Welcome to this special issue of Newswire! With the inaugural Durham Global Week taking place from 4-11 March, this month’s email will help you celebrate your connection to Durham’s global reach, whether by participating in an event such as World Fest, or by discovering the impact of the University’s global research and activities.

A Durham Global Awards ceremony on Friday 10 March will also recognise individuals and teams who have made significant contributions to furthering international collaboration and understanding from across the University. Congratulations to all nominees and we look forward to the announcement of the winners during Durham Global Week.

The Financial Times Global MBA Ranking 2023 has ranked the Durham MBA (Full-time) 1st in the UK, 5th in Europe and 12th in the world for value for money. 

This reveals the exceptional return on investment for our full-time MBA graduates, as they realise an average increase of 92% on their salaries three years after graduating. 

Professor Cathy Cassell, Business School Executive Dean commented: “We are conscious of the investment made by students who decide to embark on an MBA, and we seek to add value with differentiating activities, so that our graduates stand out in their job markets and impress prospective employers”. 

We were delighted to welcome Reverend Professor David Wilkinson in February for the latest in our Global Lecture Series. ‘Extinction and survival of Religious Belief in a Science Dominated World’ was enjoyed by guests from more than 20 countries as we offered the event in a hybrid format.

A recording of the event and a supporting article are available.

We are deeply saddened by the devastating earthquakes in Southern Turkey and Northern Syria, and offer our condolences to all who have lost loved ones. Our thoughts are with those who may be struggling to contact friends and family as the situation continues to unfold.

Academic researchers from across the University are currently offering expert comment and analysis. For those wishing to offer support, several charities are running emergency appeals, including the Disasters Emergency Committee.

Professor Mike Shipman has recently been appointed as the University’s new Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Provost and will take up his position on 1 August 2023. He will lead on University-level resource planning and infrastructure, and will have an active role in the delivery of Durham’s refreshed University Strategy, ensuring that equality, diversity and inclusion is firmly integrated into strategic planning.

Currently Vice-President and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (International) and a Professor in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Warwick, Mike will bring formidable experience with him.

Tuesday 7 – Thursday 9 March 2023 

This tastebud tour around the world will see Durham staff and students take over the kitchen in the Palatine Centre during lunch service to showcase their culinary specialities. Lunch service from 7-9 March (inclusive) will allow you to purchase diverse menus, from Turkey to France, India to Japan. Funds raised by this event will support a range of charities, selected by each Takeover team. 

Tuesday 7 – Thursday 9 March 2023, 6.30pm 

Language learners and international alumni are invited to join us for a series of social events across the University focusing on different languages and cultures. Intended to bring together those learning languages and native speakers to deepen inter-cultural awareness across University communities.

Wednesday 8 March 2023, 12pm 

Representing the School of Modern Languages & Cultures, Durham’s BFI (British Film Institute) partnership and Curzon Artificial Eye, we bring you ‘Flee’. This screening at the Gala Theatre in Durham tells a poignant story of belonging and the search for identity. Includes a short introduction and followed by a panel discussion. 

Thursday 9 March 2023, 6pm

In collaboration with Durham University Business School, Professor Mike Nicholson shares his expertise on how to create successful global brand content in this informative and engaging guest lecture.

Thursday 9 March 2023, 7pm (SGT)

Whether you are located in Singapore, or just passing through, this event will be a great chance to get together with fellow graduates in a relaxed, fun setting.

Thursday 9 – Saturday 11 March 2023, 7.30pm 

At the Assembly Rooms Theatre in Durham, this musical sees an island of storytellers come together to tell the story of Ti Moune, a peasant girl from a little island who falls in love with a stranger. Crossing borders and themes, Once On This Island will transport viewers to a cultural crossroads.

Saturday 11 March 2023, 12pm 

Join students and community volunteers when they celebrate the spectacular Indian festival of Holi at Durham’s Oriental Museum. A full day of activities includes brightly coloured powder and dancing to Bhangra hits and upbeat pop.

We cordially invite alumni to join our new Vice-Chancellor and Warden, Professor Karen O'Brien, and senior University colleagues, for a series of USA receptions: 

San Francisco - 25 April, from 7pm 

Seattle - 26 April, from 7pm 

New York - 28 April, from 7pm

These evenings will be opportunities for intimate groups of Durham’s alumni and supporters to meet our new VC and hear more about current and forthcoming University events, including plans to support our growing alumni networks. We will also be joined by Professor Gordon Love (in San Francisco and Seattle) to hear the latest developments in the Department of Computer Science and student and graduate enterprise support at Durham.

Durham Inspired Live (Virtual): Recovering Shakespeare 
Thursday 9 March 2023 6-7pm
Join Tony King, Head of Collections Care and Conservation, and Danielle Westerhof, Rare Books Curator, to learn the story of Shakespeare’s First Folio, and how it was recovered.

Durham Alumni Gathering in Stockholm 
Thursday 23 March 2023, 6pm (CET) 
Join Dr Zsófia Tóth, Stockholm Alumni Chapter and MSc Management students for an informal networking event at the Klubbarnas Klub in Stockholm. 

St Chad’s Alumni After Hours in London 
Thursday 23 March 2023, 6pm 
St Chad’s alumni, students and friends are invited to join College Principal, Dr Margaret Masson; Vice-Principal, Dr Victoria Brown; and Head of Development & Alumni Relations, Lindsay Young for an informal after work event at The Loose Box, London. Free welcome drink included. 

Durham University Business School Alumni Gathering in Bangkok 
Saturday 25 March 2023, 6pm (ICT) 
Business School alumni are invited to join Durham University Business School for an informal gathering at the Orchid Café in Bangkok. This event is free to attend, and a seafood buffet will be served. 

Durham University Alumni Gathering in Tokyo 
Monday 27 March 2023, 6pm (JST) 
If you’re in or around Tokyo, why not come along to this relaxed gathering taking place at St George’s Bar? Reconnect with fellow alumni, network and find out about University developments. Attendees will receive a welcome drink on arrival. 

Durham Inspired Live (in person): Sports tour and talks  
Thursday 20 April 2023, 2pm 
Join us for a tour of the extensively redeveloped Sports Centre and talk featuring Dr Paul Chazot from the University’s Department of Biosciences and the Wolfson Research Institute, who will highlight his work in drug and light therapy for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Katie Binks (Student Volunteering and Community Partnerships) will also address the impact of University-community partnerships.

Looking to stay in Durham? Book overnight accommodation with breakfast at Durham Castle or Hatfield College in University vacations and receive a 15% alumni discount. 

Click the link below and complete the purple booking section at the top to check availability, entering ‘DUNELM1837’ in the promotional code field to activate your discount. Payment is required at the time of booking, and you’ll receive a confirmation email which includes booking details and cancellation terms.

Please note: due to the historic nature of the buildings within the Castle, rooms are not wheelchair accessible.

Find out more about the new MSc Physical Activity, Health and Society.

This new programme examines inequalities across physical activity, health and society. The programme also explores the vital role of physical activity in society, from policy and public health to the spaces and places which enhance, shape, and curtail movement.

Read more in an interview with Programme Director Katie Di Sebastiano, Assistant Professor in the Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences.