Research and Business

At Durham, our academic staff conduct boundary-breaking research which improves lives across the world. Collaboration with a broad mix of partners is central to enhancing global knowledge and developing global citizenship.  We find it easy to be proud of the extraordinary people we have at Durham.

Over 19,000

students and 4,300 staff members

Over 40%

of academic staff are of non-UK origin

Ranked 25th

in the Times Higher Education international universities rankings 2021

101-200 in the World

for our overall contribution to the UN Sustainable Development Goals in the THE Global Impact Rankings 2022

Institutes and Centres

Our ten research institutes bring together staff to work collaboratively, across departments and with external partners, to develop new ways of thinking that contribute positively to societal challenges. Our research centres allow researchers to focus on areas of specialism, often sitting between traditional disciplinary boundaries.

Explore our Institutes and Centres

The Ogden Centre building on Lower Mountjoy campus

Facilities and Services

We have an extensive range of state-of-the-art research equipment and facilities across a range of disciplines. We also provide services such as expert support for policymakers in our Public Policy Hub.
Helping Business

Durham University has a global reputation for excellence and working together we can support your business to succeed.

Facilities and Services

We have an extensive range of state-of-the-art research equipment and facilities across a range of disciplines. We also provide services such as expert support for policymakers in our Public Policy Hub.

Helping Business

Durham University has a global reputation for excellence and working together we can support your business to succeed.

Two people shaking hands in an interview at a desk in an office

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

Durham University Research

Breathlessness, ancient manuscripts and geothermal energy are among the diverse subject areas benefiting from world-leading research at Durham University.

Here academics from across the University talk about their research, and how Durham's collaborative environment encourages them to explore new approaches to research.

Visit our YouTube channel

REF 2021: Celebrating Our Research Excellence

Our reputation as a world-leading university has been confirmed in a national exercise looking at the quality of research at UK universities and its impact around the world.

90% of Durham’s research is classed as world-leading or internationally excellent, according to the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021. Six Durham subjects are also in the UK top ten for the overall quality of their research including Geography (1st), Archaeology (2nd), Education (2nd), Classics and Ancient History (4th), Theology and Religion (8th) and Sport and Exercise Sciences (10th).

Find out more about our REF 2021 result

Group of students working together with a whiteboard and screen

Knowledge Exchange Framework (KEF)

The KEF is a national exercise conducted by Research England to explore the different ways universities collaborate with external partners, from businesses to community groups. Find out more about our KEF results and what this means.

Find out more

Producing world-leading and world-changing research

We produce world-leading and world-changing research across all four of our faculties, which pushes boundaries and fosters partnerships across geographies and sectors.

Read about our latest research

Academic Departments

Globally-leading reputation for teaching and research.

Our departments offer you the chance to be part of a world top 100 university in a uniquely beautiful and historic location and stimulating environment.

Discover our Academic Departments