We are absolutely thrilled to report that Team Durham has triumphed in the series finals of University Challenge. Competing against the University of Bristol, Harry Scully, Bea Bennett, Alex Radcliffe, Chloe and Tom Haines-Matos excelled to win the title, Durham’s first win since 2000.

This latest series of University Challenge marks an end to iconic host Jeremy Paxman’s tenure, with successor Amol Rajan set to take over from Autumn 2023. It also represented the first final since the 2006-07 series that did not feature any Oxbridge teams.

Please join us in wishing huge congratulations to Harry, Bea, Alex, Chloe and Tom on their stellar performances throughout.

At the end of April, Vice-Chancellor Karen O’Brien, Professor Gordon Love (Professor of Physics & Computer Science) and Development & Alumni Relations Office staff travelled to the USA to host evening receptions in San Francisco, Seattle and New York. 

Professor O’Brien greeted alumni communities and introduced new Director of Development & Alumni Engagement Glen Whitehead. She also shared aspirations for Durham’s current and future plans, while Professor Love spoke of the latest developments in the Department of Computer Science.

Pictured (left to right): Professor Gordon Love, Louise Strong (Campaign Events Manager), Grace Norman (Senior Development Manager), Vice-Chancellor Professor Karen O’Brien, and Glen Whitehead (Director of Development & Alumni Engagement).

In May, internationally acclaimed journalists, publishers and political commentators gathered in London for the inaugural Sir Harry Evans Global Summit in Investigative Journalism.

This event was established from the Sir Harry Evans Memorial Fund, a landmark partnership between Sir Harry’s widow Tina Brown CBE and her family, Reuters, and Durham University. The extraordinary day was hosted by Tina Brown, Durham’s Vice-Chancellor Professor Karen O’Brien and Reuters editor-in-chief Alessandra Galloni (pictured, left to right).

Sir Harry was a University College alumni, studying Economics, graduating in 1952.

From Saturday 10 June – Sunday 2 July, our team of student callers are reaching out again and they want to hear from you! The team is made up of students like Zsófi (pictured), a first-year Law student with a keen interest in international and constitutional law.

Zsófi is looking forward to speaking to members of our alumni community, as well as raising vital funds to support Durham students.

To find out more about the appeal and meet more team members, please use the button below.

A moving exhibition produced with the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum on the devastation caused by the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945 will run from Wednesday 7 June – Sunday 10 September 2023 at the Oriental Museum. 

The dropping of the atomic bombs was one of the most significant moments in the Second World War. As well as conveying their devastating impact on everyday life, this exhibition ends with hope, highlighting how the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki have risen from the ashes to spread messages of peace. 

Pictured: Urakami Cathedral. Photo by Shigeo Hayashi, courtesy of Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum.

Ottawa Alumni Chapter Meet-up
Sunday 4 June 2023, 4-6pm
Join the Ottawa Alumni Chapter and fellow alumni in the beautiful ‘hidden garden’ at the National Gallery for an afternoon of catching up on all things Durham. Book your free space now.

Durham University Alumni Gathering in Accra
Monday 5 June 2023, 6-9pm
You are warmly invited to join fellow alumni and Dr Precious Brenni, Assistant Professor in Finance at the Business School for an informal networking event in one of the best restaurants in Accra. Places are free, but registration is required.

Bringing Together our Durham-US Community
Wednesday 14 June 2023, 1-3pm
We welcome all US staff and students to join Durham alumna and President of the North American Foundation for the University of Durham, Zoe Scheinman (Chinese, Trevelyan College,1984-88) for an exclusive event to bring together our Durham-US community. Attendance is free, but must be booked in advance.

Milan Alumni Chapter Spring Gathering 
Wednesday 14 June 2023, 7-9pm
Get together with fellow alumni as part of the Milan Alumni Chapter’s spring gathering. Whether you’re based in Milan or just passing through, this event will provide the perfect opportunity to meet. Please register to reserve your place at this free gathering.

Jordan Alumni Chapter Re-launch 
Tuesday 20 June 2023, 6.30-8.30pm
Durham alumni and their family and friends are invited to join the Jordan Alumni Chapter, hosted by Rima Ali (MBA, Ustinov College, 2017-19), for a re-launch event. If you’re in Amman, come along to connect in an informal setting. Places are free, but registration is required.

Chicago Alumni Chapter Summer Kick-off 
Sunday 25 June 2023, 1-3pm
Join the Chicago Alumni Chapter for an afternoon at the Chicago Art Institute hosted by Chapter Lead Jumel Ola (MBA, Collingwood College, 2019-21). Why not meet up with fellow alumni in your area? The event is free to attend and register for, but an entrance fee for the Chicago Art Institute will be payable on entrance.

Durham University Delhi Alumni Chapter Cocktail Evening
Saturday 10 June 2023, 6-8pm
Durham alumni and their family and friends are invited to a cocktail evening in Delhi. Whether you are local or are simply passing through, the event will be a great chance to get together with fellow graduates in a relaxed and fun setting.

Dunelm Days will return in November 2023 with a month-long series of events, hosted by alumni for alumni. Interested in finding out about plans for Dunelm Days 2023, and what is involved in hosting your own alumni event?

Join us online to find out more about Dunelm Days 2023, how you can host an event in your area, and put queries directly to the team:

6 July 12pm: Dunelm Days Online Information Session

6 July 5pm: Dunelm Days Online Information Session

Calling alumni trying to break into the film industry – the British Film Institute (BFI) Future Film Festival 2024 is now accepting submissions.

This festival targets emerging filmmakers and offers exposure at the BFI Southbank in London, prizes and industry mentoring opportunities. Films submitted can be any genre, but must have been made in the last two years. Additionally, entrants must have been aged between 16-25 when the film was made. For further information and entry criteria, use the button below.