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 2022Institutes 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
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.
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 brochureDurham 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 channelREF 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 resultKnowledge 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 moreProducing 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 researchAcademic 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