As a global University and proudly part of North East England, we're working with partners to improve life chances and promote prosperity, locally and nationally. As we begin a new academic year, here are some of the ways we're making a positive impact in our communities: economically, socially and culturally.
Driving economic growth
We work with staff and students to support enterprise and business start-ups – many new companies have been formed from innovative academic research or great student business ideas.
Often these companies are based in North East England, creating jobs and boosting the local economy.
Earlier this year we were named on Research England's Initial List of Adopting Institutions for spin-out best practices. This recognised our commitment to ensuring that our research programmes make a direct and substantial impact on the region's economy.
New data from the Higher Education Business and Community Interaction survey reveals that as part of the leading research-intensive universities in North East England, we've helped activate over £95 million of private sector spending and investment in the region.
Nationally, we're one of 24 Russell Group universities that together are worth £38 billion for the UK economy through research, commercialisation and innovation activity.
Stronger together
In October 2024 we formalised Universities for North East England (UNEE) – a partnership between the region's five universities.
Together, we want to become a unified voice of higher education in the region and make an even greater contribution to inclusive economic growth and social transformation.
We've also formed the Durham Learning Alliance with four County Durham Further Education colleges to improve access to education and skills training for local residents.
It has already resulted in successful collaborations such as opening University apprenticeship pathways for T-level college students who joined us on work placements.
Unlocking potential
We're undertaking a huge depth and breadth of work to break down barriers to educational achievement and enhance social mobility.
We'll say more about our future plans in this area soon, when we publish our new Access and Participation Plan. In the meantime, the independently authored Breaking Down Barriers report highlights some of our current best practice.
