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Newswire
December 2023

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Gabby Logan meets our Vice-Chancellor

Our Vice-Chancellor and Warden, Professor Karen O’Brien, and television personality and alumna Gabby Logan shared experiences of what makes Durham special from both past and present.

Enhancing relationships in South East Asia

New opportunities were forged and long-standing relationships strengthened in our recent trip to South East Asia.

Top 20 in the world for sustainability

We've risen from 53rd to 19th in this year’s QS World University Rankings for Sustainability. More than 1,400 universities worldwide were assessed on environmental impact, social impact and governance.

Events

Engaging with our Chancellor in academic discussion

Dr Fiona Hill met with staff and students in Durham, sharing her research on regional development and hearing how our ongoing research is having a positive impact in North East England.

Lumiere lights up our ground-breaking research

We were a major partner in the Lumiere festival of light art. The 160,000 visitors to Durham enjoyed more than 40 installations, including three inspired by our academic research.

Debating the future of educational funding

Dr Shaid Mahmood MBE, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Equality, Diversity and Inclusion) joined education sector leaders to explore a unified tertiary funding system.

View all upcoming events

Check our events pages regularly for all the upcoming alumni events across the world.

Events calendar

Our Community

Dunelm Society: Celebrating at the House of Lords

London-based members of our alumni and supporter community came together with Durham staff and our victorious University Challenge team to celebrate what makes Durham special.

Dunelm Days to date

Alumni have come together across the globe to celebrate their Durham connections. There are still two events to come – join us if you can!

Sustainability: Green Gown Award winners

We have won the ‘Nature Positive’ category for our Biodiversity Strategy. “This is a leading example for how to engage with both local schools and on an international stage” – judging panel.

Alumna Tasha Stones reaches Great British Bake Off semi-finals

After facing numerous baking challenges in the tent, Tasha was announced as the baker leaving the show after the semi-finals. A truly inspirational effort and we’ve loved watching her each week.

Class Notes

We’re proud of the achievements of our alumni. Read on for this month’s round-up. Why not share your own news with us?

All 32 Durham alumni participating in the Twice Round the World Triathlon

Bisola Alaka (MSc in Finance, Ustinov College, 2010-12)

Elizabeth Bell (Music, College of St Hild & St Bede, 2019-21)

Daniel Best (MBA, 2006)

Dr Margaret Bradshaw (PhD in Botany)

Michael Booth (Economics & Finance, Collingwood College, 2020-23)

Georgina Burton née Layton (English Literature, College of St Hild & St Bede, 2012-15)

Victoria Collins (History, Van Mildert College, 2006-09)

Helena Coles (Economics & Politics, Grey College, 1985-88)

Dr John Cripps (PhD in Engineering Geology, Graduate Society, 1970-77)

Natalie Hiller (Natural Sciences, Van Mildert College, 2010-13)

Tessa Howard (Geography, University College, 2017-22)

Dr Markus Gershater (Molecular Biology & Biochemistry, Collingwood College, 1998-2002)

Emma Myall (Management Entrepreneurship, Josephine Butler College, 2022-23)

Dr Olasupo Olusi (MSc in International Money, Finance, & Investment, Graduate Society, 1999-2001; PhD in Economics, Ustinov College, 2001-05)

Florence Ryan (Law, Grey College, 2016-19)

Richard Smith OBE (History, Grey College, 1991-94)

Dr Victoria Walsh née Battell (BA in Sociology, St Aidan’s College, 1997-2000; MA in Criminal Justice Studies, Graduate Society, 2000-01)

Dr Michael Young (PhD in Music, St Cuthbert’s Society, 1989-1995)

Why not share your own news with us?

Get Involved

35 years of volunteering in 2024

Did you volunteer at Durham? Whether through our Colleges, sports team, or a different route, we would love to hear your experiences to help us celebrate.

Durham Global Week 2024: Alumni Global Impact Award

The Alumni Award is new for Global Week 2024 – who will you nominate? The deadline is Sunday 31 December 2023.

Durham University Alumni Angel Network

Our Venture Lab has been working with members of our alumni community to establish a new network facilitating investment in start-ups founded by fellow alumni.

Colleges

Josephine Butler College

In a fusion of music, history, and activism, the Alnwick Playhouse recently hosted an evening dedicated to the life and legacy of our namesake Josephine Butler.

St Cuthbert’s Society

The latest edition of the Chronicle is now available! This issue is packed with exciting updates from our community.

St John’s College

Around 70 Johnians enjoyed a vibrant drinks event in London, with alumni from the 1970s to recent graduates connecting and celebrating shared memories.

Van Mildert College

Last month, members of Van Mildert Boat Club celebrated the dedication of new women’s boat – the Four Winds II. This was made possible thanks to alumnus David Weatherup.

Read more from our Colleges

Explore our College pages to discover the latest news.

Departments and Societies

New Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education) announced

Professor Tony Fawcett will be responsible for ensuring a high quality, innovative educational offer for all students. He has been interim Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education) since October 2022.

Faculty of Science: New Executive Dean appointed

Professor Clive Roberts will take up his new position as Executive Dean (Science) on Monday 4 March 2024. He will also become a member of Durham University’s Executive Committee.

Postgraduate research: Training the next generation of social scientists

Seven North East England and Northern Ireland universities have together received over £28m of funding to admit around 55 PhD students to a programme spanning all four of our faculties.

Durham University Business School: Work with our students to gain business insights

How can our students help support your organisation to tackle your business challenges head-on?

Centre for Foreign Language Study: Alumni discount for language courses

Considering starting or continuing your language learning journey in 2024? Durham alumni can benefit from the same discounted rate as staff and students. 

Durham Law School: Durham Union Society October debate

We welcomed back Law School graduates Sir Robert Buckland KC MP and Huw Merriman MP to debate ‘this house has no confidence in HM Government’.

Find out what our students have been up to

Explore the blog to read about student life in their own words.

Retail

Gifts from Durham University Retail Office

Here at the Retail Office, we strive to provide staff, students and alumni with the best possible merchandise, to commemorate their time here at Durham. With stock ranging from stationery and jewellery to clothing and glassware, there is sure to be something that will take your fancy.

Shop now

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Newswire is curated by Editorial Group members Lucian Hudson, Glen Whitehead, Claire Whitelaw, Tristan Alltimes, Vicky Fisher and Debbie Mayne, and assembled by Hamish Lehan and Jo Coombs.

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