Oxford researchers discover unexpected deep diving in albatross
Data collected by the team revealed that 50% of the birds studied were capable of diving over twice the depth previously thought, with implications for conservation efforts of this endangered species.
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We are home to the mathematical, physical, engineering and life sciences at Oxford. The disciplines within the MPLS Division regularly appear at the highest levels in world rankings and have been evaluated as conducting world-leading and internationally excellent research in UK research assessments.
Upcoming events
After Galileo: Faith and Science in the 21st Century
Tuesday, 01 February 2022, 6.15pm to 7.30pm
On Christmas Day 2021, following the launch of the James Webb Space Telescope, NASA Administrator Bill Nelson quoted from Psalm 19, “The heavens proclaim the glory of God.” But in what sense, if any, can this claim be made today? Do the heavens point to their Creator, or to nothing but an immense and ultimately meaningless void? What are the prospects of the religious and scientific impulses of humanity being in conflict or constructive engagement in the 21st century? Explore these and other big questions. A presentation by Bishop Marcelo Sánchez Sorondo, Chancellor of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences, in dialogue with Alister McGrath, Andreas Idreos Chair of Science and Religion, University of Oxford. Introduced by Professor Ian Shipsey, Head of Physics, with a message of welcome from Maria Beer, Oxford DPhil Student.
Brilliant Blunders - Mistakes by Great Physicists that Changed Our Understanding of the Universe
Friday, 25 February 2022, 5pm to 6pm
With astrophysicist Dr Mario Livio (University of Nevada, Las Vegas). William Thomson (Lord Kelvin), Albert Einstein and Fred Hoyle are amongst the greatest physicists in history and some of the mistakes that these towering figures made led to major scientific advances. Dr Mario Livio will analyse these errors and the psychology which made such "brilliant blunders" part of these celebrated scientists' genius and part of the scientific process whereby science thrives on error and advances when erroneous ideas are disproven. St Cross College HAPP online event.
Stay well this Hilary term. Your actions still matter.
Omicron is more contagious than previous variants and can still pose a serious health risk for certain people. Keep being considerate – taking the following actions now will minimise disruption to University life this term.
- Test twice a week and if you have symptoms. Remember to report all your LFD results to both the University’s Early Alert Service and the NHS.
- Self-isolate if required.
- Wear a face covering when moving around University buildings. They are mandated (unless you are exempt) in libraries and departmental study spaces as well as in University teaching and assessment settings.
- Let fresh air in indoors: keeping windows and doors open increases ventilation and significantly reduces the spread of COVID-19. Please keep them open, particularly in areas which are poorly ventilated. In University buildings, it will be clearly indicated where additional ventilation is required.
- Get your booster jab as soon as you’re eligible, and get a free flu jab if you can.
Remember to continue to follow guidance when travelling on public transport, shopping or mixing with people socially to lessen the chances of COVID-19 infections.
Please see the University's Health pages for full details of the University measures. These pages are updated regularly.
COVID-19 information, guidance and advice for staff and students at Oxford
General coronavirus advice and support for staff and students can be found on the University's 'Oxford and coronavirus' homepage.
Please contact the relevant MPLS Team if you have questions or concerns that are not answered on these pages or can't be answered by your department.
The MPLS Graduate School has also created a webpage with all communications sent out to PGR students and links to other useful resources.
MPLS ED&I Training Programme
We are delighted to launch a new Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Programme for staff and students in MPLS. Sessions include learning how to be an effective bystander, supporting disabled and neurodivergent staff, intersectional and anti-racist allyship, and much more!