Durham University is a globally outstanding centre of teaching and research excellence. Set within a unique City that includes the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Durham Castle and Cathedral, it blends its rich history with innovation, contributing significantly to the North East, the UK, and beyond.

The University’s world-class research spans the sciences, social sciences, business, and the arts and humanities. It is ranked among the UK’s top five universities for 2026, and within the world’s top 100 by the QS World University Rankings since 2010. The Times and Sunday Times named it University of the Year 2026.

Durham University is proud to sponsor the Heritage Award category in the NE Culture Awards, reflecting its long-standing commitment to regional culture and heritage. Highlights over 2025 include:

~ Receiving the Heritage Conservation in Action prize 2025 from the Institute of Conservation for Shakespeare Recovered, the exhibition of the University’s copy of Shakespeare’s First Folio.
~ Supporting Lumiere in its final instalment, bringing art to tens of thousands since 2009.
~ Celebrate Science, engaging young minds with cutting-edge research. This year was held at Locomotion in Shildon as it marked the 200th anniversary of the Stockton and Darlington Railway.
~ Launching Durham Champions with regional partners to share Durham’s story worldwide.