Oxford is a truly international university, bringing together the best and brightest minds from around the world. Our 13,000 staff and 22,000 students come from a wide range of backgrounds and over 140 countries and territories, making Oxford a diverse and dynamic place to work and study. We believe our strengths lie in empowering our academics and students to address fundamental questions of global significance, while providing all members of the University with a welcoming and inclusive environment that enables individuals to achieve their best work.
Oxford is a truly international university, bringing together the best and brightest minds from around the world. Our 13,000 staff and 22,000 students come from a wide range of backgrounds and over 140 countries and territories, making Oxford a diverse and dynamic place to work and study. We believe our strengths lie in empowering our academics and students to address fundamental questions of global significance, while providing all members of the University with a welcoming and inclusive environment that enables individuals to achieve their best work.
Astrophoria is a one-year fully funded programme for UK state school students with significant academic potential, who have experienced severe personal disadvantage or disrupted education.Rhys Story (Crankstart Scholarships)University of Oxford2024-10-16 | Rhys, an Oxford graduate, discusses his route to medicine - and how a Crankstart scholarship made it possible.
Established in 2012, the Crankstart Scholarship provides enhanced support to UK residents from lower-income households who are studying for their first undergraduate degree, including generous bursary support and access to funded internships.Samuels Story (UNIQ summer schools)University of Oxford2024-10-15 | Samuel, working on the UNIQ summer school, talks of his own experience with the programme and the difference it made.
Offering around 1,300 places each year, the majority including a residential in Oxford, UNIQ is our flagship outreach programme for UK state school students in their first year of higher education. It also supports the continuation of the exciting academic journeys begun on BeUNIQ.Rufaros Story (UNIQ summer schools)University of Oxford2024-10-14 | Rufaro, working on the UNIQ summer school, talks of her own experience with the programme and the difference it made.
Offering around 1,300 places each year, the majority including a residential in Oxford, UNIQ is our flagship outreach programme for UK state school students in their first year of higher education. It also supports the continuation of the exciting academic journeys begun on BeUNIQ.Hannahs Story (UNIQ summer schools)University of Oxford2024-10-11 | Hannah, working on the UNIQ summer school, talks of her own experience with the programme and the difference it made.
Offering around 1,300 places each year, the majority including a residential in Oxford, UNIQ is our flagship outreach programme for UK state school students in their first year of higher education. It also supports the continuation of the exciting academic journeys begun on BeUNIQ.Researcher Stories: Reducing reoffendingUniversity of Oxford2024-10-09 | Find out how Martha Newson and Harvey Whitehouse work together with the UK’s Ministry of Justice, His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service and major British football clubs to investigate how football identities could be harnessed to improve behaviour in prison and reduce reoffending through the charity The Twinning Project.
She speaks to Nick Hawes, Director of the Oxford Robotics Institute, and Ingmar Posner, who is Professor of Robotics and the Institute’s co-founder. She wrestles a robot with post-doctorate researcher Alex Mitchell, and learns about robot sensing with Perla Maiolino and Maurice Fallon. Nick and Irene talk about the institute’s future, and how the hard work of robotics affects recruitment to the sector and the prospects for robots in our homes.
#roboticsSix Oxford traditions to ask us about during our Open Days #oxforduniversityUniversity of Oxford2024-09-19 | Oxford is famous for its traditions, but they can be a bit confusing! Why not come to our Open Day on Friday 20 September and let our student guides answer your questions about life at the University? 🧑🎓📚🏫
Oxford is a truly international university, bringing together the best and brightest minds from around the world. Our 13,000 staff and 22,000 students come from a wide range of backgrounds and over 140 countries and territories, making Oxford a diverse and dynamic place to work and study. We believe our strengths lie in empowering our academics and students to address fundamental questions of global significance, while providing all members of the University with a welcoming and inclusive environment that enables individuals to achieve their best work.
Follow Oxford University Twitter: twitter.com/UniofOxford Facebook: facebook.com/the.university.of.oxford Instagram: instagram.com/oxford_uni LinkedIn: linkedin.com/school/oxforduni Medium: medium.com/oxford-university Weibo: http://e.weibo.com/OxfordUniThe subjects studied at Oxford University in the 17th century #oxfordlife #oxforduniversityUniversity of Oxford2024-09-16 | Oxford is a truly international university, bringing together the best and brightest minds from around the world. Our 13,000 staff and 22,000 students come from a wide range of backgrounds and over 140 countries and territories, making Oxford a diverse and dynamic place to work and study. We believe our strengths lie in empowering our academics and students to address fundamental questions of global significance, while providing all members of the University with a welcoming and inclusive environment that enables individuals to achieve their best work.
Jesus College's Dr Matt Williams reveals the two Ps to consider when writing a UCAS personal statement.Biotracks: Tracking Bees With DronesUniversity of Oxford2024-08-12 | Insects and bird populations are in rapid decline, seriously impacting global ecosystems and international food security. To help solve the problem we need a detailed understanding of what is happening to our pollinators.
But how do you track a bee?
Dr Tonya Lander and her cross-department team at the Oxford University Biology department and the Department of Engineering Science have been investigating.
Their BioTracks technology has an answer: the smallest ever harmonic radar tags.
This technology could improve our understanding of insect and bird migration as well opening up a world of exciting new future applications.
Video made by Angel Sharp Media Ltd.Everything you need to know about Oxfords really old wallsUniversity of Oxford2024-08-02 | Prof William Whyte takes us on another wonderful tour around the city.
With thanks to The Stores and Oxford Castle and Prison.Rosy smiles at Oxford University graduationUniversity of Oxford2024-07-25 | Congratulations to everyone who has graduated this week! 🎓
#OxfordGradHes the goat 🐐 - Oxford University students reveal their favourite singerUniversity of Oxford2024-06-21 | On #WorldMusicDay, Oxford University students tell us who their favourite singer is.Honorary Degrees Awarded at Encaenia 2024University of Oxford2024-06-20 | Recipients of honorary degrees at Oxford University’s Encaenia ceremony on 19 June 2024 represent economics, literature, comedy, technology, computer science, cardiology and music. They are Warren East, Sir Demis Hassabis, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Sir Michael Palin, Anoushka Shankar and Professor Salim Yusuf.
Find out more: ox.ac.uk/news/2024-06-19-honorary-degrees-awarded-encaenia-2024Old News: The Architecture of Oxford IIUniversity of Oxford2024-06-06 | Oxford University is full of really old buildings called 'New'. Prof William Whyte takes us on another quick history lesson.Oxford Universitys Bodleian Library has a book made of CHEESEUniversity of Oxford2024-06-04 | '20 Slices' by Ben Denzer is a book made from shelf-stable, plastic-wrapped slices of American cheese!Oxford professor reveals myths about sleepUniversity of Oxford2024-03-15 | ❌ You need 8 hours of sleep ❌ Tablets and alcohol help you sleep ❌ Blue light will keep you more awake ❌ Melatonin is a sleep hormone ❌ You need beauty sleep
Prof Russell Foster reveals six myths about sleep.
#WorldSleepDay #SleepDay #SleepExpert #OxfordUni #OxfordUniversity #SleepHacks #SleepPsychology #OxfordExpert #OxfordAcademic #Myths #SleepMythsOxford University professor: How do you know if youre not getting enough sleep?University of Oxford2024-03-15 | Oxford University's Prof Russell Foster shares the signs you need to be aware of if you feel you're not getting enough sleep.
#WorldSleepDayA misty morning in OxfordUniversity of Oxford2024-03-06 | Wondering through Oxford on a winter's day 🌫️Prof. Geoffrey Hinton - Will digital intelligence replace biological intelligence? Romanes LectureUniversity of Oxford2024-02-29 | Professor Geoffrey Hinton, CC, FRS, FRSC, the ‘Godfather of AI’, delivered Oxford's annual Romanes Lecture at the Sheldonian Theatre on Monday, 19 February 2024.
The public lecture entitled ‘Will digital intelligence replace biological intelligence?’ discussed the dangers of artificial intelligence (AI) and how to ensure it does not take control of humans, and consequently, wipe out humanity. He said that the fact that digital intelligence is immortal and does not evolve should make it less susceptible to religion and wars, but ‘if a digital super-intelligence ever wanted to take control it is unlikely that we could stop it,’ he added.
The British-Canadian computer scientist and cognitive psychologist also spoke of how AI could replace humans in the workforce and how it could be used to spread misinformation. He had previously believed that it could take AI systems up to a century to become ‘super intelligent’. He now thinks that it could happen much sooner than he had anticipated.
The Romanes Lecture is the annual public lecture of the University. A most distinguished public figure from the arts, science or literature is invited by special invitation of the Vice-Chancellor. The lecture was created in 1891, following an offer by George John Romanes of Christ Church to fund an annual lecture, and the first lecture was given in 1892 by William Gladstone. ox.ac.uk/news-and-events/The-University-Year/romanes-lectureThe Secret Forest Beneath the Trees | Wytham WoodsUniversity of Oxford2024-02-23 | People don’t usually describe plants as ‘moving’ organisms. We often think of landscapes like woodlands as changing little year-to-year, but that’s due to our perception.
Plants exist on a different timeline. Human life, to them, is on fast-forward.
Over long periods (and even some shorter ones), plants move around a great deal, but we didn’t always have evidence for this. Luckily, renowned researcher Keith Kirby shows how Wytham Woods can demonstrate the way plants travel.
On a ramble through the brambles, we’ll learn about the longest record of woodland ground flora change in Britain, and why Keith’s amazing data set continues to be vital for researchers worldwide.
More from the Laboratory with Leaves video series: www.ox.ac.uk/wythamWine and the effect of ClimateUniversity of Oxford2024-02-19 | What makes good wine? 🍷
Andrew Wood explains how the change climates are impacting wines in Bordeaux. 👀
#WineResearch #Viticulture #OxfordResearch #Wine #BordeauxWineThe Oxford riot...over the quality of wineUniversity of Oxford2024-02-10 | #OnThisDay in 1355, the St Scholastica Day Riot took place in Oxford.
The riot, which lasted for three days, began after two Oxford students complained about the quality of the wine served to them at the Swindlestock Tavern.Bizarre, egg-laying mammal finally rediscovered after 60 yearsUniversity of Oxford2024-02-09 | More than sixty years after it was last recorded, an expedition team has rediscovered an iconic, egg-laying mammal in one of the most unexplored regions of the world. Attenborough's long-beaked echidna, named after famed broadcaster Sir David Attenborough, was captured for the first time in photos and video footage using remote trail cameras set up in the Cyclops Mountains of Indonesia's Papua Province.
Alongside the echidna's rediscovery, the expedition – a partnership between the University of Oxford, Indonesian NGO Yayasan Pelayanan Papua Nenda (YAPPENDA), Cenderawasih University (UNCEN), Papua BBKSDA, and the National Research and Innovation Agency of Indonesia (BRIN), Re:Wild – made many other remarkable finds. These included Mayr's honeyeater, a bird lost to science since 2008; an entirely new genus of tree-dwelling shrimp; countless new species of insects; and a previously unknown cave system. This was despite the difficulties posed by extremely inhospitable terrain, including venomous animals, blood-sucking leeches, malaria, earthquakes, and exhausting heat.
One of the world's most unusual mammals finally caught on film Recorded by science only once in 1961, Attenborough's long-beaked echidna is a monotreme: an evolutionarily distinct group of egg-laying mammals that includes the platypus. This echidna species is so special because it is one of only five remaining species of monotremes, the sole guardians of this remarkable branch of the tree of life. Echidnas are notoriously difficult to find since they are nocturnal, live in burrows, and tend to be very shy. Attenborough's long-beaked echidna has never been recorded anywhere outside the Cyclops Mountains, and is currently classified as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.Lord Patten of Barnes announces his retirement as Chancellor of the University of OxfordUniversity of Oxford2024-02-05 | A message from Oxford Chancellor, The Rt Hon the Lord Patten of Barnes.
Learn more about the office of Chancellor: ox.ac.uk/about/organisation/university-officers/chancellorDr Hedgehog and the Robot LawnmowersUniversity of Oxford2024-02-02 | Researchers led by the University of Oxford have developed a new test to assess how dangerous robotic lawnmowers are to hedgehogs. They hope this will lead to a certification scheme that will allow consumers to choose ‘hedgehog-friendly’ mowers to help protect these lovable mammals.
Lead researcher Dr Sophie Lund Rasmussen (University of Oxford), also known as ‘Dr Hedgehog’, said: ‘There is an urgent need to identify and phase out models of robotic lawnmowers that pose a threat to hedgehogs. Our new standardised safety test will greatly aid hedgehog conservation, by enabling manufacturers of robotic lawnmowers to ensure their models are “hedgehog friendly” before they are put on the market.’
Learn more about the Wildlife Conservation Research Unit: wildcru.org Learn more about Biology at Oxford: biology.ox.ac.uk/homeWhat does AI mean for society?University of Oxford2024-01-30 | ...The bizarre things Oxford University students got up to in medieval timesUniversity of Oxford2024-01-04 | - Student expelled for playing tennis in public - Students disciplined for saying 'hey you' to tutors - Weird rituals - Exuberant costumes to settle land disputes
Prof Hannah Skoda reveals some of the quirky things Oxford students got up to in medieval times.
#NationalTriviaDayHealing touch: working in hospitals to ease infant painUniversity of Oxford2024-01-03 | A story about the collaboration between Oxford Researchers and Neonatal charity Bliss, to tell parents of premature babies about the therapeutic power of human touch.Graecum est! A Christmas tale with Professor William WhyteUniversity of Oxford2023-12-23 | Every Christmas at the Queen's College, there is a ceremony that involves carrying a boar's head in a crown while singing a song about it.
What's that all about? Professor William Whyte explains the boaring story that -- let's be honest -- probably didn't happen.
With thanks to the Provost and Fellows of The Queen’s College and the Choir of The Queen’s College, filmed here in 2022 by Apple and Biscuit Recordings, with soloist Ben Watkins.The Perfect (Multisensory) Christmas MealUniversity of Oxford2023-12-11 | Head of the Crossmodal Research Lab Professor Charles Spence offers his top tips for the perfect Christmas Meal, after 25 year of gastrophysical tinkering.
Michel, C., Velasco, C. & Spence, C. Cutlery matters: heavy cutlery enhances diners’ enjoyment of the food served in a realistic dining environment. Flavour 4, 26 (2015). doi.org/10.1186/s13411-015-0036-y
Velasco, C., Balboa, D., Marmolejo-Ramos, F. & Spence, C. Crossmodal effect of music and odor pleasantness on olfactory quality perception Frontiers in Psychology 5, (2014) doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2014.01352
With thanks to Somerville College, Oxford.Oxford University formal Christmas dinnerUniversity of Oxford2023-12-05 | Oxmas dinner at Worcester College, Oxford 🎄🍽️
Oxmas refers to Christmas at Oxford, which starts on 25 November - exactly one month before Christmas day.
🎬 Instagram | ObservingOxfordRizz named Word the Year 2023 by Oxford University PressUniversity of Oxford2023-12-04 | CONFIRMED: The Oxford University Press Word of the Year 2023 is...
Rizz
(n.) style, charm, or attractiveness; the ability to attract a romantic or sexual partner.
#WOTY23What does AI mean for the environment?University of Oxford2023-11-20 | The generation of new technologies doesn’t come without an environmental impact. But how is AI affecting the environment, and could AI help us to reach our climate goals?
John Tasioulas is Professor of Ethics and Legal Philosophy in the Faculty of Philosophy and Director of the Institute for Ethics in AI.
As with most things to do with AI, Professor Tasioulas highlights that there are two sides to the story when it comes to AI’s impact on the environment.
Training a large language model (LLM), for example, emits as much carbon as multiple cars do over their lifetime – and that’s just training it once.
AI could, however, be used to monitor compliance with climate-related treaties, Professor Tasioulas suggests.
ox.ac.uk/aiWhat does AI mean for global health & human wellbeing?University of Oxford2023-11-15 | The use of AI in healthcare could see vast benefits for patients and is only going to increase in volume as the technology is applied in new and innovative ways.
But what are the pitfalls of such applications, and how can we keep individuals, and global populations, safe when using artificial intelligence?
Angeliki Kerasidou, Associate Professor in Bioethics at the Ethox Centre, explains.
ox.ac.uk/aiWhat does AI mean for governance?University of Oxford2023-11-14 | AI can be used to do so many different things in so many different fields – but not always for good, or for the benefit of society.
That’s why it’s so important to ensure that good governance is in place for AI and other emerging technologies.
Brent Mittelstadt is the Oxford Internet Institute’s Director of Research, an Associate Professor and Senior Research Fellow.
ox.ac.uk/aiWhat does AI mean for democracy?University of Oxford2023-11-09 | With an ever-increasing use of artificial intelligence, a constant cycle of fake news and personalised propaganda – what impact will AI have on democracy?
Carissa Véliz is an Associate Professor in Philosophy at the Institute for Ethics in AI, where she researches privacy, the ethics of AI, and public policy.
Professor Véliz explains that our democratic rights and freedoms are bound to be impacted by AI because it is such a powerful tool.
ox.ac.uk/aiThe Wytham Tit Project – Revisited | Wytham WoodsUniversity of Oxford2023-11-06 | Founded in 1947, the Wytham Tit Project tracks blue tits and great tits in a deciduous woodland with 1,209 nest boxes. In this video, you'll hear from the experts themselves, including Professor Ben Sheldon, Sam Crofts, Lucy Morley, and Keith McMahon.
Discover how these birds adapt to climate change, breeding earlier each year with the effects of climate change, and how to team use advanced tech like RFID tags and drones to study the birds' interactions with trees and insects.
Join the research team to uncover the delicate balance between these elements and their response to a changing world. This research isn't just local—it holds global significance for understanding ecological impacts of climate change. Watch now to get a glimpse of nature's intricate web.
More on the project: http://wythamtits.comWhat does the future hold for AI?University of Oxford2023-11-05 | Will robots take over the world or will an AI take my job? The answer is, it’s complicated.
John Tasioulas, Professor of Ethics and Legal Philosophy in the Faculty of Philosophy and Director of the Institute for Ethics in AI, stresses the need for global safeguards agreed on between countries — including non-democratic ones — to avoid the worst possible impacts of AI.
Professor Michael Bronstein, however, is optimistic about the capabilities of AI technologies to transform society and change our lives for the good, and imagines AI will augment human capabilities rather than replace them.
ox.ac.uk/aiWhat is the Turing Test?University of Oxford2023-11-04 | You may have heard the Turing test mentioned when it comes to assessing whether AI has a mind of its own - but what is it, and has an AI passed the test before?
Carissa Véliz, Associate Professor at the Faculty of Philosophy and the Institute for Ethics in AI, explains.
🎬 Instagram | backtobridesheadHow does AI learn?University of Oxford2023-11-02 | What does it mean when someone says an AI has learnt something?
Sandra Wachter is Professor of Technology and Regulation at the Oxford Internet Institute, where she researches the legal and ethical implications of AI and regulation of online platforms.
ox.ac.uk/aiWhat are the different types of AI?University of Oxford2023-11-01 | Deep Learning. Machine Learning. Generative AI.
Are they the same thing? What's the difference?
Michael Bronstein, the DeepMind Professor of AI at the Department of Computer Science, and Michael Osborne, Professor of Machine Learning at the Department of Engineering Science, take us through these various different terms.
ox.ac.uk/aiWhat does AI mean?University of Oxford2023-11-01 | We've all likely heard the phrase 'artificial intelligence' or come across a mention of 'AI'. But what does it actually mean?
Michael Osborne, Professor of Machine Learning at the Department of Engineering Science, is an expert in developing intelligent algorithms that can make sense of big data.
Experts at Oxford are developing fundamental AI tools, using AI to tackle global challenges, and addressing the ethical issues of new technologies.
AI is everywhere and everyone's talking about it.
Find out what AI means and how it's impacting our society from world-leading experts, and discover the groundbreaking ways artificial intelligence is being applied at Oxford.
🎬 Instagram | Lucies_Oxford_Camera, EstherJohnsonPhotography & CharlieLukeFirthOxford Psychiatrist: Six ways to manage your mental healthUniversity of Oxford2023-10-11 | ✅ Commit to a routine 🎨 Be creative 🤝 Connect with other people 🌳 Spend time outside 🎾 Exercise 📵 Spend less time on screens
Psychiatrist Dr Rebecca Syed shares six ways to manage your mental health.
#WorldMentalHealthDayWHO recommends Oxford vaccine against malariaUniversity of Oxford2023-10-02 | Oxford's R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine has been proven highly effective. It has been trialled in Burkina Faso, Kenya, Mali and Tanzania.
The WHO has recommended the vaccine for use in countries around the world. Agreements are in place to deliver hundreds of millions of doses.
Malaria kills hundreds of thousands every year, mostly young children. R21/Matrix-M could reduce that great loss, alongside existing malaria controls.African Research, Oxford VaccineUniversity of Oxford2023-10-02 | Researchers in Tanzania talk about what drives them to work on the R21 Matrix-M malaria vaccine, on the journey to save lives among children in Africa.