Study shows that island bats are valuable allies for farmers
17 April 2024
The 17th April is international bat appreciation day and a new study has highlighted how these secretive mammals can be valuable allies for farmers, by feeding on important agricultural pests. The findings demonstrate that encouraging bat species can be a win-win for both conservation efforts and local farmers.
Breakthrough promises secure quantum computing at home
11 April 2024
The full power of next-generation quantum computing could soon be harnessed by millions of individuals and companies, thanks to a breakthrough by scientists at Oxford University Physics guaranteeing security and privacy.
Two ‘outstanding research leaders’ in MPLS Division awarded major European Research Council grants
11 April 2024
In total, four University of Oxford researchers, two of whom are from MPLS, have been awarded ERC Advanced Grants of up to €2.5 million each to explore their most innovative and ambitious ideas. These grants recognise leading researchers who have a proven track record of significant achievements.
Dr Chris Ballance, quantum computing’s up-and-coming star
9 April 2024
Profile of Dr Chris Ballance, Future Leaders Fellow at Oxford University Physics, who is at the forefront of the field of quantum computing, from the initial blue-sky ideas through to leading high-performance quantum systems that are solving real problems.
More social birds are more adventurous feeders, study finds
4 April 2024
A new study led by researchers at the University of Oxford has found that birds that are more social are more likely to use novel sources of food. The findings have been published in iScience.
Recipients of the inaugural SCGC–FIRST awards announced
27 March 2024
Chemistry Engineering Funding Materials science
SCGC-FIRST is a major new award scheme to develop novel ideas and nascent research from Oxford’s laboratories into environmental sustainability solutions for the global chemicals industry. The four chosen projects exemplify innovation and promise to accelerate sustainable technology development.
Colistin resistant bacteria found in mothers and newborn babies in Nigeria
27 March 2024
Antimicrobial resistance Medical science Research
Researchers from the Ineos Oxford Institute for antimicrobial research (IOI) and Cardiff University have found evidence that bacteria resistant to colistin, a last-resort antibiotic, were present in mothers and babies under a week old in Nigeria in 2016, despite limited clinical use of colistin at that time in the country.
Can we truly align AI with human values?
27 March 2024
A Q&A with Brian Christian, an acclaimed American author and researcher who explores the human and societal implications of computer science. Brian talks about the latest chapter of his career journey: starting a DPhil (PhD) at the University of Oxford to grapple with the challenge of designing AI programs that truly align with human values.
Study finds that bees need food up to a month earlier than provided by recommended pollinator plants
26 March 2024
Biology Food security & biodiversity Research
New research from the Universities of Oxford and Exeter has revealed that plant species recommended as ‘pollinator friendly’ in Europe begin flowering up to a month too late in the spring to effectively contribute to wild bee conservation.
Dr Sara Keller receives L’Oréal-UNESCO Women in Science Rising Talent fellowship for Engineering
25 March 2024
Dr Sara Keller, from Oxford University’s Department of Engineering Science, has been awarded a 2024 Rising Talent Award from the L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women In Science programme. The initiative recognises exceptional early career women scientists in the UK and Ireland.
Dr Nikita Hari selected as member of UK Young Academy
25 March 2024
Dr Hari, who joined the Department of Engineering Science in February, was one of 32 emerging leaders selected for the network of early career researchers and professionals helping to tackle local and global issues and promote meaningful change.
Major new project will harness AI to transform how zero-emission buildings are designed
22 March 2024
Engineering Physics Research Sustainability & the environment
Researchers from the Departments of Engineering Science and Physics are to join the ZEBAI project. The major new initiative, backed by the European Commission Horizon Programme, aims to revolutionise the way Zero-Emission buildings are designed.
From The Conversation: Six innovative ways to float skyscraper-sized wind turbines
21 March 2024
Engineering Sustainability & the environment The Conversation
For the new frontier of offshore wind power, the focus is on floating wind turbines – turbines supported by floating structures that bob and sway in response to waves and wind and are moored with chains and anchored to the seafloor.
AI ethics are ignoring children, say Oxford researchers
21 March 2024
AI and data science Computer science Research
Researchers from the Oxford Martin Programme on Ethical Web and Data Architectures (EWADA) and Department of Computer Science have called for a more considered approach when embedding ethical principles in the development and governance of AI for children.
Nine MPLS projects shortlisted for the Vice-Chancellor's Awards 2024
20 March 2024
Congratulations to all those from MPLS Division who have made the shortlist for these awards. The winners will be announced in May.
Oxford researchers uncover remarkable archive of ancient human brains
20 March 2024
A new study conducted by researchers from the Department of Earth Sciences has challenged previously held views that brain preservation in the archaeological record is extremely rare.
Entering the quantum era
19 March 2024
Innovation and Enterprise Physics Research Spin out
The world’s most powerful computer hasn’t yet been built – but we have the blueprint, says the team behind Oxford spinout Quantum Dynamics. Meanwhile, Chris Ballance, co-founder of spinout Oxford Ionics, says ‘quantum computing is already solving complex computing test cases in seconds – solutions that would otherwise take thousands of years to find.’
Oxford Martin researchers explore global views on data privacy
19 March 2024
AI and data science Computer science Research
Department of Computer Science researchers from the University of Oxford’s Oxford Martin Programme on Ethical Web and Data Architectures (EWADA) are trying to better understand people’s values over who manages the sharing of their personal information online through an expansive research project.
Oxford University Innovation unveils five-point plan to increase the proportion of women founders to 50 per cent by 2030
14 March 2024
Innovation and Enterprise Women in science
Oxford University Innovation (OUI) backs International Women’s Day 2024 call for accelerating women’s equality through creation of gender parity in enterprise.
Boost to doctoral training will support leading research in areas of national importance
12 March 2024
Chemistry Energy Funding MPLS Materials science Physics Statistics Teaching
The UK’s biggest-ever investment in engineering and physical sciences doctoral skills, totalling more than £1 billion nationwide, has been announced today by the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology. It includes funding for over 300 fully-funded DPhil studentships at Oxford in strategic research areas.