Beyond Boundaries 2024-25

We are delighted to announce that applications for researcher role models for the 2025 MPLS Beyond Boundaries science-inspired art competition are now open!

If you are an academic or researcher within MPLS and MSD, are passionate about sharing your research beyond the University (particularly with children) and identify as Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic (from a racially minoritised background), we want to hear from you.

Beyond Boundaries 2025 Researcher Expression of Interest Form

About the competition

The Mathematical, Physical and Life Sciences Division of the University of Oxford first launched Beyond Boundaries in 2018 and this year will be its fourth competition. This science-inspired art competition is for Oxfordshire state school students in Years 5, 6, 7, and 8 to create art inspired by research from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic scientists and mathematicians.

The Beyond Boundaries project aims to increase the visibility of Oxford’s scientists and mathematicians of colour, to bridge the perceived divide between science and art, and to further connect schools and local communities with the University.

The participating researchers and academics will be profiled on the Oxford Sparks website, where we will host short and engaging descriptions of their career paths and research – along with photos and informal videos where possible. We will also encourage and support researchers to participate in outreach work within participating schools and community groups.

For the competition, school students will be asked to select one of the role models and create an artistic representation of that person’s research (for example, painting, sculpture, digital art, etc.), along with a short statement explaining their creation. Winners and runners-up will receive prize money and recognition at an awards ceremony and exhibition aimed for Spring 2025, with their work also being shared online. You can see past artwork from the 2018, 2020 and 2023 competitions online.

About the researchers

We are seeking applications from academics and researchers within MPLS and MSD, who:

• Self-identify as Black, Asian, or Minority Ethnic (from a racially minoritised background);
• Conduct exciting research of interest to primary and secondary school students, particularly research which has a positive societal impact;
• Have intriguing and relatable life and/or career stories – for example, individuals who have overcome challenging life/work circumstances, have been the first in their family to pursue a STEM career, took an unconventional path to STEM, etc.

We are particularly looking for individuals who are interested in doing some outreach work with participating schools (although this is not a requirement), and will support you as best we can throughout your interactions. You can meet last year's researchers here. 

How to apply

If you are interested in joining this project, please submit an expression of interest via this Microsoft Form by Monday 4 November. If you have any questions or are unable to use the Form, please contact Jo Knights, MPLS ED&I Coordinator, on diversity@mpls.ox.ac.uk.

Beyond Boundaries 2025 Researcher Expression of Interest Form