In The Conversation: How a more flexible energy grid can cope better with swings in Britain’s weather
20 October 2025
As Britain’s weather grows increasingly unpredictable, the energy grid is under pressure to keep up. Greater flexibility in how power is produced, stored and used can help balance supply and demand, support more renewable energy and keep costs down.
MPLS Division announces 2025-26 Public and Community Engagement with Research Fellows
20 October 2025
Five researchers and professional services staff in the Division have been awarded fellowships to strengthen public and community engagement across departments ranging from Chemistry to Computer Science.
First cohort of Schmidt AI in Science Faculty Fellows arrive at Oxford
17 October 2025
Oxford has welcomed the first cohort of Schmidt AI in Science Faculty Fellows as part of a new programme using artificial intelligence to accelerate scientific discovery in key global areas.
Bernard Taylor elected Honorary Fellow of Royal Academy of Engineering
15 October 2025
Deputy Steward of the University of Oxford and MPLS Division Board member recognised for over 45 years of international business leadership in engineering and science industries.
Life and Mind building opens in Oxford
15 October 2025
Oxford University has opened a £200 million world-class teaching and research facility with the potential to tackle global challenges of life and mind.
Professor Jim Naismith’s Annual Reception – Celebrating Collaboration and Excellence Across MPLS
9 October 2025
On Tuesday 7 October, 180 guests from across the Mathematical, Physical and Life Sciences (MPLS) Division gathered in the Life and Mind Building for Professor Jim Naismith’s annual reception.
AI breakthrough helps astronomers spot cosmic events with just a handful of examples
8 October 2025
A new study co-led by the University of Oxford and Google Cloud has shown how general-purpose AI can accurately classify real changes in the night sky - such as an exploding star, a black hole tearing apart a passing star, or a fast-moving asteroid - and explain its reasoning, without the need for complex training.
Nobel Prize in Chemistry for Oxford alumnus Richard Robson
8 October 2025
The Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2025 is today awarded to three chemists, including University of Oxford alumnus Professor Richard Robson FRS, for their work developing metal-organic frameworks.
Oxford launches new Pousaz Scholarship through support from Pousaz Philanthropies
8 October 2025
Oxford University has announced the launch of the Pousaz Scholarship Programme, made possible through a grant from the Pousaz Philanthropies Foundation. Rooted in the Pousaz family’s belief in the transformational power of education, the new programme will provide full funding for 15 outstanding students who would otherwise be unable to take up their places at Oxford.
Machine learning transforms quantum device design and control
1 October 2025
Researchers in the Department of Engineering Science have developed new machine learning approaches that significantly reduce the time needed to design and control semiconductor quantum devices, while automating complex tuning processes.
Oxford University researchers pioneer new breathing test to detect lung disease earlier
25 September 2025
A new project led by Oxford University aims to develop a novel breathing test that could detect asthma and COPD earlier, more accurately, and closer to home – reducing pressure on the NHS and improving outcomes for patients.
Three Oxford academics elected as Royal Academy of Engineering Fellows
25 September 2025
Emeritus Professor Ronald Roy, Professor Andrea Vedaldi and Professor Michael Wooldridge are among leading figures elected by the Royal Academy of Engineering to its Fellowship this year.
New project aims to unlock next generation cathode materials for tomorrow’s batteries
18 September 2025
The Department of Materials is leading a £3 million initiative to develop novel cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries, potentially improving performance and reducing costs for electric vehicles.
AlbaCore Capital Group supports doctoral research focused on intersection of AI and climate science
18 September 2025
A new fully funded DPhil studentship has been created at the University of Oxford thanks to support from AlbaCore Capital Group, one of Europe’s leading alternative credit specialists. The award will support the advancement of research at the intersection of artificial intelligence, climate and the environment.
SCGC-FIRST Third Round Now Open
17 September 2025
The University of Oxford and SCG Chemicals Public Company Limited (SCGC) are delighted to launch the third round of the SCGC Fund for Innovation and Research in Sustainability and Technology (SCGC-FIRST). SCGC-FIRST is an early-stage technology fund designed to support pump-priming ideas and proof-of-concept projects. The £1 million programme backs pioneering Oxford research that addresses urgent global challenges such as climate change, the energy transition, plastic waste, sustainable materials, and the application of AI/ML to sustainability.
AI tool developed at Oxford helps astronomers find supernovae in a sky full of noise
11 September 2025
A new AI-powered tool has reduced astronomers’ workload by 85% – filtering through thousands of data alerts to identify the few genuine signals caused by supernovae. The findings have been published in The Astrophysical Journal.
Outstanding early-career researchers awarded European Research Council funding to launch their ideas
4 September 2025
Today, eleven researchers at the University of Oxford have been selected to receive prestigious European Research Council (ERC) Starting Grants, each worth €1.5 million for a period of up to five years.
In The Conversation: Mars has a solid core, resolving a longstanding planetary mystery
3 September 2025
Scientists have discovered that Mars has an interior structure similar to Earth’s with a solid inner core surrounded by a liquid outer core, potentially resolving a longstanding mystery explains Kevin Olsen from the Department of Physics.
Oxford researchers awarded first Royal Society Faraday Discovery Fellowships
28 August 2025
Three Oxford researchers have been selected for the inaugural Royal Society Faraday Discovery Fellowships – major long-term awards for outstanding mid-career research leaders in the UK. Just seven academics were chosen from over 600 applications.
MPLS Division researchers recognised in the 2025 Royal Society Awards
27 August 2025
Professor Kayla King (Department of Biology), Professor Philipp Kukura (Department of Chemistry) and Professor Michael Wooldridge (Department of Computer Science) are amongst the four Oxford researchers recognised in the 2025 Royal Society Awards.