Discovery of new nanowire assembly process could enable more powerful computer chips
29 September 2022
Functional materials Medical science Research
Researchers from Oxford University’s Department of Materials have developed a technique to precisely manipulate and place nanowires with sub-micron accuracy. This discovery could accelerate the development of even smaller and more powerful computer chips.
Oxford University research on show at the Oxford Science and Ideas Festival 2022
29 September 2022
The Oxford Science and Ideas Festival (IF Oxford) is the annual city-wide science and ideas festival, now in its 31st year. Between 7 and 30 October over 100 events will take place across the city, including interactive zones, workshops, performance art, walking tours, and panel discussions.
Students take up Black Academic Futures Scholarships thanks to support from 'activist investor’
28 September 2022
Funding Materials science Sustainability & the environment Women in science
A DPhil candidate in the Department of Materials is amongst three 2022-entry Scholars to embark on postgraduate studies with support from the Black Academic Futures programme, with a fourth Scholar due to join in 2023/24.
Night-time blood pressure assessment important in diagnosing hypertension
26 September 2022
Biomedical engineering Medical science Physical sciences underpinning health Research
A new study involving Oxford's Department of Engineering Science has found that monitoring night-time blood pressure is important in preventing cardiovascular disease such as stroke or heart failure.
AI is not all killer robots. It is far more dangerous - Professor Ursula Martin
26 September 2022
Whatever Hollywood might say, AI is not all about killer robots in a far off future. It is more mundane, more everyday - and much more ubiquitous. And thinking it just belongs in a sci-fi film is dangerous, since this leads to a sense it is not relevant or that it is even unreal. An interview with Professor Ursula Martin of the Mathematical Institute.
Professor David Deutsch awarded Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental Physics
22 September 2022
Award Computer science Maths Quantum Research
Professor David Deutsch has today been named as one of four internationally pioneering physicists to receive the 2023 Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental Physics for his work on quantum information, while Professor James Maynard has received one of six New Horizons in Mathematics Prizes.
Two MPLS Professors elected as Royal Academy of Engineering Fellows
22 September 2022
Award Computer science Engineering Research Women in science
Professors Niki Trigoni and David Hills are among 72 leading figures in engineering and technology to be elected as Fellows of The Royal Academy of Engineering this week.
Decarbonising the energy system by 2050 could save trillions
15 September 2022
The new study shows that a fast transition to clean energy is cheaper than slow or no transition. It was conducted by a team at the Institute for New Economic Thinking, Oxford Martin School, led by Professor Doyne Farmer of the Mathematical Institute.
Oxford computer scientists develop new AI to help autonomous vehicles adapt to challenging weather
12 September 2022
AI and data science Computer science Research
Researchers in the Department of Computer Science, working with colleagues from Bogazici University in Turkey, have developed a novel artificial intelligence (AI) system that enables autonomous vehicles to achieve safer and more reliable navigation, especially in adverse weather.
The passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
8 September 2022
The University of Oxford is deeply saddened to learn of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The University enjoyed a close relationship with the Queen throughout her reign and gives thanks for her 70 years of service to the nation.
More than 10 million children affected by COVID-19-associated parental and caregiver deaths
7 September 2022
COVID-19 Computer science Research
Oxford's computer scientists contributed to an international study published this week, which estimates that more than 10.5 million children experienced the death of a parent or caregiver as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, by 1 May 2022.
‘Holy Grail’ physics discovery could open the way to super-efficient quantum electronics
7 September 2022
An international team of researchers, led by Professor JC Séamus Davis from the Department of Physics, has announced results that support one of the leading theories explaining the atomic-scale mechanism behind high-temperature superconductivity.
Professor Stephen Smartt CBE FRS appointed as the new Philip Wetton Chair of Astrophysics
1 September 2022
Stellar astrophysicist Professor Smartt joins the Department of Physics from his alma mater Queen’s University Belfast and takes over from Professor Roger Davies, who has held the Wetton Chair since its creation in 2002.
Oxford to host net zero technology summit
1 September 2022
Climate Engineering Innovation and Enterprise Materials science Physics
A summit today at Oxford University’s Blavatnik School of Government will explore and map how innovation can help the world to net zero, faster.
Oxford partners with the Optiver Foundation to launch new international postgraduate scholarship programme for women in STEM
26 August 2022
Chemistry Computer science Engineering Funding Maths Physics Statistics Teaching Women in science
The partnership aims to increase the number of women from low- and middle-income countries who take up offers to study Master's programmes in MPLS departments, with the first Optiver Foundation Scholars joining in October 2023.
First definitive detection of carbon dioxide in an exoplanet atmosphere
26 August 2022
Oxford Physics is part of the international team analysing data from NASA's James Webb Space Telescope, which has captured the first definitive detection of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere of a planet beyond our solar system.
Twelve new UK sites created or restored for globally endangered Large blue butterfly
25 August 2022
Biology Food security & biodiversity
The sites are being restored to flower-rich meadows suitable for Large blue butterflies. Professor Jeremy Thomas of the Department of Biology, and Chair of the Joint Committee for the Re-establishment of the Large Blue Butterfly, spearheaded the successful reintroduction in the UK.
Oxford University to support deep-sea expedition to the Maldives
25 August 2022
Biology Food security & biodiversity Research
Oxford University researchers are playing a key role in the first systematic survey of ocean life in the Maldives, from the surface to 1000 metres deep. This will enable the Maldivian Government to develop conservation and sustainable development policies, so that the oceans continue to protect and provide for the Maldivian people.
Professor Matt Jarvis awarded a prestigious ERC Advanced Grant
25 August 2022
Following the award of three European Research Council (ERC) Advanced Grants to MPLS academics in April 2022, a fourth award has subsequently been made to Professor Jarvis in the Department of Physics.
Six MPLS researchers honoured with Royal Society medals
24 August 2022
Award Chemistry Engineering MPLS Materials science Maths Physics
Each year, the Royal Society recognises exceptional research achievements through a series of prestigious medals and prizes named after great scientists of the past. This year eight Oxford University researchers, six of them from MPLS Division, have been honoured for their outstanding contributions to science and medicine.