Welcome to July’s edition of Dialogue magazine.
With Congregation in full swing, there are also lots of other things going on around the University. As a follow up from our story about our Mental Health First Aiders (MHFAs), Dialogue has been in conversation Sylvie Donna and Siska Herron, who have volunteered to be MHFAs after their involvement in supporting staff and students over the years.
You can also find out about: the involvement of one of our academics from the Department of Engineering as part of an international team of researchers which created the most efficient single-junction organic solar cell; how Durham’s staff benefits scheme can help you save money; and how we’ve donated 18 pianos to local community groups across County Durham to help spread the joy and benefits of music.
Dialogue also discovers how staff volunteers are at the heart of the community and how you can get involved to give back to our local communities.
Also, with the Durham City Run Festival just round the corner, you can catch up with members of our University community who are taking to the cobbles in aid of a Durham-based breast cancer support group.
Why not start a conversation about one of our many articles? You can share our stories via social media and also comment on each individual article.
Please continue to share your stories with us at: dialogue@durham.ac.uk.
Highlights
Celebrating cultural heritage and creative futures
County Durham was recently shortlisted for the UK Government’s UK City of Culture title for 2025. We were a key partner on the bid, working closely alongside Durham County Council and Culture Durham.
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Summer delight
This summer will be a real celebration as we host our largest number of congregations yet.
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University awarded £1.6m to accelerate bright ideas into global opportunities
We have been awarded £1.6m by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) to jumpstart knowledge exchange, translation and commercialisation.
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Discover my world
Researchers create most efficient organic solar cell certified to date
Dr Roderick Mackenzie, from our Department of Engineering, has been a part of an international research team which has created the most efficient single-junction organic solar cell certified to date.
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New study indicates worrying ice loss in West Antarctica
Two major glaciers in West Antarctica may be losing ice faster than they have in at least the last 5,000 years.
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Durham inspires
Durham Pride
This year’s Pride took place on Sunday 29 May. St Chad’s Chapel opened its doors for guests to the Pride Service, which was broadcast to 700,000 listeners in 127 countries.
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Do you want to get financially fitter this summer?
With rising prices in the shops and on the garage forecourts, the University has a range of support that could help you get financially fitter for the summer.
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My Greenspace
The Greenspace Movement is growing with over 50 new members signed up. The My Greenspace website and our mobile app will show you what sustainable actions you can take and the positive impact they will have.
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Mental Health First Aiders offer support for colleagues
As you might have seen in May’s Dialogue Magazine, we’ve launched a brand new programme to support staff who might be facing issues with their mental health.
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Piano donation is music to the ears for community groups
We’ve donated 18 pianos to local community groups across County Durham to help spread the joy and benefits of music.
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Giving back to our local communities
Volunteers are at the heart of the community. They are behind many of the services we all rely on.
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Insights
Durham City 10K for breast cancer
July will see the return of the Durham City Run Festival and the University is supporting the event as a major partner. The festival will take place on Friday 15 and Saturday 16 July, with events throughout the city and at our venues.
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Staff blogs and vlogs – are you in?
Did you know that on average, human-interest stories perform six times better than other social media content?
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