It is a pleasure to welcome you to this year’s edition of Dunelm. This magazine connects past and present, sharing stories that highlight the impact our alumni continue to make around the world. I have greatly enjoyed meeting many of you and hearing your Durham stories.
Across our global community, Durham graduates are shaping the future through leadership and insight. Their achievements reflect the values that define Durham University and the lasting strength of a Durham education.
This has been another outstanding year for Durham.
I am proud to say that we rose nine places to 85th in the prestigious QS World University Rankings. We have been a world top 100 university since the rankings began.
We are also ranked in the QS World Top 50 for employer reputation. I am particularly pleased for our alumni that employers think so highly of the people we educate. Durham’s reputation and their success and contribution to the world are inextricably linked.
We were also named The Times and Sunday Times University of the Year 2026, which recognises our strength in education and research, and the experience we offer our students.
We draw inspiration from our Chancellor, Dr Fiona Hill, whose commitment to widening opportunity is reflected in the first Fiona Hill Scholars. Her journey is
a powerful reminder of the life‑changing potential of education and the responsibility we share to open doors for those who follow.
Our students continue to excel academically and creatively. Their talent and ambition enrich our community and remind us of the potential within our University.
This year also marks milestones for several of our colleges: Trevelyan celebrates 60 years, John Snow and Stephenson mark 25, and Josephine Butler turns 20. These anniversaries celebrate the friendships, memories and sense of belonging that define the Durham experience.
Thank you to everyone who contributed to this edition. Wherever life has taken you since your time at Durham, I hope these pages rekindle fond memories, strengthen your connection to Durham and remind you that you will always be part of our global Durham community.
Professor Karen O’Brien, Vice-Chancellor and Warden
