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Current Research

Research that makes a difference.

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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A partnership to create a new Hong Kong Durham East-West research institute

Durham University has entered into a partnership with the MarcoPolo700 Foundation to develop a pioneering East-West Institute in Hong Kong and Durham.

Global research
Mountains with winding roads across them

Greenhouse gases to intensify extreme flooding in the Central Himalayas

Rising greenhouse gas emissions could see the size of extreme floods in the Central Himalayas increase by between as much as 73% and 84% by the end of this century.
Global research
A river running through a valley with tree lined mountains behind.

New £2m facility unlocks access to heritage science

Our Archaeology department is home to a new £2m facility providing cutting-edge tools to support heritage science across North East England and nationally.
Research news
A researcher looks at scan images on a computer screen

Reflecting on COP 30

We had seven delegates at the recent 30th Conference of the Parties (COP30), under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Belém, Brazil.
Global research
Seven head shots of the COP30 delegates

Fuel made from just air, power and water is taking off – but several things are holding it back

The use of e-fuels could be the way forward but there are some barriers. Jon Gluyas, who is a Professor in Geoenergy, Carbon Capture and Storage, takes us through the challenges.
Research news
Front view of an aeroplane on the runway.

Medieval peasants enjoyed a surprising range of sick, annual and bereavement leave benefits

Dr Alex Brown and Dr Grace Owen from our Department of History explore the surprising range of workplace benefits that existed for peasant workers in medieval England.
Research news
Section of an image from 1863 depicting men and women cutting grass in Medieval time. Taken from the vintage book Les Evangiles, edited by Curmet, 1863, Paris

Law School PhD student wins international research competition

Miranda Wang, a PhD student in our Law School, has won this year’s international Matariki Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition. The competition challenges PhD students to explain their research to a non-specialist audience in just three minutes.
Student news
Miranda Wang, second from the left, being presented her certificate by Professor Colin Bain (third from the left), with Dr Peter Whitton (far left) and Megan Olshefski (right)
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New £2m facility unlocks access to heritage science

Our Archaeology department is home to a new £2m facility providing cutting-edge tools to support heritage science across North East England and nationally.

A researcher looks at scan images on a computer screen

Fuel made from just air, power and water is taking off – but several things are holding it back

The use of e-fuels could be the way forward but there are some barriers. Jon Gluyas, who is a Professor in Geoenergy, Carbon Capture and Storage, takes us through the challenges.
Front view of an aeroplane on the runway.

Medieval peasants enjoyed a surprising range of sick, annual and bereavement leave benefits

Dr Alex Brown and Dr Grace Owen from our Department of History explore the surprising range of workplace benefits that existed for peasant workers in medieval England.
Section of an image from 1863 depicting men and women cutting grass in Medieval time. Taken from the vintage book Les Evangiles, edited by Curmet, 1863, Paris
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Thought Leadership

Farmers and supermarkets worry that extreme weather will stop food getting to consumers – here’s what needs to change

Mohammed Alzuhair, Doctor of Business Administration candidate and researcher at Durham University Business School, examines how recent storms have exposed the vulnerability of the UK’s food supply chain.

Research news
Empty supermarket shelving

Fuel made from just air, power and water is taking off – but several things are holding it back

The use of e-fuels could be the way forward but there are some barriers. Jon Gluyas, who is a Professor in Geoenergy, Carbon Capture and Storage, takes us through the challenges.
Research news
Front view of an aeroplane on the runway.

Medieval peasants enjoyed a surprising range of sick, annual and bereavement leave benefits

Dr Alex Brown and Dr Grace Owen from our Department of History explore the surprising range of workplace benefits that existed for peasant workers in medieval England.
Research news
Section of an image from 1863 depicting men and women cutting grass in Medieval time. Taken from the vintage book Les Evangiles, edited by Curmet, 1863, Paris
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