New AI-powered tool could enhance forensic investigations of traumatic brain injuries
26 February 2025
A study led by researchers from the Department of Engineering Science has developed an advanced physics-based AI-driven tool to aid traumatic brain injury (TBI) investigations in forensics and law enforcement.
IOI awards £5m to Oxford consortium to develop new therapies for drug-resistant tuberculosis
26 February 2025
The IOI has awarded £5 million to a group of 17 interdisciplinary researchers from the University to develop new therapies for drug-resistant tuberculosis.
IOI awarded £1m from PACE to develop a new antibiotic
21 February 2025
The Ineos Oxford Institute for antimicrobial research (IOI) has been awarded £1 million from Pathways to Antimicrobial Clinical Efficacy (PACE) to develop a new class of antibiotics based on a β-lactam-free small molecule transpeptidase inhibitor.
New study shows how AI can help prepare the world for the next pandemic
20 February 2025
In a perspective paper published in Nature, scientists across Africa, America, Asia, Australia, and Europe outline for the first time how Artificial Intelligence can transform the landscape of infectious disease research and improve pandemic preparedness.
Winners of the 2024/25 MPLS Awards for Outstanding Research Supervision announced
19 February 2025
Ten research group leaders across the Division have been recognised with awards for their exceptional commitment to mentoring and supporting colleagues. Each recipient has shown outstanding dedication to inspiring others and creating an environment where people can thrive and advance in their careers.
Professor Sir Peter Bruce Elected to the Prestigious Leopoldina, German National Academy of Sciences
19 February 2025
Professor Sir Peter Bruce has been elected a member of the Leopoldina, the German National Academy of Sciences. This honour recognises Professor Bruce's exceptional contributions to scientific research and his esteemed stature within the international scientific community.
New study highlights ways to future-proof cocoa production
17 February 2025
A new research study led by researchers in the Department of Biology demonstrates that sustainable agricultural practices that both protect pollinator populations and mitigate climate risks could help secure – and even improve – global cocoa yields.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe awarded the University's Sheldon Medal
7 February 2025
Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Chairman of INEOS, has been presented with the Sheldon Medal by the University of Oxford in recognition of the company’s exceptionally generous support for research into antimicrobial resistance.
First distributed quantum algorithm brings quantum supercomputers closer
6 February 2025
A breakthrough from researchers at the Department of Physics addresses quantum’s ‘scalability problem’: a quantum computer powerful enough to be capable of processing millions of qubits.
Professor Sir Nigel Shadbolt appointed to the UK Government’s Council for Science and Technology
4 February 2025
Professor Shadbolt from the Department of Computer Science will join seven other new members who will advise on strategic science and technology policy issues that cut across the responsibilities of individual government departments.
Empowering the Next Generation of Physicists: The Denys Firth Scholarship Launched with £1.52M Endowment
3 February 2025
The Mathematical, Physical, and Life Sciences (MPLS) Division at the University of Oxford is delighted to announce the establishment of the Denys Firth Scholarship in Theoretical Physics, made possible by a generous gift from Denys Firth (Oriel College, 1969, Physics).
Researchers develop new method to identify fake Covid-19 vaccines
30 January 2025
Researchers at the University of Oxford and their collaborators, including the Serum Institute of India, have developed an innovative method to identify falsified vaccines without opening the vaccine vial.
From The Conversation: The global plant trade is spreading invasive species to Europe
29 January 2025
Amy Hinsley, Senior Research Fellow in the Department of Biology, and Silviu Petrovan, Senior Research Associate at the University of Cambridge, investigate the risks involved in the increasing trade in trees, cut flowers, pot plants, bulbs and foliage.
Researchers confirm the existence of an exoplanet in the habitable zone
28 January 2025
The planet was originally detected two years ago by Oxford University scientist Dr Michael Cretignier. This result, drawing on over two decades of observations, opens a window to future studies of Earth-like exoplanets that may have conditions suitable for life.
Study shows plants are more likely to be ‘eavesdroppers’ than altruists when tapping into underground networks
28 January 2025
Instead of using their communication networks to transmit warning signals, the Department of Biology led findings suggest it is more likely that plants ‘eavesdrop’ on their neighbours.
Professors Christl Donnelly and Alain Goriely Awarded Visiting Miller Professorships at Berkeley
24 January 2025
Professor Christl Donnelly and Professor Alain Goriely have been awarded Visiting Miller Professorships at the University of California, Berkeley, in early 2026.
Trailblazing Sustainability and Innovation: Announcing the 2024 SCGC-FIRST Awards Recipients
21 January 2025
The SCG Chemicals (SCGC)-FIRST Prioritisation Panel has revealed the recipients of the second round of SCGC-FIRST Awards, showcasing exceptional research driving innovation and sustainability across the MPLS Division. This year’s awardees tackle some of the world’s most pressing challenges, from plastic waste to energy efficiency and renewable technologies.
From The Conversation: Ethiopian earthquakes and volcanic eruptions - an earth scientist explains the link
20 January 2025
Ethiopia has been hit by several earthquakes and tremors since the beginning of 2025. The earthquakes have sparked fears of volcanic eruptions because they are happening near two active volcanoes. Amdemichael Tadesse, Postdoctoral Fellow in the Department of Earth Sciences, explains what’s happening below the earth’s surface.
In The Conversation: Lynx in Scotland – why illegal attempts to reintroduce lost species are surprisingly common
16 January 2025
For more than 500 years, no lynx had roamed the British countryside. That changed with the recent release of four of these large cats in the Cairngorm mountains of Scotland.