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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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UK’s first dedicated neurodiversity focused doctoral training programme

We are part of a pioneering new £5 million programme that aims to transform understanding of neurodiversity and human difference.

Research news
Grey background with different coloured ropes forming the outline of a human head and neck in profile

How our Milky Way once underwent a dramatic flip

The Milky Way may have undergone some cosmic gymnastics during its history with a dramatic disc flip, according to new research from our astronomers.
Research news
Artist’s impression of debris of the Gaia-Enceladus galaxy

Want to keep the peace? Try a little tenderness

Ever noticed how, in tense situations, people may use reassuring touches to try and calm things down? This could be an evolutionary social tool dating back millions of years.
Research news
Image of two juvenile bonobos from behind, one with comforting arm around the other

The abolition myth: how slavery survived by changing shape

Slavery did not end with abolitionism in the 19th century. Instead it was rebuilt, again and again, into new forms of unfree labour that still shape the world today
Global research
Remains of the Monte Alegre plantation, Barra do Piraí, Brazil

At the forefront of international energy and climate research

Our researchers are leading on international energy and climate research – from monitoring vulnerable ice sheets to shaping future energy policy.
Global research
A montage of three images, from left to right, showing offshore wind turbines, an ice sheet and a person's hands holding a globe of the world.

AI tool helps historians converse with the ancient world

Researchers at Durham University have collaborated with Google DeepMind on a new AI-powered research tool designed to analyse ancient Greek and Latin inscriptions.
Research news
A lead ancient plaque with an inscription from Dodona in Greece.

Understanding mental health difficulties in pupils with SEND

A major new study will provide the first national picture of how often pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) are referred for, and diagnosed with, mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety and stress-related disorders.
Research news
School pupils wearing red school uniform writing at desks in a classroom.
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UK’s first dedicated neurodiversity focused doctoral training programme

We are part of a pioneering new £5 million programme that aims to transform understanding of neurodiversity and human difference.

Grey background with different coloured ropes forming the outline of a human head and neck in profile

How our Milky Way once underwent a dramatic flip

The Milky Way may have undergone some cosmic gymnastics during its history with a dramatic disc flip, according to new research from our astronomers.
Artist’s impression of debris of the Gaia-Enceladus galaxy

Want to keep the peace? Try a little tenderness

Ever noticed how, in tense situations, people may use reassuring touches to try and calm things down? This could be an evolutionary social tool dating back millions of years.
Image of two juvenile bonobos from behind, one with comforting arm around the other
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Durham University Research

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Thought Leadership

Medieval England had a defamation problem: how people used the law to fight rumours, insults and rivals

Reputation mattered deeply in medieval England. Dr Alex Brown, Associate Professor in Durham University's Department of History and a member of IMEMS, examines how people turned to the courts to defend themselves against rumours, slander and damaging accusations.

Global research
Man and woman and people around. In a vintage book Les Evangiles, edited by Curmet, 1863, Paris

Data centres are power hungry – but they don’t have to be a burden on New Zealand’s grid

Dr Andrew Crossland, Associate Professor in Practice in our Department of Engineering, explores how AI data centres could evolve from major energy users into valuable assets that support a cleaner, more flexible electricity grid.
Durham news
Purple and blue lights representing digital data.

Drought, water shortages and crop failures: how does the medieval warm period compare with today?

A heatwave lasting four months, followed by water shortages and crop failures. This is England in the 13th century, not the 21st. In this article, Dr Alex Brown from our Department of History and our Institute of Medieval and Early Modern Studies says we should heed the lessons of the past when it comes to dealing with climate extremes.
Research news
A medieval artwork depicting peasants working in a field overseen by a master pointing a stick
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