2025 - Durham University

Latest News

Spotlight on: Professor Graham Towl – lifetime achievement award for leading forensic psychologist

Our ‘Spotlight on’ series celebrates the world-leading work of our academics. Just over 20 years after being peer nominated as the most influential forensic psychologist in the UK, Professor Graham Towl was awarded 2025 British Psychological Society Lifetime Achievement Award.

Professor Graham Towl looking to camera, taken outside with tree in background

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 Anna Leone - Bridging ancient history and heritage preservation across North Africa

Professor Anna Leone is a leading authority on North African archaeology and heritage protection. Her work is driven by her fascination with North Africa and for understanding societal transitions and evolutions in the ancient world.

Professor Anna Leone is stood in front of a light coloured stone wall smiling to the camera.

Past Council Chair Joe Docherty introduced to House of Lords

Joe Docherty, who served as Chair of our governing University Council until summer 2025, has been made a life peer.

Male in red House of Lord robes, looking off camera

Royal honour recognises outstanding contributions of leading polar researchers

Two of our leading geographers, Professors Colm O’Cofaigh and Dave Roberts, have received a prestigious Polar Medal from King Charles III.

Professors Colm O’Cofaigh and Dave Roberts, wearing orange jumpsuits, standing on an artic beach

Durham hosts collegiate colleagues from around the world

We welcomed delegates from across the world to the fifth Collegiate Way International conference (CWI 2025) from Tuesday 2 to Friday 5 December.

A person contributing to a whiteboard of text and images

New materials conduct ions in solids as easily as in liquids

We’re part of an international team of scientists behind the creation of a new family of organic materials that can conduct ions - atoms or molecules with a net electrical charge - in solids.

A series of swirling spirals against a black backdrop.

Humanities researcher joins UK government project shaping the future of childhood

Our pioneering Classics researcher, Prof Arlene Holmes-Henderson, has joined a government project exploring the key factors that influence and shape the future of childhood in the UK.

Arlene Holmes-Henderson stood outdoors, smiling wearing a blue top.

Warmer ocean currents significantly destabilise ice sheets, driving their retreat

New research reveals how ocean warming triggered the large-scale retreat of the Northeast Greenland Ice Stream (NEGIS) - offering vital clues for understanding its modern-day vulnerability.

An aerial view of the Northeast Greenland Ice Stream showing a large swathe of ice on blue water.

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.

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.

Leading figures from sport, defence, community and justice to be recognised with Honorary Degrees

We are awarding honorary degrees to four distinguished individuals during our Winter Congregation ceremonies at Durham Cathedral on 8 and 9 January 2026.