Latest Research

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

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

High number of barriers in Europe’s rivers could hinder fish migration

The density of barriers in European rivers is much higher than indicated by available databases – up to one barrier in every kilometre of river, according to a new study.

(20 Apr 2018) » More about High number of barriers in Europe’s rivers could hinder fish migration

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

Universities unite to boost regional economy

Durham University is leading a new project which will see the North East of England’s universities join forces to commercialise research and boost the region’s economy, with £4.9m in Government funding from the Connecting Capability Fund (CCF).

(29 Mar 2018) » More about Universities unite to boost regional economy

Showcasing research at Durham

Breathlessness, ancient manuscripts and geothermal energy are among the diverse subject areas benefiting from world leading research at Durham University. 

(22 Mar 2018) » More about Showcasing research at Durham

New research suggests measures to tackle club drug deaths

Radical measures are needed to tackle the increase in the number of people being harmed by the use of drugs in clubs, according to a new report involving Durham University.

(19 Mar 2018) » More about New research suggests measures to tackle club drug deaths

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

Record number of subjects in World Top 50

Durham University has recorded its highest ever number of subjects in the QS World University Subject Rankings 2018.

(28 Feb 2018) » More about Record number of subjects in World Top 50

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

Royal Honour for baby and parent sleep research

Their Royal Highnesses The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall have presented the UK’s highest academic honour to Durham University for research that has helped to shape the way babies sleep and how parents care for them at night time.

(22 Feb 2018) » More about Royal Honour for baby and parent sleep research

Commissioners announced for creativity and education partnership

Durham University and Arts Council England have announced the names of 17 Commissioners appointed to the Durham Commission on Creativity and Education. 

(19 Feb 2018) » More about Commissioners announced for creativity and education partnership

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

Understanding human needs is key to wildlife ecology research

The Department of Anthropology’s Primate and Predator Project was showcased on BBC One’s Animals with Cameras show on Thursday 8 February, looking at their work with local farmers to try and stop crop raiding by baboons. Based in the Soutpansberg mountain range of South Africa, the project aims to better understand the ecology of local species and the threat that human activity poses to their conservation. Here project Director Professor Russell Hill, Department of Anthropology, discusses the challenges of managing a research project abroad and successfully engaging with local communities. 

(8 Feb 2018) » More about Understanding human needs is key to wildlife ecology research

Understanding seal behaviour

Dr Sean Twiss has been studying seal behaviour for 30 years and has recently featured on the BBC’s Winterwatch programme. Here Dr Twiss, of the Department of Biosciences, tells us more about his latest research and why seals are as individual as we are. 

(1 Feb 2018) » More about Understanding seal behaviour

Schools could play a vital role to help prevent mental health problems in young people

More needs to be done to provide guidance and support in schools to prevent mental health problems in young people according to a new report.

(23 Nov 2017) » More about schools could play a vital role to help prevent mental health problems in young people

Durham Law School tackles unacceptable working practices

According to the UN’s International Labour Organization (ILO), only one quarter of workers worldwide has a stable employment relationship.

(19 Oct 2017) » More about Durham Law School tackles unacceptable working practices

How telescope technology is helping treat heart disease

Research using space telescope technology that has ultimately led to better treatments for heart patients has won international recognition.

(17 Oct 2017) » More about how telescope technology is helping treat heart disease

Reformation Rebels: The surprising histories of Benedictine monks in exile

Sixteenth and seventeenth century Benedictine monks refused abstinence, died in duels, went off to war and spread illegal Catholic doctrine, a new study has revealed.

(31 Aug 2017) » More about Reformation Rebels: The surprising histories of Benedictine monks in exile

Calling time on the kissing bugs

They are known as ‘kissing bugs’ and they spread a disease that rarely makes the headlines but infects up to seven million people worldwide.

(21 Jul 2017) » More about calling time on the kissing bugs

Women have to ‘prove they are sports fans’

Female sports fans struggle to be taken seriously and feel they are regarded as being less committed than male fans, according to research by Dr Stacey Pope, who answers some questions about her findings below.

(14 Jul 2017) » More about women have to ‘prove they are sports fans’

Durham appoints new Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Global)

Durham University has appointed its first Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Global) following a competitive recruitment process. 

(6 Jul 2017) » More about Durham appoints new Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Global)

Outstanding recognition for Durham University's scientists

Durham University’s outstanding achievements in science have been recognised with a series of awards.

(30 Jun 2017) » More about outstanding recognition for Durham University's scientists

From ashtrays full of cigarette butts to smoke-free environments

This week, it will be ten years since the smoking ban for enclosed workplaces in the UK came into force. Dr Andrew Russell from the Life of Breath research project takes a look at how things have changed.

(28 Jun 2017) » More about from ashtrays full of cigarette butts to smoke-free environments

Durham ranked in world’s top 100 universities

Durham University’s position among the world’s leading universities has been confirmed once more, with the publication of the Times Higher Education World Reputation Rankings 2017.

(14 Jun 2017) » More about Durham ranked in world’s top 100 universities

Post-election 2017 – Durham University expertise

A selection of Durham University experts who are available for comment to the media on a variety of post-election issues.

(9 Jun 2017) » More about Post-election 2017 – Durham University expertise

Geography professors honoured for outstanding achievements

Two of Durham University’s geographers have been honoured for their outstanding achievements by the Royal Geographical Society (RGS).

(5 Jun 2017) » More about Geography professors honoured for outstanding achievements

Pioneering work in chemistry receives prestigious recognition

Professor Jas Pal Badyal FRS from Durham University has been named as the Royal Society of Chemistry Tilden Prize winner for 2017 for his pioneering work on the functionalization of solid surfaces and deposition of nanocoatings.

(9 May 2017) » More about pioneering work in chemistry receives prestigious recognition

Simulated galaxies provide fresh evidence of dark matter

Further evidence of the existence of dark matter – the mysterious substance that is believed to hold the Universe together – has been produced by Cosmologists at Durham University.

(21 Apr 2017) » More about Simulated galaxies provide fresh evidence of dark matter

Should primary schools teach philosophy?

Schools are places where children can learn behaviour, skills and attitudes that have lifelong relevance, in addition to subjects on the formal curriculum. Dr Nadia Siddiqui from the School of Education has looked at the contribution philosophy discussions can make to children’s ‘soft’ skills.

(12 Apr 2017) » More about Should primary schools teach philosophy?

Major new Commission launched on creativity and education

Durham University and Arts Council England have announced The Durham Commission on Creativity and Education.

Launching in September 2017, the Commission will investigate what happens when children experience arts and culture, and how this helps them develop and thrive.

(28 Mar 2017) » More about Major new Commission launched on creativity and education

Improving maths knowledge in schools

Low attainment in maths is seen as one of the most serious problems in UK education. Dr Lee Copping from the Centre for Evaluation and Monitoring (CEM) at Durham University tells us more about a project which will dig deeper into the causes.

(6 Mar 2017) » More about improving maths knowledge in schools

Policing domestic abuse

‘Out of court resolutions’, including apologies, are used in domestic abuse cases by all police forces in England, Wales and Northern Ireland despite official guidance advising against their use, according to new research.

(3 Mar 2017) » More about policing domestic abuse

New framework to safeguard children

A new NSPCC national framework to help tackle the issue of harmful sexual behaviour in children and young people is proving beneficial to professionals working in safeguarding. The research of Professor Simon Hackett of Durham University’s School of Applied Social Sciences has strongly influenced the Harmful Sexual Behaviour (HSB) framework of which he is first author.

(27 Feb 2017) » More about New framework to safeguard children

Durham part of new Barnardo’s centre of expertise

Durham University is a partner in a new £7.5m Centre of Expertise on Child Sexual Abuse launched by the UK Home Office and led by Barnardo’s.

(16 Feb 2017) » More about Durham part of new Barnardo’s centre of expertise

Hearing voices and spirituality

Although voice-hearing is often associated with severe mental illness, it can be an important aspect of people’s religious or spiritual life.

This is an area explored in the world’s first major exhibition on hearing voices which enters its final month (February) at Durham University’s Palace Green Library.

(3 Feb 2017) » More about Hearing voices and spirituality

Bill Bryson: I thought Durham was perfect when I first saw it - I still think so now

Bill Bryson, the celebrated author and former Chancellor of Durham University, speaks about his enduring love affair with Durham, its Cathedral and its people.

(2 Feb 2017) » More about Bill Bryson: I thought Durham was perfect when I first saw it - I still think so now

Durham University is key to bright future

Professor Stuart Corbridge, Vice-Chancellor of Durham University, explores how the University is key to the economic success of County Durham and North East England.

(9 Jan 2017) » More about Durham University is key to bright future

Fusion energy could be the future

Fusion energy offers the tantalising possibility of clean, sustainable and almost limitless energy. But can it be an economically viable option?

(20 Sep 2015) » More about Fusion energy could be the future

Low cost ethical loans for postgraduate study

Durham University has launched an innovative postgraduate loan product to help to attract the most talented students to further study after they finish their undergraduate degree.

(20 Sep 2015) » More about Low cost ethical loans for postgraduate study

Skeletons found in mass graves are 17th Century Scottish soldiers

New analysis carried out on skeletons discovered in a centuries-old mass grave in Durham, UK, has led experts to conclude they are the remains of Scottish soldiers taken prisoner after the 1650 Battle of Dunbar.

(2 Sep 2015) » More about Skeletons found in mass graves are 17th Century Scottish soldiers

International focus on Magna Carta exhibition

Eight hundred years on from when it was first written, the enduring legacy of one of the world’s most important documents lives on.

(31 Aug 2015) » More about International focus on Magna Carta exhibition

Is there life out there?

Humans have long wondered: “Are we alone in the Universe?”

After all, the Earth is just one planet in one galaxy among hundreds of billions that exist across the cosmos.

(31 Aug 2015) » More about Is there life out there?

Understanding landslide risk in post-earthquake Nepal

In April 2015 parts of Nepal were devastated by an intense earthquake and significant aftershocks. But the danger to human life and livelihoods doesn’t end when the ground stops shaking. Earthquake-triggered landslides present an immediate and long-term threat in mountain environments, compounding the difficulties for those affected.

(31 Aug 2015) » More about Understanding landslide risk in post-earthquake Nepal