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Current Research

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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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Medical humanities pioneer to oversee influential bioethics council

Professor Jane Macnaughton from our Institute for Medical Humanities and Department of Anthropology has been chosen as the next Chair of the Nuffield Council on Bioethics Governing Board.

Durham news
Professor Jane Macnaughton looking directly to camera with a light coloured background

How exercise can support eating disorder recovery

Research led by Dr Hester Hockin-Boyers (Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences), suggests that combining seemingly opposing approaches to health management could support eating disorder recovery.
Research news
Gym class lifting handheld weights with smiling woman in foreground

Landmark Syriac Studies conference brings international research excellence to UK

A landmark conference about Syriac Studies brought more than 70 researchers from 20 countries to Durham last month. The event was a hub for academic collaboration and knowledge sharing. It was also a formative experience for early-career scholars. Here, the organisers reflect on the key highlights of the conference and why there has recently been a major revival of academic interest in Syriac Studies.
Durham news
A group photo taken at the Syriac Studies in the UK conference

Supporting the next generation through oracy development

The Commission on the Future of Oracy Education in England officially launched today at the Voice 21 Speaking Summit.
Research news
Arlene Holmes-Henderson MBE pictured outside the Department of Classics and Ancient History

New £5m research centre driving economic growth and sustainability

A new joint research initiative focusing on energy systems integration has been awarded £5m by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) to help boost UK economic growth and address regional needs.
Research news
An image of solar panels and wind turbines with a distant industrial landscape

First research flight images from innovative balloon-borne telescope

Our astronomers are part of an international team behind the successful first research flight of an innovative balloon-borne telescope that will investigate the mystery of dark matter.
Research news
A host of stars with the Tarantula Nebula at its centre

Durham awarded £1.25m to accelerate social science impact

We’ve been awarded £1.25 million from the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) to develop impact from ESRC-funded research.
Research news
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Misconceptions about dyslexia among professionals risk children being misdiagnosed

Our education experts have found that misconceptions about dyslexia are held by professionals who assess children for the learning difficulty.

A young girl reading a book whilst following the words with her fingers on the page.

How exercise can support eating disorder recovery

Research led by Dr Hester Hockin-Boyers (Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences), suggests that combining seemingly opposing approaches to health management could support eating disorder recovery.
Gym class lifting handheld weights with smiling woman in foreground

White Western women under greater pressure to look thin

New research by our Psychology department has found that White Western women are less positive about their bodies and feel greater media pressure to be thin than Black Nigerian and Chinese women.
Diverse group of women in underwear in a line showing torso and upper legs only
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Thought Leadership

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.

Global research
Henry and Katherine Parr. Illustration by John Leech (1817-1864)

Four video game adaptations of classic works of literature, from The Hobbit to Hamlet

Many video games have adapted literature while plenty of authors have published novels and poems in response to gaming. Dr Alistair Brown, from our Department of English Studies, looks at four examples of video games that have taken inspiration from literary works.
Global research
Two hands holding a PlayStation controller

The Taliban’s harsh new ‘vice and virtue’ laws are a throwback to the oppression of the 1990s – especially for the women of Afghanistan

Dr Kambaiz Rafi, from our School of Government and International Affairs, explores how the new laws introduced by the Taliban could see the scenes of oppression from the past return for women living in Afghanistan.
Global research
Four Afghan women in blue and black burqa walking on dirt path in barren land
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