges facing the new Archbishop of Canterbury.
Global research
A wider view of the cloister at Canterbury Cathedral

Law School expert wins prestigious award for research on freedom of expression

Dr Ge Chen has won an international honour for his research into freedom of expression with a focus on China.
Global research
Head and shoulders picture of a man wearing glasses and looking slightly downwards and off to the side of the camera.

Durham University to co-chair the Japan-UK RENKEI research consortium

We are strengthening our research links with Japan with the appointment of Professor Claire O’Malley as the UK co-chair of the Japan-UK RENKEI consortium.
Global research
A row of people sitting behind tables and signing documents. A banner behind them reads RENKEI.
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New telescope captures first light in Chile

A major milestone in a global telescope collaboration involving astronomers from our Department of Physics has been achieved.

Images showing 4MOST first light observations, showing typical sky area covered by one 4MOST pointing (image to the left), together with one example spectrum, out of the 2,400 simultaneously measured spectra acquired by 4MOST (image to the right).

What does the future hold for the North East region?

How did the North East region transform from one with innovative firms to one with assembly line factories to eventually become a destination for call centres and Amazon distribution centres?
The Angel of the North in Gateshead

UK must increase water availability to meet decarbonisation goals

The UK must significantly increase water availability to meet its decarbonisation goals, according to new research led by our Department of Engineering and involving our Department of Earth Sciences.
The Humber Suspension Bridge spans over the River Humber.
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Durham University Research

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Thought Leadership

Will England’s new reading test for secondary pupils be useful?

All secondary-age school pupils in year eight (aged 12 and 13) in England will be required by the government to take a reading test. The declared purpose is to help drive up reading standards so that “everyone can thrive”. Stephen Gorard, Professor in our School of Education, explores whether this additional test is a good idea.

Durham news
A group of children in school uniform sitting round a table reading with a female teacher in a white shirt

The new archbishop of Canterbury has already made history – but she has huge challenges ahead

Dr William Crozier, Duns Scotus Assistant Professor in Franciscan Studies, in our Department of Theology and Religion, discusses the challenges facing the new Archbishop of Canterbury.
Global research
A wider view of the cloister at Canterbury Cathedral

Specialised teachers can make mainstream schools better for children with special educational needs

Dr Johny Daniel, Associate Professor in our School of Education, explores what the UK government could do to ensure that children with special educational needs receive the support they need in mainstream schools.
Durham news
A female teacher in a classroom leaning over a schoolboy to turn a page of a book as they both smile
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