Research and Business

Research to Empower and Inspire

At Durham, our academic staff conduct forward-thinking, interdisciplinary research that has an impact on communities all over the world. Collaboration with a broad mix of partners is central to enhancing global knowledge and developing global citizenship. 

Business and Partnerships

Research Institutes and Centres

Facilities and Services

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Pioneering Projects

Explore our diverse range of projects, from spin-out creation, research collaborations and supporting innovation. Whether we're tackling net zero challenges, advancing health sciences, or developing new technologies, our case studies showcase the impact and success of businesses and researchers working with us.

90% of research rated 'world-leading' or 'internationally excellent' (UK Research Excellence Framework 2021)

£85 M research awards made to Durham (2022/23)

Northern Accelerator

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Building Atom Bank's Digital Twin

Kromek

Footy.com

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Towards a better future

Among our scientists, social scientists, business, arts and humanities scholars we have world-leading authorities in their field.

We are one of the top universities in the world, for taking action to address the most pressing environmental, social and governance challenges facing society today. Our researchers are shaping the world, from the intimate to the infinite.

Our Global Research Brochure

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We are a globally outstanding centre of research

Research at Durham brings together the leading minds in their fields who work collaboratively across departments and with our partners to develop new ways of thinking that have a positive impact on societal and global challenges. 

Explore our research playlist

Research Degrees

Whether you’re looking to connect with international industry and business through your work, or the global academic research community, as a postgraduate at Durham you can expect the freedom and facilities to explore what’s important to you.

Explore Postgraduate Research

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Two early career bioscientists will tackle health challenges with prestigious award

Dr Ting-Yu Lin of our Department of Biosciences and Dr Francesco Boselli of our Departments of Biosciences and Engineering have each been granted a Springboard Award to help support their research in biomedical sciences.

Research news
How graduates are driving economic growth

A new report reveals the critical role that university graduates play in driving growth, including by starting their own businesses.

Business and Partnerships
Durham astrophysicists’ key contributions to cosmic discoveries

Scientists from our Centre for Extragalactic Astronomy and our Institute for Computational Cosmology are playing a crucial role as part of a major international space mission to map the Universe.

Global research
‘Undercover anthropologist’ recognised for exceptional potential

Dr Sheina Lew-Levy, from our Department of Psychology, has been awarded a prestigious Philip Leverhulme Prize for Psychology.

Global research
Spotlight on: Professor Karen Johnson – advocating for the importance of soil health

Our Spotlight On series celebrates our academics’ global impact. Karen Johnson is a Professor of Environmental Engineering and a passionate advocate for soil health. She believes soil is an under-appreciated resource that can help address a range of environmental challenges.

Global research
Spotlight on: Professor Carlos Frenk – shaping modern cosmology

Welcome to the next instalment of our ‘Spotlight on’ series where we celebrate the world-leading work of our academics. Professor Carlos Frenk’s pioneering work on dark matter has fundamentally shaped modern cosmology and our understanding of the Universe.

Global research
Spotlight on: Professor Carol Adams – setting the standard in corporate sustainability reporting

Carol Adams is an Emeritus Professor of Accounting in our Business School. She is a globally renowned expert in corporate accounting and sustainability reporting, focusing on its impact on business, society and the environment.

Global research

Two early career bioscientists will tackle health challenges with prestigious award

Dr Ting-Yu Lin of our Department of Biosciences and Dr Francesco Boselli of our Departments of Biosciences and Engineering have each been granted a Springboard Award to help support their research in biomedical sciences.

Research news

Two Durham University bioscientists pose for portraits

How graduates are driving economic growth

A new report reveals the critical role that university graduates play in driving growth, including by starting their own businesses.

Business and Partnerships

Staff in high-visibility jackets laying asphalt on a road

Durham astrophysicists’ key contributions to cosmic discoveries

Scientists from our Centre for Extragalactic Astronomy and our Institute for Computational Cosmology are playing a crucial role as part of a major international space mission to map the Universe.

Global research

This image shows examples of galaxies in different shapes, all captured by Euclid during its first observations of the Deep Field areas

‘Undercover anthropologist’ recognised for exceptional potential

Dr Sheina Lew-Levy, from our Department of Psychology, has been awarded a prestigious Philip Leverhulme Prize for Psychology.

Global research

Woman smiling, looking off camera to right

Spotlight on: Professor Karen Johnson – advocating for the importance of soil health

Our Spotlight On series celebrates our academics’ global impact. Karen Johnson is a Professor of Environmental Engineering and a passionate advocate for soil health. She believes soil is an under-appreciated resource that can help address a range of environmental challenges.

Global research

Professor Karen Johnson smiling into the camera against a neutral backdrop

Spotlight on: Professor Carlos Frenk – shaping modern cosmology

Welcome to the next instalment of our ‘Spotlight on’ series where we celebrate the world-leading work of our academics. Professor Carlos Frenk’s pioneering work on dark matter has fundamentally shaped modern cosmology and our understanding of the Universe.

Global research

Professor Carlos Frenk smiling into the camera with a the a radio microphone in the foreground and the edge of some blue branding behind him

Spotlight on: Professor Carol Adams – setting the standard in corporate sustainability reporting

Carol Adams is an Emeritus Professor of Accounting in our Business School. She is a globally renowned expert in corporate accounting and sustainability reporting, focusing on its impact on business, society and the environment.

Global research

Professor Carol Adams facing the camera with a blue background behind her

Discover more news

Explore policies, governance and our staff directory

We develop opportunities for businesses to: link with policymakers, understand our research governance and connect with academic researchers.

Policy Hub

We support knowledge exchange activities, develop networks and projects, and provide policy and impact training.
Ethics and Governance

Research ethics is a key part of research integrity, which aims to safeguard the interests and well-being of those impacted by the research.
Research Staff Directory

Connect with our academic researchers, or click below to contact our business support team.

Policy Hub

We support knowledge exchange activities, develop networks and projects, and provide policy and impact training.

Ethics and Governance

Research ethics is a key part of research integrity, which aims to safeguard the interests and well-being of those impacted by the research.

Research Staff Directory

Connect with our academic researchers, or click below to contact our business support team.

Business people sitting round a table at a meeting

Contact our Research and Innovations Team

Thought Leadership

Sudan civil war: despite appearances this is not a failed state – yet

Professor of History Justin Willis explains the ongoing conflict in Sudan, and explores what could happen next.

Research news
The ‘morning shed’: a brief history of the sometimes dangerous lengths women have gone to look beautiful

As TikTok’s latest beauty fad goes viral, Dr Louise N Hanson of the Department of Psychology reflects on trends throughout history.

Research news
Children from poorer families do worse at school – here’s how to understand the disadvantage gap

Professor in the School of Education Nadia Siddiqui explains the disadvantage gap index and what can be done to reduce it.

Research news