Academics rewarded for world-changing research

Durham University researchers were rewarded for their world-changing research at the University's inaugural Impact and Engagement Awards. The University celebrated outstanding research that has delivered impact beyond academia by influencing cultural beliefs, building communities and changing the way we live our lives. The awards were opened by the University's Vice-Chancellor, Professor Stuart Corbridge, and presented by Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research), Professor Claire Warwick, and received over 45 applications from the Faculties of Arts and Humanities , Science and Social Sciences and Health. University award winners The judging panel, which was made up of University academics and representatives from external organisations, reviewed applications relating to a diverse range of research activities, from an interactive exhibition on the formation of the universe to changing the way parents are advised to put their babies to bed. The highest accolade, the University Award, was presented to two winners. Dr Abir Hamdar, from the School of Modern Languages and Culture , was presented with the award for a play she wrote and co-produced, titled 'I am waiting for you' . The play is based on interviews with Arab cancer patients and in consultation with oncologists at the cancer institute of the American University of Beirut Medical Centre and is part of a broader ambition to raise cultural awareness of talking about cancer in the Middle East.