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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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Looking for ancient climate clues beneath 500 metres of Antarctic ice

Our geographers are part of international team looking at the possible fate of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet in our warming world.  

Global research
A snowplough drives across the Antarctic ice against a clear blue sky

Scientists secure major award to drive sustainable consumer innovation

We have been awarded a share of more than £24 million of national funding for the prestigious Industrial Doctoral Landscape Award (IDLA) to advance research into sustainable consumer goods.
Research news
Researchers at library

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.
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Scientists secure major award to drive sustainable consumer innovation

We have been awarded a share of more than £24 million of national funding for the prestigious Industrial Doctoral Landscape Award (IDLA) to advance research into sustainable consumer goods.

Researchers at library

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.
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Explore our global research

Discover how our research is changing lives around the world using the button below. We also have a static PDF version available.

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Durham University Research

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Thought Leadership

How figures like Joey Barton could fuel a culture of online hostility toward female athletes - new research

Online abuse in sport is often dismissed as background noise, yet the case of former footballer Joey Barton shows how digital hostility can cross legal and ethical lines. Drawing on research involving Professor Mariann Hardey from our Business School, this piece explores how influential figures normalise misogyny online as a form of digital violence.

Research news
Female football player with mud on her face

Could your boss be lonely? Here’s why it matters more than you might think

Loneliness at work is often invisible, yet it can have powerful effects on leaders and organisations. Drawing on their research, Janey Zheng and Olga Epitropaki from our Business School, alongside Karolina Nieberle from our Department of Psychology, explore why managers experience loneliness, how it shapes leadership, and what helps prevent it from taking hold.
Business School news
Lonely man standing in a crowd

Doubts about women in combat don’t stand up to history

Ashleigh Percival- Borley, former British Army combat medic and PhD Candidate in our Department of History discusses why history, and personal experience, show that gender is not important on the battlefield.
Research news
Image showing female solider in foreground and male solider in background within a dark setting
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