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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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Spotlight on: Professor Claire Horwell - protecting public health during volcanic eruptions

Our Spotlight On series celebrates our academics’ global impact. Professor Claire Horwell is a world-renowned expert on the health hazards of volcanic air pollution.

Research news
Professor Claire Horwell pictured outside with foliage and a view of a volcano behind her

Spotlight on: Professor Leah Morabito - uncovering the Universe's hidden black holes

Welcome to another instalment of our Spotlight On feature, where we celebrate the work of our world-leading academics. Professor Leah Morabito from our Department of Physics is revealing a hidden population of supermassive black holes and reshaping our understanding of cosmic evolution.
Research news
Professor Leah Morabito smiling to camera with bookshelves behind her

Physicists help devise new instrument to probe evolution of stars

We’re a major partner in a new telescope instrument that will help us see massive stars in the Milky Way and view the distant Universe.
Global research
The concept for one of the BlueMUSE spectrographs. The image from the telescope is split into 16 separate slices and enters the spectrograph at the top left.

Spotlight on: Dr Alistair Brown – bringing literature to life through immersive technology

Our ‘Spotlight On’ series showcases the world-leading work of our academics. Dr Alistair Brown is using 21st century technology to transform how people can experience classic literature.
Global research
Black and white image of Dr Alistair Brown facing the camera

Our academics comment on the world’s biggest stories

Our academics are at the forefront of world events, contributing to national and international policy-making, and helping frame understanding of new developments based on their research expertise.  
Global research
A close up of a globe of the world.

Spotlight on: Professor Emma Cave – shaping the future of health law

Welcome to our Spotlight On series, where we showcase the world-leading work of our academics. Professor Emma Cave, from our Law School is tackling some of the key challenges in health law.
Research news
Professor Emma Cave facing the camera in front of a light coloured background

Revealing dark matter’s influence on the Universe

Research jointly led by our astronomers has created the highest resolution map of the dark matter that threads through our Universe.
Global research
A contoured map of dark matter, seen in blue, against a black background.
Discover More News

Spotlight on: Professor Claire Horwell - protecting public health during volcanic eruptions

Our Spotlight On series celebrates our academics’ global impact. Professor Claire Horwell is a world-renowned expert on the health hazards of volcanic air pollution.

Professor Claire Horwell pictured outside with foliage and a view of a volcano behind her

Spotlight on: Professor Leah Morabito - uncovering the Universe's hidden black holes

Welcome to another instalment of our Spotlight On feature, where we celebrate the work of our world-leading academics. Professor Leah Morabito from our Department of Physics is revealing a hidden population of supermassive black holes and reshaping our understanding of cosmic evolution.
Professor Leah Morabito smiling to camera with bookshelves behind her

Spotlight on: Professor Emma Cave – shaping the future of health law

Welcome to our Spotlight On series, where we showcase the world-leading work of our academics. Professor Emma Cave, from our Law School is tackling some of the key challenges in health law.
Professor Emma Cave facing the camera in front of a light coloured background
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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.

Read our research brochure

Thought Leadership

  • Another kind of student debt is entrenching inequality

    Dr Cora Lingling Xu from our School of Education argues that social inequality in education isn’t just about financial resources but also time inheritance, where some students start life with a cushion of time to explore opportunities while others begin with a deficit that forces them into rushed decisions and extended labour before they can pursue further study.
    Research news
    A couple of students working out their debt

  • 2026 Bangladeshi Elections and Information Bombs

    Professor Nayanika Mookherjee from our Anthropology Department explores how misinformation in Bangladesh exploits entrenched social and political vulnerabilities to sustain existing power hierarchies. Drawing on research on birangonas and contemporary cases of blasphemy accusations and mob violence, the piece shows how rumours amplified by social media turn everyday infractions into lethal outcomes.
    Research news
    Image displaying fake news

  • Three likely scenarios for Venezuela after Donald Trump's meddling

    After months of threats, which included the seizure of oil tankers, and air-strikes on alleged drug boats, on January 3rd, the United States removed Nicolás Maduro, Venezuela’s leader, and charged him with drug trafficking offences. Dr Omar Hammoud Gallego from our School of Government and International Affairs gives his analysis of the situation. 
    Research news
    A man holding the Venezuelan flag in front of a building.

Another kind of student debt is entrenching inequality

Dr Cora Lingling Xu from our School of Education argues that social inequality in education isn’t just about financial resources but also time inheritance, where some students start life with a cushion of time to explore opportunities while others begin with a deficit that forces them into rushed decisions and extended labour before they can pursue further study.

Research news
A couple of students working out their debt

2026 Bangladeshi Elections and Information Bombs

Professor Nayanika Mookherjee from our Anthropology Department explores how misinformation in Bangladesh exploits entrenched social and political vulnerabilities to sustain existing power hierarchies. Drawing on research on birangonas and contemporary cases of blasphemy accusations and mob violence, the piece shows how rumours amplified by social media turn everyday infractions into lethal outcomes.
Research news
Image displaying fake news

Three likely scenarios for Venezuela after Donald Trump's meddling

After months of threats, which included the seizure of oil tankers, and air-strikes on alleged drug boats, on January 3rd, the United States removed Nicolás Maduro, Venezuela’s leader, and charged him with drug trafficking offences. Dr Omar Hammoud Gallego from our School of Government and International Affairs gives his analysis of the situation. 
Research news
A man holding the Venezuelan flag in front of a building.
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