Professor Carlos Frenk – who is behind one of the foremost theories of the evolution of the Universe – has been knighted in The King’s Birthday Honours.

Researchers from our top-rated Chemistry and Biosciences Departments have been recognised as part of an international team awarded a prestigious 2026 Horizon Prize by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC).

Dr Marjorie “Mo” Mowlam, one of the most influential figures in modern British politics and our esteemed alumna, has been honoured with a blue plaque at her former college. The plaque recognises both her time at Durham University and her remarkable contribution to peace and public service.

Durham alumnus David Sproxton, CBE – co-founder and trustee of the animation studio behind Wallace & Gromit – has been knighted in The King’s Birthday Honours.

England’s Chief Medical Officer praised a pioneering new research institute we’re helping deliver that could transform the early detection and prevention of disease.

With Korea’s recent association to Horizon Europe, Professor Claire O’Malley, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Global), recently visited Seoul where she met with university leaders, research funding agencies, our alumni community and the National Museum of Korea to further enhance our research, academic, and cultural partnerships.

North East England’s five universities are joining forces with North East Mayor Kim McGuinness to help transform academic research into high-growth new businesses.

Professor David Alexander from our top-rated Physics Department has been elected as a trustee of the Royal Astronomical Society (RAS), one of the UK's leading organisations for astronomy and geophysics.

New parents receive little guidance on how to use a baby sling or carrier safely, according to new research.

Women in the prison system often have complex mental health problems, frequently alongside long-term physical conditions, with women from racial minority backgrounds worst affected.

Charlotte Riley has enjoyed a distinguished acting career since she first discovered her love of performing at Durham University. She’s appeared in the hit TV series Peaky Blinders, starred alongside Tom Cruise in The Edge of Tomorrow and won critical acclaim for her breakout role as Cathy in a 2009 TV adaptation of Wuthering Heights. This summer she’ll star in the multi-Emmy-nominated show, Ted Lasso, alongside fellow Durham alum Nick Mohammed.

We are to award honorary degrees to nine distinguished individuals, four of whom are alumni, during our Summer Congregation ceremonies, taking place from 1 to 8 July 2026 at Durham Cathedral.

Durham has been recognised as the UK’s leading Russell Group university in the Unifresher 2027 Rankings, achieving the highest number of subject wins.

What do scientists really think about signs of alien life? Professor Peter Vickers, Head of our Department of Philosophy, takes a look.

Professor Anna Rowlands, in our Department of Theology and Religion/Centre for Catholic Studies, has helped Pope Leo XIV launch his first social encyclical focused on being human in a time of AI. Here she talks about the importance of Magnifica Humanitas (Magnificent Humanity).

Professor Tom Yarrow and Dr Paolo Heywood of our Anthropology Department explore the virtues of preservation and maintenance in a society geared towards creativity and innovation.

Professor Claire O’Malley, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Global), visited Japan to strengthen further our research partnerships. In line with the outcomes of the January 2026 UK-Japan Summit, the visit focused on advancing our research collaborations in clean energy and hydrogen, biotech, agriculture, and food security. 

The five universities of North East England – Durham, Newcastle, Northumbria, Sunderland and Teesside – have welcomed the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Board to the region.

New research involving one of our psychologists reveals more about what drives female prisoners to reoffend, and how this can be better prevented.