Latest Research

Sniffer dogs could detect malaria in people

Freya, a Springer Spaniel, is one of the dogs who has been trained to sniff out the scent of malaria.

(29 Oct 2018) » More about Sniffer dogs could detect malaria in people

Durham professor gives expert evidence to national inquiry

Professor Simon Hackett, Department of Sociology, gave expert evidence to the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse on Thursday 25 October, 2018. 

(25 Oct 2018) » More about Durham professor gives expert evidence to national inquiry

Chimpanzees can sniff out strangers

Chimpanzees’ sense of smell is more sophisticated than we thought with a new study showing that our closest relatives use their noses to smell danger.

(24 Oct 2018) » More about Chimpanzees can sniff out strangers

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

Durham subjects ranked in World Top 50

Durham University’s research and teaching has been ranked among the world’s best in the latest global subject rankings.

(17 Oct 2018) » More about Durham subjects ranked in World Top 50

Government backs up Durham research on ‘bad pub quiz’

The Government has likened its own British citizenship test to a ‘pub quiz’ repeating what Durham researcher, Professor Thom Brooks, showed in his research five years ago.

(4 Oct 2018) » More about Government backs up Durham research on ‘bad pub quiz’

Thousands of far-flung galaxies revealed

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 Thousands of far-flung galaxies revealed

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

Prehistoric changes in vegetation could predict future of Earth’s ecosystems

Dramatic changes in the Earth’s vegetation at the end of the last ice age could be a sign of future climate driven changes if greenhouse gas emissions are not cut.

(31 Aug 2018) » More about Prehistoric changes in vegetation could predict future of Earth’s ecosystems

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

International award for Durham Physicist

A Durham University physicist has won an international award for his work on modelling elementary particles, in particular the Higgs boson.

(21 Aug 2018) » More about International award for Durham Physicist

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

Durham University climbs in world university rankings

Durham University has climbed to 74th in the world in the latest global university rankings.

The University moved up four places overall from 78th last year in the QS World University Rankings 2019.

The increase puts Durham in the top eight per cent of 1,011 global higher education institutions ranked, according to the QS.

(6 Jun 2018) » More about Durham University climbs in world university rankings

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

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

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