Durham University

Durham University is distinctive - a residential collegiate university with long traditions and modern values. They seek the highest distinction in research and scholarship and are committed to excellence in all aspects of education and transmission of knowledge. Durham is one of the world's leading Universities as shown by their World Top 100 position in the QS World University Rankings 2019, where they were ranked 74th and their research and scholarship affect every continent.

Durham’s research has been assessed as “world-leading” across the sciences, social sciences and arts & humanities in a national exercise to determine the quality of research in UK universities. 83% of Durham’s research was assessed as “internationally excellent quality” or “world leading.

**Research**

Durham University research has been assessed as “world-leading” across the sciences, social sciences, and arts and humanities in a national exercise to determine the quality of research in UK universities.

The Research Excellence Framework (REF 2014) measured the quality and impact of research submitted by UK universities across all disciplines. 83 per cent of Durham’s research was assessed as “internationally excellent quality” or “world-leading”, that is, either 3_or 4_&nbsp;. Overall, 98 per cent of Durham University research was assessed as international quality, or 4_+3_&nbsp;+2\*.

One of the new assessment criteria introduced for REF 2014 was the wider societal impact of university research. Durham submitted 89 ‘impact case studies’ where research had translated into real-life applications with broad benefits to society, the economy, politics and the environment. Over 90 per cent of case studies were graded 3_and 4_&nbsp;- as having “outstanding” or “very considerable” impacts in terms of their reach and significance.

**Research and Innovation Services**

The formation of Research and Innovation Services in September 2016 brought together the former Research Office, Business and Innovation Services (DBIS) and Finance teams. The RIS directorate consists of six delivery teams covering Research Development, Research Operations, Commercialisation and Economic Development, Partnerships and Engagement, Research Policy and Ethics, and Research Excellence Framework (REF) Support.

Research and Knowledge Transfer activities at the University generate £139.3m GVA for the UK economy, supporting 2,700 jobs. Examples include collaborations with&nbsp;[Procter and Gamble](https://www.dur.ac.uk/chemistry/news/?itemno=13716),&nbsp;[IBM](https://www.dur.ac.uk/news/newsitem/?itemno=17552&rehref=/news/archive/&resubj=Headlines)&nbsp;and&nbsp;[Dong Energy](https://www.dur.ac.uk/dei/news/?itemno=26179).

**Commercialisation and Economic Development**

Management of the University’s intellectual property portfolio, developing commercial projects, spin-outs and licensing. This team also provides support for major strategic initiatives, regional development projects, advice and support to protect, exploit or commercialise ideas and intellectual property.

**Partnerships and Engagement**

Management of Durham’s research-related strategic partners and linking closely to other teams in the directorate to develop successful projects and proposals. This team also provides support for the development and delivery of research impact across the economic, policy and cultural/heritage domains.