MPLS colleagues recognised in Vice-Chancellor’s Awards 2026
Researchers, innovators and professional staff from across the Mathematical, Physical and Life Sciences (MPLS) Division have been recognised in the University of Oxford's Vice-Chancellor’s Awards 2026, celebrating excellence in research, innovation, collaboration and inclusion.
The Vice-Chancellor’s Awards recognise outstanding achievements across the collegiate University, with this year's awards attracting 170 entries and more than 1,000 individuals included in nominations. Winners, highly commended entries and finalists were celebrated at a showcase event held at the Schwarzman Centre on 2 June, followed by an awards ceremony hosted by Vice-Chancellor Professor Irene Tracey on 4 June.
Professor Irene Tracey said:
"This year’s Awards ceremony and showcase celebrated the exceptional people and partnerships that underpin Oxford’s success and impact, highlighting the creativity, dedication and ambition that is evident across our University community. I was delighted to meet colleagues and collaborators from across Oxford and beyond, and to celebrate their outstanding achievements in the new Schwarzman Centre for the Humanities."
Categories:
Awards for colleagues who have undertaken high-quality research and innovation:
MPLS colleagues were recognised across several categories celebrating research and discovery.
In the Research and Discovery category, the Department of Computer Science's Quantum Theory in Pictures project was highly commended. The initiative uses pictorial mathematics to make quantum theory accessible to learners worldwide, enabling audiences to understand advanced concepts without requiring advanced mathematics.
Winner of the Research Culture Award 2026: Research Culture Toolkit (©John Cairns Photography)
Research Culture Award:
Recognising those who have contributed to a positive, inclusive, and equitable research culture.
The University-wide Research Culture Toolkit, which includes contributions from colleagues across Oxford, won the Research Culture Award. The project provides a consistent approach to identifying, sharing and supporting good practice in research culture.
Breakthrough Researcher Award
Recognises researchers at the early stages of their careers who have made a significant impact at the University.
Two MPLS researchers were also named finalists in the Breakthrough Researcher Award category. Adel Bibi (Department of Engineering Science) was recognised for his work on agentic AI safety and security, while James Matthews (Department of Physics) was shortlisted for opening research pathways through summer internships.
Impact through Innovation
Recognising individuals and teams who harness innovative thinking, technology, and collaboration to deliver measurable impact and sustainable change.
Commercialisation and Entrepreneurship Award: recognising ventures that have translated research-based ideas into market-ready products or services.
Winners of the Commercialisation and Entrepreneurship Award 2026: OrganOx (©John Cairns Photography)
OrganOx, a spinout company based on Oxford research into organ preservation technology, won the Commercialisation and Entrepreneurship Award. The technology has helped save more than 8,000 lives worldwide and achieved a landmark commercial exit valued at $1.5 billion.
Winner of the Collaboration for Innovation Award 2026: AutoInspect (©John Cairns Photography)
The Collaboration for Innovation Award was awarded to AutoInspect, a project led by the Department of Engineering Science. Developed in collaboration with external partners, AutoInspect enables robots to safely inspect industrial facilities, including nuclear power plants.
A further MPLS success came in the same category, with SCGC-FIRST, led by Professor Dermot O'Hare from the Department of Chemistry, receiving a highly commended award for its innovative approach to equitable industry collaboration focused on global sustainability challenges.
Leadership through Partnership
Awards for colleagues who have made an impact through collaboration:
The Department of Physics' Comprehensive Oxford Maths and Physics Online School (COMPOS) received a highly commended award in the Local Community Engagement Award category. The programme provides free mentoring and advanced mathematics and physics tuition to talented students through a long-term outreach initiative.
The Wildlife Conservation Research Unit (WildCRU) in the Department of Biology won the Making a Difference Globally Award. The unit was recognised for sharing Oxford expertise around the world to strengthen local capacity, support sustainable livelihoods, influence policy and improve coexistence between people and wildlife.
Commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Award:
Recognising colleagues who role model equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) through their work, and have made a difference to EDI at Oxford.
The RisingWISE team receiving their award from the Vice-Chancellor
The MPLS-led RisingWISE programme won the Commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Award. RisingWISE supports women STEMM early career researchers by broadening networks, developing skills and exploring new career opportunities, helping participants realise their full potential.
Karen Brill in the MPLS Divisional Office was a member of the team recognised In the Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Outstanding Contribution for the building and opening of The Stephen A. Schwarzman Centre for the Humanities on time and on budget.
Images: John Cairns Photography