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Delivering Bold Research

Our ten University Research Institutes (URIs) are powerhouses of interdisciplinary innovation. We foster the conditions for innovative and impactful research, addressing global and regional challenges: research to empower and inspire.

Operating across faculties and departments, the URIs bring together researchers from diverse disciplines and perspectives. We support the development of new ideas, methods and approaches, secure transformative funding from philanthropic sources and research funding bodies, and deliver impact through research on cross-cutting themes and pressing global challenges.

A group of researchers talking around a table

Our University Research Institutes

Explore the world-changing research of our individual University Research Centres, and keep up to date with their latest news and events.

Biophysical Sciences Institute

Interdisciplinary science crossing the boundary between biology and the other physical sciences, we have a united community of over 150 academics and researchers.
BSI Cell

Durham Energy Institute (DEI)

Decarbonising energy is one of the most pressing challenges facing the world today. We are accelerating inclusive energy transitions through world-leading research.
Hands holding a globe made of grass type material

Institute for Computational Cosmology (ICC)

We are a leading international centre for research into the origin and evolution of the Universe, asking some of the most fundamental questions in science.
Images of planets projected onto the Ogden Centre

Institute for Data Science (IDAS)

We are the University's multidisciplinary platform for new ideas in Data Science, cutting across the silos of subject-specific knowledge.
A graphic of a stream of data

Institute for Medical Humanities

We conduct interdisciplinary research into what we call 'hidden experience' and investigate experiences of health and illness which are marginalised or invisible.
Graphic abstract art

Institute for Particle Physics Phenomenology (IPPP)

Our research sits at the interface between theoretical particle physics and experiments ranging from particle colliders to gravitational wave detectors.
Graphics of particle physics data

Institute of Advanced Study (IAS)

We offer world-leading researchers a unique space for transformative reflection in and beyond individual disciplines, fostering an inclusive, interdisciplinary community.
Old building with a pale blue door and steps

Institute of Hazard, Risk and Resilience

We support innovative research and training for use in policy and practice, collaborating directly with communities, non-governmental organisations and governments.
A contemporary building with blue sky

Institute of Medieval and Early Modern Studies (IMEMS)

Exploring the past to invent futures, championing Durham’s World Heritage Site, we are an institute like no other for the interdisciplinary study of the pre-modern world.
People inspecting at ancient texts

Wolfson Research Institute for Health and Wellbeing

We're Durham’s flagship interdisciplinary Institute, delivering the Health@Durham Strategy and fostering research in human health from the individual to global scale.
A researcher injecting fluid into a cap worn by a student

 

 

University student
Our research is built on collaboration and partnership, recognising that we can achieve more together. Our interdisciplinary approach gives us new perspectives and sparks novel approaches.

Professor Karen O'Brien
Vice-Chancellor and Warden

Latest University Research Institute News

UK sets new benchmark for geothermal energy costs with landmark review

The UK government has released its most comprehensive review of geothermal energy costs to date, setting a new national benchmark for both heat and power generation.
Three pipes running towards Geothermal Plant

Durham hosts world’s first major international conference on critical neurodiversity studies 

Over three hundred researchers, practitioners, and artists gathered in Durham and online for a three-day conference on Critical Neurodiversity Studies: Directions / Intersections / Contradictions.  
Photograph of conference participants listening to a speaker.

 

 

Upcoming events

A Wheely Workshop

Wednesday 17 September 2025 - Wednesday 17 September 2025
9:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Durham Amateur Rowing Club Green Lane DH1 3JU
A vibrant bike wheel hangs from a metallic frame, surrounded by a blue-toned blurred background of tree branches.

Research Showcase: Raphael Lyne, 'Remembering and Doubting Dreams in Shakespeare'.

Wednesday 15 October 2025 - Wednesday 15 October 2025
3:00 PM to 4:30 PM
7 Owengate
Two cartoon figures of medieval and early modern characters

Research Showcase: Claude Willan, 'What Were Books For?: Manuscripts in Jacobite Life'.

Wednesday 29 October 2025 - Wednesday 29 October 2025
3:00 PM to 4:30 PM
7 Owengate
Two cartoon figures of medieval and early modern characters

The Carbon Past We Inherit, The Green Just Future We Build

Monday 3 November 2025 - Tuesday 4 November 2025
10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Durham Miners Hall, Flass Street, Durham DH1 4BE
DEI Events logo 2024/25
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Media Enquiries

For any media enquiries relating to the University Research Institutes, please contact the Communications Team.

Email your enquiry

Research and Innovation Services

Research and Innovation Services
Durham University
Boldon House,
Wheatlands Way,
Pity Me,
Durham,
DH1 5FA.

E: business.gateway@durham.ac.uk