Durham University

25/09/2026

25/09/2026

Our Chancellor, Dr Fiona Hill, will be joined by singer, songwriter and Durham honorary graduate Neil Tennant for the latest Forged in the North podcast recording at Durham Book Festival on 10 October.

Tickets for the in-person event have now sold out, but online tickets are still available to watch on Livestream: https://brnw.ch/21x5Xae

24/09/2026

Transforming energy storage 🔋

We're part of the new £7m EleComp programme exploring structural power composites - materials that combine energy storage with structural performance.

Our researchers are leading work on advanced materials development, testing and responsible innovation to help unlock the technology's potential across sectors including transport, aerospace and consumer electronics.

Find out more: https://brnw.ch/21x5Vml

23/09/2026

Scientists from our Biosciences Department have discovered a promising new approach to tackling plant diseases by targeting hidden weaknesses in the proteins pathogens use to infect crops🌱🔬

Using advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and protein design, future technologies could help create crops that are better able to fight infections, reducing crop losses and supporting more sustainable farming.

Read more: https://brnw.ch/21x5Ufe

Scientists from our top-rated Biosciences Department have outlined possible new approaches to protecting crops from devastating diseases by finding common weaknesses in the proteins used by pathogens to attack plants.

23/09/2026

Power delivered by light ⚡

Researchers from our Centre for Advanced Instrumentation are partnering with Scalable Laser and University of Glasgow on LIVINGSTON - a £5.3m project funded by the Advanced Research and Invention Agency (ARIA) to develop laser power beaming technology that could provide continuous power to high-altitude aircraft.

Find out more 👉 https://brnw.ch/21x5TYP

22/09/2026

Research exploring the growing role of artificial intelligence in emotional support suggests that people can sometimes find AI responses as comforting, or even more comforting, than those from people.

Dr Sarah Walker, from our School of Education, and Dr Belen Lopez-Perez, of The University of Manchester, examine why AI-generated responses are often perceived as empathetic and supportive, while highlighting the enduring importance of human relationships and personal connection.

Discover more in their latest article 👉 https://brnw.ch/21x5SiX

22/09/2026

Instead of approving a licence for the Jackdaw gasfield, are there other ways to use the North Sea to reduce bills, increase the UK’s energy security and create jobs in clean energy storage? 💡

Our Durham University Earth Sciences, Durham University Department of Engineering and Durham Energy Institute experts take a look ➡️ https://brnw.ch/21x5RQP

21/09/2026

🏆 Congratulations to two outstanding members of our Durham University Business School community.

Professor Stefanie Reissner and Professor Rudolf Sinkovics have been recognised by the British Academy of Management, celebrating their excellence, leadership and lasting contribution to management and business scholarship.

Find out more: https://brnw.ch/21x5QB3

21/09/2026

Time-travelling to make glass the Roman way! ⛏️🪟

PhD student Kim Devereux-West from our Archaeology department has been seeing how the Romans made some of Britain’s earliest window glass.

20/09/2026

Wishing those observing Yom Kippur a meaningful fast.