News
Durham University ranked highest since 2020 in QS World University Rankings
Durham University has been ranked at 78th place by the QS World University Rankings.
Self-nominations open for Durham SU’s first ever part-time Officer roles
Durham’s Students’ Union will be hiring 12 part-time student Officers for the next academic year to work alongside its three full-time sabattical roles.
Plans for new student accommodation withdrawn after MP criticism
Plans for new student accommodation in Neville’s Cross have been withdrawn following criticism from the City of Durham MP.
Planning application submitted for redevelopment of “failing” Prince Bishops Place shopping centre
Plans have been submitted which hope to transform Prince Bishops Place shopping centre in a “vibrant destination” with a hotel, new student accommodation, and other leisure facilities.
Construction of New College Durham teaching centre begins at Langley Moor
New College Durham begins construction for new teaching facility in Langley Moor.
Historic Redhills renovation set to be completed by the end of 2024
Redhills is due to reopen by the end of 2024 after a huge restoration project.
Durham City Parish Council rated a top 100 council nationwide
Durham Parish Council has been rated as within the top 100 councils in the country, following its Quality Council Status awarded last year.
Comment
“Girl Math”: a barrier to Feminism?
Abigail Tobias takes on the “Girl Math” social media trend, assessing whether it is counterproductive to the goals of feminism.
The importance of staying angry
Politics Editor Madeleine Ballay discusses the continued importance of International Women’s Day in the fight for gender equality in the 21st century, and argues that we should stay angry and vocal about the change we want to bring about.
From an editor to a model: living a double life
Duru Akin, Comment Editor, reminisces being a DUCFS model and reflects on the possibility of a multi-layered character.
Baby steps, people!: the life of “life after university”
Vadim Goss, Deputy Comment Editor, discusses the mixed thoughts and feelings that emerge as university life approaches to an end.
TikTok’s Alix Earle: fighting back against acne
Emily Gray talks about TikTok influencer’s Alix Earle and her own journey about confronting society’s unrealistic beauty standards.
21st Century Conflicts: Has the turn of the century heralded a new kind of war?
Olivia Krishnan speculates on the way the legacies of wars past, and the emergence of new technologies, will shape the conflicts of the 21st century.
Backchat: Conspiracy Theories
Fairytales in real life? Readers take their pick of the newsstand.
Politics
Is populist authoritarianism the ‘new normal’?
Oliver Smith perceptively analyses the rising global trend of authoritative populism: its ideological origins and future implications.
Analysing the 2024 Spring Budget: are the Conservatives undeterred or unconvincing?
Tom Raines analyses the content of the final Spring Budget before the General Election. Has it helped or hindered the Conservatives’ election prospects?
‘By’ Bye Baby: how recent by-election results could indicate Tory losses in the upcoming election
Esme Bell discusses the historic by-election results for the Labour Party and its implications for the next general election
Ukraine, Trump and lots of money: assessing the future of NATO
Tom Raines assesses the growing rift between European and American policy over NATO amid Russian aggression.
20 years of the Gurkha Justice Campaign
Sami Pyakuryal explains why Gurkhas are fighting for justice and examines how successful the campaign has been over the past two decades.
A tale of Tory tussle: the Conservatives’ Rwanda plan
James Nolan examines the passage of the Rwanda immigration bill through parliament and what it means for the upcoming general election.
Milei’s militancy challenges British Falkland Island suzerainty
Susannah Hirst analyses David Cameron’s recent trip to the South Atlantic overseas territory amid growing tensions with Argentina
Sport
What were the takeaways from the Sunshine Double?
George Murray examines the winners and losers from the latest American tennis tournaments
Where will Carlos Sainz drive in 2025?
Sanjay Suri analyses the chances of the Spaniard across the grid
What should England’s Euro 2024 squad look like?
Joseph Saunders selects the 23 players he would take to Euro 2024
Mildert claim Floodlit title
Joseph Saunders provides an entirely unbiased account of the Floodlit final
Red Bull remain ahead, but who will come next?
Joe Bamber takes a look at the battle for second place in this years’ F1 Constructor’s Championship.
How can F1 emissions be driven down?
Tegan Frampton examines Formula One’s emissions mission.
Celebrating women in sport
Rishi Tanna champions a selection of female athletes following international women’s day
Profile
Lord Howard: a long career at the pinnacle of politics
Profile Editor William Milne speaks to Lord Howard, former Leader of the Conservative Party and Home Secretary, about his journey to becoming one of Britain’s political titans.
Ralph Allwood MBE: “the only musical activity was a choir of eight boys with a waiting list of seven to leave it!”
Profile Editor Joseph Hornsby sits down with Ralph Allwood MBE, formerly Precentor and Director of Music at Eton College, Director of the Rodolfus Choir, and Instagram hit.
Justine Greening: me and my rise to the heights of British politics
Profile Editor William Milne speaks to former Cabinet Minister Justine Greening about her beginnings, how and why she entered politics, and the importance of social mobility.
Jackie Weaver: my unlikely rise to national stardom
Profile Editor William Milne speaks to internet sensation Jackie Weaver on becoming Britain’s most famous person overnight, and the importance of local councils.
Robert Swan: From Chad’s to the pinnacle of exploration
Ben Caven sits down with explorer Robert Swan to discuss his distinguished and record-breaking career.
Martin Bell OBE: my journey from war reporter to anti-sleaze politician
Profile Editor William Milne meets Martin Bell to speak about his varied career as a legendary war reporter; independent politician; and UNICEF ambassador.
Niklas Frank: exposing the evil crimes of my Nazi leader father
Profile Editor William Milne speaks to journalist Niklas Frank about his Nazi leader father, Hans Frank, and the worrying state of antisemitism in Germany today.
SciTech
“Trojan Horse”-like therapy: a sneaky treatment to trick cancer cells into self-sabotage
A laboratory in Durham is developing a possible new method of killing specific cancer cells by playing into the fact that these cells can eat other cells.
Is there a way to govern science without damaging it?
Aidan Woodley gives an insightful response to the question of whether governing science inherently damages it.
Investigating the role of water in planet formation
Morgan Owen expains new findings from ALMA on the presence of water around HL Tauri.
International Women’s Day: SciTech Editors share their science role models
Our team of SciTech editors highlight a selection of women in STEM that they look up to
Solitary genius: portrayals of scientists in pop culture
Jagoda Szalewicz discusses the various stereotypes used to portray scientists in media and how they can affect the public’s perception of science.
Cannibalistic stars: a closer look at binary systems
Results from the CHARA telescope array shed light on a life stage of close binary star pairs.
Endless swiping: how and why dating apps keep you hooked
Over 300 million people worldwide use dating apps. But are their algorithms actually designed to work?
Features
The strength of the single mother
“She is my best friend and my biggest supporter”: This International Women’s Day, Olivia Glover shares why her mum is her main inspiration
Lessons from the hermit crab
“Throughout my own life, I have found myself searching for somewhere to belong, and I have put on many shells” Freya Rogers explores the difficulty of finding belonging and self-realisation.
Lessons from Liberation Theology
“Liberation theology felt like a fresh breath of air with its profound humanism and its unreserved talk of oppression and liberation” Creative Photography Editor Kevin Wan explores what Latin American liberation theology means to him.
From pain to profit
Catherine Pienaar reflects on the commercialisation of Frida Kahlo
Choosing Kindness
“Kindness is never a waste of time”. Miranda Hopkins reflects on the beauty of friendship this Valentine’s Day
Nothing new: the tyranny of January resolutions, and what we should do instead
“We all want to be better, but January is really hard” Esme Bell contemplates the pressures of new year’s resolutions in January as we usher out the month.
Navigating friendships in your twenties
“Friends have and always will be the foundations and crux of your life.” Verity Newbery shares her insights on maintaining friendships through life changes.
Books
Inspirational Women from Well-Loved Literature
Mia Nuttall continues our spotlight of inspirational women in literature, because women should be celebrated not just on International Women’s Day!
It’s Not About the Burqa
“Feminism has become a term almost synonymous with ignorance and deception for those who are not White, Middle-class or European” Cara Burdon discusses how this collection of essays challenges Western perceptions of Muslim women, and their place in the feminist movement.
Little Women as feminist canon
Katie Trahair-Davies explores why “Little Women” remains timeless to young women and the feminist movement.
The magic and the real: García Márquez
Lauren James and Louisa Wagstaff explore the influences on and impact of the trademark style of the Latin American literary great
Celebrity poetry: literature or laziness?
Anna John’s explores if celebrity poetry or “insta poetry” democratises poetry reading, or is only published due to fame.
The role of diversity initiatives in publishing
Lavanya Pachala assesses the extent to which diversity initiatives in the publishing industry have had a profound impact
Book recommendations based on your relationship status
Elanaz Kir has curated a Valentine’s Day reading list that applies to any relationship status.
Food & Drink
Tasting the history of Hong Kong
Studying abroad in Hong Kong, Feroza Jamooji explores how colonisation and immigration have influenced the cuisine.
‘Choose What You’ll Use’: Food Waste Action Week 2024
Mia Nuttall discusses the theme of this year’s Food Waste Action Week, and how we can reduce our climate impact.
Review: The best Halal dishes in Durham
“With Ramadan quickly approaching, Durham students will be breaking their first fasts during term time”. Samara Patel reviews the best Halal dishes and restaurants in Durham.
Cracking the culinary glass ceiling
“Claiming women cannot handle the heat of the kitchen is an archaic assumption”. Food and Drink Editor Isla Mustin discusses the underrepresentation of female chefs.
From fusion to fine dining
Valeria Prado-Benavides discusses the rise of Peruvian cuisine on the global stage.
A toast to Burns Night
Food & Drink editor Eleanor Strain discusses Burns Night traditions.
A taste of what’s to come
Juliet Rabbitte and Jiayi Wan reflect on East Asian New Year’s food traditions.
Film & TV
Mr & Mrs Smith: innovation with old ideas
“This show will likely be remembered as one of the best that this year has to offer”: James Brock reviews the latest take on ‘Mr and Mrs Smith’.
The banality of evil in 2024’s Best Picture nominees
“We are complicit in the wider culture of violence that permeates their subjects”: Matthew Dodd discusses the depiction of violence in three of the Best Picture nominees.
Madame Web: a web of poor choices
“I don’t foresee Madame Web on the big screen again anytime soon”: James Brock reviews the latest ‘Spider-Man’ film from Sony.
How the film industry has let women down
“Women are drastically under-represented in both film production and performance”: Film & TV Editor Eve Mustin looks at the role of women in front of and behind the camera.
Representation in 2023: #OscarsSoWhite was a start, but not the remedy.
Following her interview with Barbara Blake-Hannah, Stephanie Ormand delves into racism, tokenism, and the ongoing battle for a progressive film industry.
The Indigo Canon: ‘Grave of the Fireflies’ and the real cost of war
“It is in these precious moments we almost forget there’s a war”: Vadim Goss discusses the portrayal of war in Isao Takahata’s ‘Grave of the Fireflies’ (1988).
2024 Oscars: the backlash behind the nominations
“We do not live in ‘Barbie Land’ yet, but we can call out injustice when we see it”: Isabel McDermott discusses Margot Robbie and Greta Gerwig’s ‘Barbie’ snub at the Oscars.
Stage
Review: Standing at the Sky’s Edge
“This production is a maelstrom of progress, love, pain and endurance”. Stage Editor, Dan Bavister, loves National Theatre Productions’ ‘Standing at the Sky’s Edge’.
Review: Grease
“Hild Bede Theatre Company’s production of the iconic musical ‘Grease’ is a smashing success.” Bee Wilkes adores Hild Bede Theatre Company’s ‘Grease’.
Review: Measure for Measure
“Durham University Classical Theatre’s production of ‘Measure for Measure’ hits all the right notes, both comedic and poignant when it needs to be.” Lucy Atkinson enjoys DUCT’s ‘Measure for Measure’.
Review: hang by debbie tucker green
“The Quality of Mercy is not Strained” Oliver Ebeling-Jones is intensely moved by Fourth Wall Company’s production of ‘Hang’ by debbie tucker green.
A Mirror for our times
“I was struck by not only the quality of acting and stage production, but also by how timely it felt”. Stage Editor, Dan Bavister, goes behind the scenes at the West End’s production of “A Mirror”.
Review: The Finalist Showcase 2024
“Each and every one of these talented actors displayed a breadth of dramatic talent across their three pieces.” Ollie Cochran is starstruck by the talent presented at the Finalist Showcase 2024.
Review: HMS PINAFORE by Durham Opera Ensemble
“It is productions like these that maintain a work’s status as a classic” James Gordon is amazed by Durham Opera Ensemble’s performance of HMS Pinafore.
Fashion
Van Mildert Charity Fashion Show: a look behind the curtain
‘The whole event felt very much in the spirit of Van Mildert in that no one took themselves too seriously’: Style Editor Martha Powell reflects on a night to remember.
The secrets behind maintaining my curly hair
“After washing, remember to lock in moisture with a leave in conditioner.” Emily Gray shares her tips for maintaining her curly locks and how she combats frizziness.
Embracing the bodies we have
“My journey towards self-acceptance extended to my wardrobe choices.” Style editor Freya Rogers muses on her relationship with her body and her personal style.
2024 fashion forecast: The ins and outs according to a style savvy student
“Leopard print is in!” Lauren Edwards gives her verdict on what is in and out for 2024 fashion.
DUCFS 2024: The forces behind Europe’s largest student-led fundraiser
Style Editor and DUCFS Creative Ambassador, Freya Rogers, speaks to some of the remarkable students behind this year’s show.
The rich tapestry of Andean textiles
Polina Samotoy explores the traditional threads of Latin America
A love note to my little red dress
“Find yourself a garment this Valentine’s, one that will lock your self-love in time.” Julia Maciazek confesses her love for her favourite red dress
Visual Arts
Canvases of Memory: Street Art in Bogotá
“Street art allows the citizens of Bogotá to reconfigure the past, and to write their own memories”: From her year abroad in Colombia, Rachel Appleton engages on the power and meaning of street art in Bogotá.
Marie Laurencin: depicting the feminine
“Laurencin created beautiful paintings that shone with feminist and lesbian liberation in a time of prevailing modernity.” Indigo Editor Camille Hine explores how despite her evident feminism, Marie Laurencin became an underrepresented French female artist blamed for being not feminist enough.
The authority of native knowledge
Talia Veldtman dicusses indigenous Antillean art; its power and its importance.
J.M.W. Turner’s love affair with Durham
Talia Veldtman explores the works of the English Romantic painter.
Jac Howard’s love letter to Seaham
Margot McDonald writes on the life and artistic practice of local artist, Jac Howard.
Celebrating Japanese arts and culture in Durham
Visual arts editor Lizzie Follows interviews Thomas Mills, president of Anime Society.
The Kyiv Biennial 2023: re-piecing the fragmented
Sophia Constantinou-Hickman writes on the 2023 Kyiv Biennial, investigating its structure and success.
Music
Cache Out: cashing in on the Durham function scene
Orla Compton sat down with Cache Out’s Guitarist Jan, and drummer, James, to discuss their success as a function band
A whistle-stop tour of DUBB on Tour
“I cannot begin to express what an honour it was and is to perform with this group of people”: DUBB vocalist, Alexandra Tyler, gives her personal recount of an unforgettable and indispensable experience on tour with Durham University’s Big Band.
Ailsa Dixon: Durham’s musical revival
“It is an exciting time for redressing the imbalance that saw women composers sidelined”: Sophie Loftus brings light to the works of Durham alumna, Ailsa Dixon, in light of International Women’s Day.
Daniela Andrade’s rich musical portrait
“Man, it’s an incredible thing to be a Latina woman.” Indigo Editor Camille Hine reviews Daniela Andrade’s exploration of her Canadian-Honduran roots.
A chat with ivies
“We all love gigging and the adrenaline rush that comes with it,..” from the iconic Ivies. Read on as contributor, Victoria Ruck interviews the band.
Learning to love in Eliza McLamb’s debut album ‘Going Through It’ (part 2)
“Going Through It is an epic.” Saoirse Pira reflects on the second half of Eliza McLamb’s debut album in part 2 of this review.
Creative Writing
Water Eden
“this is the Eden we make”. Indigo Editor, Camille Hine, sings an ode to Mother Nature inspired by the Kenwood Ladies Pond in Hampstead Heath.
Sometimes
“My sister is nearly As tall as me, but holds My hand in the cinema”: In honour of International Women’s Day contributor Esme Bell highlights female solidarity and the special love of a sister.
The Murder in my Hearth
“And I would paint you red”: A moving confrontation of female rage by contributor Sophie Cook.
Her Ammunition
“They describe her as an ocean of emotions, Yet she orchestrates every wave with ease”: A reflective piece on the power of female rage by contributor Julia Maciazek.
Part of the elite?
“You’re part of the elite now babe”: Contributor Nicole Longstaff pens a scathing critique of the systems in society that exploit its weaker sections for International Women’s Day.
Clean sheets
In this short story based off of the Magdalene Laundries, Rory Maguire glimpses Irish history through the eyes of adolescence.
love me en español
Nicole Ruf pens a gentle note on the difficulties of a multicultural love.
Travel
Trailblazers in travel: celebrating inspiring women shaping the industry
Travel Editor Alice Reynolds highlights some of “the remarkable women shaping and redefining the landscape of the travel industry”
Unique perspectives of Latin America
“Every day in Colombia, left me dreading the day I must leave”, Emily Gray and Rachel Appleton share their wondrous experiences of Latin America
A love letter to summer
“This is a love letter telling the story of our summer romance”, Josie White devotes a Valentines letter to her summer
New Year, New Destination
” I soon found myself researching the many sights that appear entwined in the storyline”, Abbey Hayden describes why this year she wants to visit Florence…
A love Letter to the Pink City
As we approach Valentine’s Day Myrto Kaltsidou dedicates a love letter to Toulouse…
A Durham Student’s Pocket-Guide to a North-West getaway
“Quench your thirst for perambulation”, Ollie McKenna describes his Lake District hikes in his North-West student getaway
Seeing a country from its football stands
“An experience unlike any other”, Henry Robinson paints the passion for football in Argentina
Interview
Anna Holland’s Truth: the Just Stop Oil activist who supposedly ruined Van Gogh’s ‘Sunflowers’
“We’ve been through so much already as a generation, we are a lot more powerful than we give ourselves credit for”. Camille Hine interviews the Just Stop Oil activist who threw soup over Van Gogh’s ‘Sunflowers’
Cache Out: cashing in on the Durham function scene
Orla Compton sat down with Cache Out’s Guitarist Jan, and drummer, James, to discuss their success as a function band
Shedding light on gender-based violence: JSCFS x Halo Project
There is a “misunderstood … collective perception that these issues [of gender-based violence] are just cultural practises”: Charlotte Rodney discusses a unique collaboration between JSCFS and the Durham Student Halo Project
A chat with ivies
“We all love gigging and the adrenaline rush that comes with it,..” from the iconic Ivies. Read on as contributor, Victoria Ruck interviews the band.
Exploring Latin America’s vibrant diversity
“Colombia should not be defined by the tyranny it experienced, but rather the rich culture it possesses.” Read on to see how contributor Emily Gray explores her time abroad in Latin America
The looming 70%
“I have done the digging and gone on an investigative trail to answer that very question.” Read on to see if the infamous 70% statistic is in fact true
Barbara Blake-Hannah: filmmaking, barrier-breaking, and Jamaica on-screen (full interview transcript)
Barbara Blake Hannah in conversation with contributor Stephanie Ormand, covering her career, Jamaican film, and Rasta representation.