Durham ranked in world top 100 for Physical Sciences

We’ve once again been ranked in the world top 100 for our strengths in Physical Sciences in an international league table.

(19 Nov 2019) » More about Durham ranked in world top 100 for Physical Sciences

Five thousand eyes on the sky

A cutting-edge new telescope instrument designed and built by an international team including Durham University has taken its first observations of the night sky.

(18 Nov 2019) » More about Five thousand eyes on the sky

India’s National Academy of Sciences honours Durham researcher

One of our leading researchers is to be honoured by India’s oldest science academy.

(18 Nov 2019) » More about India’s National Academy of Sciences honours Durham researcher

National Energy Champion award for geothermal researcher

Research into the potential of using geothermal energy as a low-carbon heat source has won a national award for one of our leading researchers.

(13 Nov 2019) » More about National Energy Champion award for geothermal researcher

Spotlight on social sciences

What do forgotten corners of the world have in common with an urban bird colony? Social sciences research is invaluable to society but its influence isn’t always obvious.

(5 Nov 2019) » More about Spotlight on social sciences

Is social media a plague we can’t escape?

(14 Oct 2019) » More about Is social media a plague we can’t escape?

Stemettes inspire the next generation of women in tech

Anne-Marie Imafidon is Head Stemette and cofounder of Stemettes – an award-winning social enterprise inspiring the next generation of females into Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.

(14 Oct 2019) » More about Stemettes inspire the next generation of women in tech

Is Planet 9 really a black hole?

Is there a black hole in our solar system?

(10 Oct 2019) » More about Is Planet 9 really a black hole?

Leading social scientists awarded Fellowships of the Academy of Social Sciences

Following an extensive peer review process, five of our academic colleagues have been awarded Fellowships by the Academy of Social Sciences, the UK’s national academy of academics, learned societies and practitioners in the social sciences. They are recognised for the excellence and impact of their work through the use of social science for public benefit. 

(9 Oct 2019) » More about Leading social scientists awarded Fellowships of the Academy of Social Sciences

Observing the Cosmic Web

The Cosmic Web is believed to contain huge threads of gas that connect multiple galaxies across the universe.

(4 Oct 2019) » More about Observing the Cosmic Web

Should summer-born pupils be treated differently?

Evidence shows that children who are among the youngest in their year at school do less well on average than their autumn-born classmates.

(3 Oct 2019) » More about should summer-born pupils be treated differently?

Durham geothermal energy expertise at UK Conservative Party conference

Delegates at the UK Conservative Party annual conference have heard how Durham’s research could provide a long-term, sustainable source of low-carbon energy.

(2 Oct 2019) » More about Durham geothermal energy expertise at UK Conservative Party conference

Why our extreme porn laws need to change

A law against possession of rape pornography, introduced in 2015, is very rarely used with few charges and prosecutions.

(1 Oct 2019) » More about Why our extreme porn laws need to change

Durham UK lead on hydrogen fuel research

We’re leading a national research project to decarbonise transport through hydrogen-fuelled vehicles and technology.

(30 Sep 2019) » More about Durham UK lead on hydrogen fuel research

Thousands of meltwater lakes mapped on East Antarctic Ice Sheet

More than 65,000 meltwater lakes have been discovered on the edge of the East Antarctic Ice Sheet by our researchers.

(25 Sep 2019) » More about Thousands of meltwater lakes mapped on East Antarctic Ice Sheet

New enterprise zone to work with industry

From developing a mesh coating that could help clean up oil spills to finding greener energy alternatives, our research is really making a difference.

Now, we’ve been awarded over £1.4m to develop premises in the North East of England for businesses where they can collaborate with our world-leading research experts.

(20 Sep 2019) » More about New enterprise zone to work with industry

Recognition for rising stars of research

Two pioneering researchers - one who is improving telescope images of space and the other studying the environmentally damaging practice of sand mining - have received national recognition for their work.

(20 Sep 2019) » More about recognition for rising stars of research

Greenland is melting but it’s the tip of the iceberg

Rapid melting of glaciers in Greenland is causing major concern but we know from many years of research that the problem is much more widespread.

(19 Sep 2019) » More about Greenland is melting but it’s the tip of the iceberg

Why humans take so long to grow up

Why do our children take so long to grow up, compared to other animals?

(18 Sep 2019) » More about why humans take so long to grow up

The heat beneath our feet

Old coal mines could provide us with a source of low-carbon heat for many years to come, according to geothermal energy expert Dr Charlotte Adams, who is the new President of the Geology section at the British Science Association.

Here, Charlotte, who is a member of our Durham Energy Institute, explains more about her research into how water stored in flooded abandoned mines could provide cleaner energy for homes and businesses.

(17 Sep 2019) » More about The heat beneath our feet

Developing cheaper and more efficient solar power

Our scientists have helped to solve a puzzle that could lead to cheaper and more efficient solar power.

(16 Sep 2019) » More about Developing cheaper and more efficient solar power

Support for voice-hearers goes online

People who hear voices, their families and mental health professionals will benefit from a new information and support website based on research by Durham University.

(11 Sep 2019) » More about Support for voice-hearers goes online

Five cool things about our environmental research

From decarbonising heat to food security and water sustainability, we’re working to bring about improvements that will benefit nature and the well-being of the planet.

(5 Sep 2019) » More about Five cool things about our environmental research

Improving working conditions in Africa

Millions of people worldwide work in low-waged, insecure jobs that don’t provide a decent living with many also working in unsafe conditions that deny fundamental rights.

(5 Sep 2019) » More about Improving working conditions in Africa

A new home for the archive of ‘Radical Jack’

A political firebrand, a radical reformist and a leading society figure – the life and times of John George Lambton, first Earl of Durham, were truly captivating.

Durham University is now the new home to the archives of Lord Durham, as he was also known, whose energetic support for political reform earned him the nickname ‘Radical Jack’.

(30 Aug 2019) » More about A new home for the archive of ‘Radical Jack’

Smart surfaces as a solution to global challenges

Professor Jas Pal Badyal, a Fellow of the Royal Society, is widely considered a leader in the field of surface science. Here he talks about the students in his team, their inventions and tackling global challenges.

(22 Aug 2019) » More about smart surfaces as a solution to global challenges

Keeping Africa moving in a changing climate

Durham’s engineers are working with partners in Africa to find ways to use cheaper and more sustainable local materials to build all-weather, low-traffic roads and railway lines.

(21 Aug 2019) » More about Keeping Africa moving in a changing climate

Revealing quasars’ true colours

Our astronomers have identified a rare moment in the life of some of the universe’s most energetic objects.

(7 Aug 2019) » More about Revealing quasars’ true colours

Five cool things our surface scientists do

Surface science can make a big difference to our health, well-being and environment.

(5 Aug 2019) » More about Five cool things our surface scientists do

Malaysian Minister of Education visits Durham

The University has hosted a visit by the Malaysian Minister of Education to celebrate a new partnership that will see an important collection of diplomatic papers digitised for study in South East Asia.

(26 Jul 2019) » More about Malaysian Minister of Education visits Durham

Prestigious fellowships awarded to two academics

We’re celebrating after two of our academics were awarded Fellowships by the British Academy, the UK’s national academy for the humanities and social sciences.

(23 Jul 2019) » More about Prestigious fellowships awarded to two academics

Measuring the expanding universe

Our physicists will help create a 3D map of galaxies to learn more about the universe’s accelerating expansion.

(17 Jul 2019) » More about Measuring the expanding universe

Chameleon Theory could change our thoughts on gravity

Einstein’s theory of General Relativity is world famous – but it might not be the only way to explain how gravity works and how galaxies form.

(8 Jul 2019) » More about Chameleon Theory could change our thoughts on gravity

How a tiny bug inspires surfaces that don’t get wet

A tiny bug is the inspiration for research that could one day provide clean water or help ships sail more efficiently.

(5 Jul 2019) » More about How a tiny bug inspires surfaces that don’t get wet

Celebrating women who make a difference

At Durham we’re proud to be home to incredible women who are making a difference in the world.

(3 Jul 2019) » More about Celebrating women who make a difference

Giving women a voice in disaster risk reduction

Women in Nepal are having a say in how to reduce the risk of disasters like fires and landslides.

(3 Jul 2019) » More about Giving women a voice in disaster risk reduction

Big honours for two scientists who explore the very small

The research coming out of our world-leading Physics Department is changing our understanding of the world around us, from the smallest building blocks of matter to the vastness of the Universe.

So we’re very proud that two of our quantum physicists have received prestigious awards from the Institute of Physics, the UK and Ireland’s professional body for practicing physicists.

(2 Jul 2019) » More about Big honours for two scientists who explore the very small

Celebrating world class arts and humanities

Performances from a poet, a playwright and a musician were part of our annual research showcase for arts and humanities at Durham, a subject area ranked in the world top 30.

(2 Jul 2019) » More about celebrating world class arts and humanities

How unwanted sexual images are shattering lives

Imagine if you had a sexual image of yourself shared online without your consent. Sadly, this happens all too often and can be absolutely devastating for the victim.

(1 Jul 2019) » More about How unwanted sexual images are shattering lives

Permanent headstone marks Scottish soldiers resting place

The headstone has been installed at the grave of the 17th Century Scottish soldiers buried in Durham City, providing a permanent marker of their resting place. 

(28 Jun 2019) » More about Permanent headstone marks Scottish soldiers resting place

Reducing the plastic mountain

Every single minute, a truck load of plastic ends up in our oceans, killing millions of animals every year. This is only going to get worse unless we do something about it.

(26 Jun 2019) » More about Reducing the plastic mountain

Reviving the music of great composers

We’re helping to bring the forgotten music of two great classical composers back to life.

(26 Jun 2019) » More about Reviving the music of great composers

A simple mesh to clean up oil spills

Oil spills happen frequently ranging from large ones like the 2010 Deepwater Horizon disaster to smaller ones on industrial sites. All have a damaging impact on the environment and wildlife.

(24 Jun 2019) » More about A simple mesh to clean up oil spills

Evidence matters - especially for our schools

How do we know if the Pupil Premium funding is closing the attainment gap between poorer children and their peers? Or how feasible it is for highly-selective universities to use reduced ‘contextualised’ offers for disadvantaged students? Or what is causing the shortage of teachers?

(21 Jun 2019) » More about Evidence matters - especially for our schools

Celebrating four great female philosophers

Is time real? Do we have free will? Philosophical questions such as these seem to have little connection with current issues like the climate crisis or Brexit.

(20 Jun 2019) » More about celebrating four great female philosophers

US military bigger polluter than most countries

Surprised by the headline? No wonder when discussions about greenhouse gas emissions tend to focus on statistics for countries, not institutions. But research from our Department of Geography, in partnership with Lancaster University, found that the US military’s carbon footprint is so big it out ranks that of most countries in the world.

(19 Jun 2019) » More about US military bigger polluter than most countries

We’re a World Top 100 university

Durham University has again been ranked as a World Top 100 university – putting us in the top eight per cent of universities worldwide in a new league table.

(19 Jun 2019) » More about We’re a World Top 100 university

Bringing no man’s land to life online

Virtual Reality and 3D modelling have been used to bring some of the world’s hidden areas to life online.

(18 Jun 2019) » More about Bringing no man’s land to life online

A city that's more afraid of tigers than earthquakes

People living in one of Nepal’s biggest cities are more worried about attacks by tigers and rhinos than a repeat of the earthquake that caused devastation a little over four years ago.

(4 Jun 2019) » More about A city that's more afraid of tigers than earthquakes

From food flavourings to biofuels, metals are key

We all know that metals like iron and calcium are essential for a healthy body - but our pioneering scientists estimate that almost half of life’s processes depend upon various metals interacting with living cells.

(17 May 2019) » More about from food flavourings to biofuels, metals are key

Universities would be £4.5m poorer without chaplains

University chaplains play an important role in the lives of students of many different faiths and are believed to contribute around £4.5 million per year of volunteer labour to the UK Higher Education sector.

(9 May 2019) » More about universities would be £4.5m poorer without chaplains

Star award for dark matter research

A Durham astrophysicist has been named as a rising star of research and innovation for her work on the mysterious substance that makes up a large part of the universe.

(7 May 2019) » More about Star award for dark matter research

Students showcase research at Westminster

Our students have visited Parliament to show how technology normally used to explain the mysteries of the universe can create clearer X-ray images of humans.

(7 May 2019) » More about Students showcase research at Westminster

How to keep your bones strong

Think you should slow down as you get older? Think again!

(25 Apr 2019) » More about how to keep your bones strong

Online course brings Scottish soldiers project to the world

Durham University has launched an online archaeology course to give people around the world the chance to study one of its most captivating research projects, relating to the fate of the prisoners from the Battle of Dunbar in 1650.

(23 Apr 2019) » More about Online course brings Scottish soldiers project to the world

Top jobs still lack diversity and equality

Privately educated, white, male graduates are more likely to be recruited to senior roles and be paid higher wages by elite multinational firms, new research shows.

(18 Apr 2019) » More about top jobs still lack diversity and equality

Why elite cyclists should talk to astronauts

It is well known that the bones of astronauts can become weak from being in space. But did you know that elite cyclists can lose a similar amount of bone density during a racing season?

(2 Apr 2019) » More about Why elite cyclists should talk to astronauts

Saving coffee using space technology

We drink two billion cups of coffee every day – 95 million cups in the UK alone.

(29 Mar 2019) » More about Saving coffee using space technology

Improved housing in Africa could prevent disease

Housing in sub-Saharan Africa has dramatically improved and could help in the fight against diseases such as malaria.

(28 Mar 2019) » More about Improved housing in Africa could prevent disease

Ancient royal charter discovered in Durham

An ancient royal charter might not be what everyone expects to find when they come to work, but for one of our visiting fellows that’s exactly what happened.

(26 Mar 2019) » More about Ancient royal charter discovered in Durham

Making water more sustainable

Water is a precious and vital resource that is under threat from climate change and growing demands.

(21 Mar 2019) » More about Making water more sustainable

Tackling risks from outer space

Space is a risky place. Our planet faces a number of potential threats from asteroids and comets to the impact of space weather on vital technologies.

(19 Mar 2019) » More about Tackling risks from outer space

Plan to grow North’s chemicals sector

Did you know that the North of England’s research strengths in chemical and process industries could help to contribute more than £20billion to the UK economy over the next 20 years?

(18 Mar 2019) » More about Plan to grow North’s chemicals sector

Training the next generation of global problem solvers

Tropical diseases, water and food security, and flooding are some of the issues being tackled by our new training centre dedicated to global challenges.

(13 Mar 2019) » More about Training the next generation of global problem solvers

How to keep sleeping babies safe

How best to keep babies safe when they’re asleep has been a focus of research by our specialists for more than 20 years.

(11 Mar 2019) » More about How to keep sleeping babies safe

#BalanceforBetter: A royal celebration of Women, Peace and Security

Two of our leading researchers celebrated International Women’s Day at an event in Buckingham Palace to mark 20 years of Women, Peace and Security.

(8 Mar 2019) » More about #BalanceforBetter: A royal celebration of Women, Peace and Security

Durham professor appointed to UK’s Infected Blood Inquiry

A Durham University professor is giving her expertise to an Inquiry looking at how men, women and children in the UK received infected blood products.

(1 Mar 2019) » More about Durham professor appointed to UK’s Infected Blood Inquiry

Gambling apps encourage futile betting

Low-value bets and video game-style play may make smartphone gambling apps seem like harmless fun. But could they be encouraging people to play even when it is no longer possible to win? 

(22 Feb 2019) » More about Gambling apps encourage futile betting

World top six ranking for space science

Durham University’s astrophysicists have been ranked joint sixth in the world for the quality and influence of their research in space science.

(19 Feb 2019) » More about World top six ranking for space science

Medieval thinking meets modern research

Imagine being able to step back in time and see how a great mind of the past understood our world, or experience how food and drink tasted hundreds of years ago.

Well, research led by Durham University is allowing people to do just that. 

(15 Feb 2019) » More about Medieval thinking meets modern research

New Vice-Provost (Research) appointed

We are pleased to announce that Professor Colin Bain has been appointed as Vice-Provost (Research).

(14 Feb 2019) » More about the appointment of our new Vice-Provost (Research)

Should fish and chips portions be smaller?

Next time you go for your fish and chips, you might be able to choose your portion size.

(7 Feb 2019) » More about should fish and chips portions be smaller?

Does Santa need a passport?

We all know that Santa Claus lives at the North Pole. But what is his citizenship? Who collects taxes from the elves’ workshop? And how is this all being affected by climate change?

(19 Dec 2018) » More about does Santa need a passport?

Putting clean growth on the map

The Durham Energy Institute’s (DEI) work on geothermal energy has featured on an interactive map showcasing innovation across small businesses and organisations in the UK.

(17 Dec 2018) » More about Putting clean growth on the map

Bioenergy crops could damage biodiversity

Increasing the use of bioenergy is seen as one of the most important ways in which countries could help to meet climate change targets. However, researchers are warning that this could be just as damaging for global biodiversity as climate change itself.

(11 Dec 2018) » More about Bioenergy crops could damage biodiversity

Festival drug checking can reduce drug-related harm

One of the biggest dangers for people who take illegal drugs at festivals is knowing what has been supplied to them – in terms of contents, strength and contaminants.

(9 Dec 2018) » More about Festival drug checking can reduce drug-related harm

Play with time at Oriental Museum exhibition

Visitors to the Oriental Museum can explore the physics and philosophy of time at a new interactive exhibition.

(19 Oct 2018) » More about Play with time at Oriental Museum exhibition

Avalanche – making a deadly snowstorm

(18 Oct 2018) » More about Avalanche – making a deadly snowstorm

Astronomers identify far flung galaxies

Astronomers have captured a spectacular image of a massive galaxy cluster embedded among nearly thousands of previously unseen galaxies scattered across space and time.

(13 Sep 2018) » More about Astronomers identify far flung galaxies

North-South divide in chronic pain

England has a North-South ‘pain divide’, with a clear geographical split in the prevalence and intensity of chronic pain and the use of potentially addictive opioid pain killers, shows new research.

(12 Sep 2018) » More about North-South divide in chronic pain

Protecting against volcanic ash

A first of its kind study, led by Dr Claire Horwell of the Department of Earth Sciences and Institute of Hazard, Risk and Resilience, has found that industry-certified particle masks are most effective at protecting people from volcanic ash, whilst commonly used surgical masks offer less protection.

(11 Sep 2018) » More about Protecting against volcanic ash

Funding boost for Strategy delivery

Durham University has successfully secured £225 million of borrowing through a private placement.

(30 Aug 2018) » More about Funding boost for Strategy delivery

Earthquake research could improve seismic forecasts

The timing and size of three deadly earthquakes that struck Italy in 2016 may have been pre-determined, according to new research that could improve future earthquake forecasts.

(23 Aug 2018) » More about Earthquake research could improve seismic forecasts

Physicists reveal oldest galaxies

Some of the faintest satellite galaxies orbiting our own Milky Way galaxy are amongst the very first that formed in our Universe, physicists have found.

(17 Aug 2018) » More about Physicists reveal oldest galaxies

Outstanding partnership helps reduce power outages

Power outages caused by trees falling on power lines are being reduced as a result of a research partnership involving a Durham University Research Fellow and an international company.

(17 Jul 2018) » More about Outstanding partnership helps reduce power outages

European dogs wiped out ancient American breeds

The arrival of Europeans to the Americas, beginning in the 15^th Century, all but wiped out the dogs that had lived alongside native people on the continent for thousands of years, according to new research published in Science.

(6 Jul 2018) » More about European dogs wiped out ancient American breeds

Archaeologists reveal castle’s medieval secrets

Medieval mysteries, hidden beneath the grounds of a 900-year-old British castle, have been uncovered during a major archaeological excavation.

(3 Jul 2018) » More about Archaeologists reveal castle’s medieval secrets

Cataclysmic collision shaped Uranus’ evolution

Uranus was hit by a massive object roughly twice the size of Earth that caused the planet to tilt and could explain its freezing temperatures, according to new research.

(3 Jul 2018) » More about Cataclysmic collision shaped Uranus’ evolution

Honouring the physicists of the future

Durham University has honoured the next generation of scientists at its annual Schools Physicist of the Year awards.

(3 Jul 2018) » More about Honouring the physicists of the future

Understanding Antarctic ice sheet changes

The West Antarctic Ice Sheet was able to re-grow after shrinking but the process is not fast enough to combat the impact of today’s climate change, according to research involving Durham University.

(18 Jun 2018) » More about Understanding Antarctic ice sheet changes

Exhibition tells the story of 17th Century Scottish soldiers

The story of the Seventeenth Century Scottish soldiers, whose remains were discovered in two mass burial sites in Durham City in 2013, is the subject of a major new exhibition at Durham University’s Palace Green Library.

(11 Jun 2018) » More about Exhibition tells the story of 17th Century Scottish soldiers

Discovering how humans can see with sound

Human echolocation enables people to ‘see’ with their ears and build a picture of the world around them. The technique involves making sharp mouth clicks and then translating the sound reflected by surrounding objects into spatial information – a method also used by whales, dolphins and bats.

(5 Jun 2018) » More about discovering how humans can see with sound

Seventeenth Century Scottish soldiers reburied in Durham

The remains of Seventeenth Century Scottish soldiers, discovered during construction work at the University’s Palace Green Library in 2013, have been reburied in Durham City.

(18 May 2018) » More about Seventeenth Century Scottish soldiers reburied in Durham

Could a Multiverse be hospitable to life?

A Multiverse – where our Universe is only one of many – might not be as inhospitable to life as previously thought, according to new research.

(14 May 2018) » More about Could a Multiverse be hospitable to life?

Research into manufacture of life-saving drug wins industry-sponsored award

Durham University chemists have won a national award for research that could increase the availability of an effective treatment for a strain of meningitis in less developed countries.

(10 Apr 2018) » More about Research into manufacture of life-saving drug wins industry-sponsored award

Dark matter might not be interactive after all

Astronomers are back in the dark about what dark matter might be, after new observations showed the mysterious substance may not be interacting with forces other than gravity after all.

(6 Apr 2018) » More about Dark matter might not be interactive after all

Grammar schools could be damaging to social mobility

Grammar schools are no better or worse than non-selective state schools in terms of attainment, but can be damaging to social mobility, according to new research by Durham University.

(27 Mar 2018) » More about grammar schools could be damaging to social mobility

Man-made earthquake risk reduced if fracking is 895m from faults

The risk of man-made earthquakes due to fracking is greatly reduced if high-pressure fluid injection used to crack underground rocks is 895m away from faults in the Earth’s crust, according to new research.

(28 Feb 2018) » More about Man-made earthquake risk reduced if fracking is 895m from faults

Neanderthals were artistic like modern humans, study suggests

Researchers have found the first major evidence that Neanderthals, rather than modern humans, created the world’s oldest known cave paintings – suggesting they may have had an artistic sense similar to our own.

(23 Feb 2018) » More about Neanderthals were artistic like modern humans, study suggests

UK fracking industry would need strict controls to minimise spill risk

Strict controls would be “a necessity” to minimise the risk of spills and leaks from any future UK shale gas industry, according to new research.

(15 Feb 2018) » More about UK fracking industry would need strict controls to minimise spill risk

International medal for surface scientist

A chemist whose research is helping to harvest clean drinking water and has waterproofed millions of mobile phones has been awarded a major international honour.

(30 Jan 2018) » More about International medal for surface scientist

Formation of human tissue to improve drug testing and reduce animal research

Innovative three dimensional (3D) cell culture technology is giving scientists the ability to grow realistic human tissues for more effective drug testing while reducing the need for animal research.

(18 Jan 2018) » More about Formation of human tissue to improve drug testing and reduce animal research

New image brings people face to face with Seventeenth Century Scottish soldier

The face of one of the Seventeenth Century Scottish soldiers who was imprisoned and died in Durham following the Battle of Dunbar in 1650 has been revealed through a remarkable new digital reconstruction.

(14 Dec 2017) » More about New image brings people face to face with Seventeenth Century Scottish soldier