Third Trilateral Seed Fund between Siemens, TU Berlin and University of Oxford is bearing fruit
11 January 2024
Business and Industry Funding Innovation and Enterprise
Four successful bids have just been announced under the third Trilateral Seed Fund call of Siemens AG, Technical University of Berlin and the University of Oxford, following successful runs in 2020 and 2022.
New study uses machine learning to bridge the reality gap in quantum devices
10 January 2024
A study led by the Department of Engineering Science has used the power of machine learning to overcome a key challenge affecting quantum devices. For the first time, the findings reveal a way to close the ‘reality gap’: the difference between predicted and observed behaviour from quantum devices.
Sir Stewart Cole joins the Ineos Oxford Institute for antimicrobial research as Executive Chair
9 January 2024
Sir Stewart Cole, KCMG, FRS has joined the Ineos Oxford Institute for antimicrobial research (IOI) as Executive Chair. The IOI is a world-leading centre of research, training and education in the field of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) based at the University of Oxford.
New images reveal what Neptune and Uranus really look like
5 January 2024
Neptune is fondly known for being a rich blue and Uranus green – but a new study has revealed that the two ice giants are actually far closer in colour than typically thought. The research, led by Professor Patrick Irwin from the University of Oxford’s Department of Physics, has been published today in the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society.
Study shows that the way the brain learns is different from the way that artificial intelligence systems learn
3 January 2024
AI and data science Computer science Medical science Research
Researchers from the MRC Brain Network Dynamics Unit and the Department of Computer Science have set out a new principle to explain how the brain adjusts connections between neurons during learning. This may guide further research on learning in brain networks and inspire more robust learning algorithms in artificial intelligence.
New Year Honours 2024
1 January 2024
Four academics from MPLS Division have been recognised in the New Year Honours 2024 Lists.
Two doctoral scholarships for women in STEM endowed at Keble College
20 December 2023
The Oxford-Emmy Graduate Scholarships aim to help address the disproportionately low representation of women who take up postgraduate study and go on to work in the fields of physics, mathematics, statistics, and computer science.
Ancient DNA reveals how a chicken virus evolved to become more deadly
18 December 2023
Biology Medical science Research
An international team of scientists led by geneticists and disease biologists from the University of Oxford and LMU Munich have used ancient DNA to trace the evolution of Marek's Disease Virus (MDV). This global pathogen causes fatal infections in unvaccinated chickens and costs the poultry industry over $1 billion per year.
Study finds that vast amounts of waste are caused by single-use e-cigarette batteries
15 December 2023
Energy Engineering Research Sustainability & the environment
While the lithium-ion batteries in disposable electronic cigarettes are discarded after a single use, they can continue to perform at high capacity for hundreds of cycles, according to new research from the University of Oxford and UCL, supported by The Faraday Institution.
Study shows diverse gut bacteria communities protect against harmful pathogens by nutrient blocking
15 December 2023
A new study led by the University of Oxford has demonstrated that diverse communities of resident bacteria can protect the human gut from disease-causing microorganisms. The researchers found that protective communities block the growth of harmful pathogens by consuming nutrients that the pathogen needs.
COP28 Expert Comment from across Oxford University
14 December 2023
There has been considerable debate and discussion over the best path forward, but there was general agreement among Oxford researchers about the devastating impact of fossil fuels and the need to phase out their use, while supporting nature-based solutions, developing renewables and switching to clean energy.
OSCAR sets its sights on new horizons after five successful years
13 December 2023
Innovation and Enterprise MPLS
The Oxford Suzhou Centre for Advanced Research (OSCAR), Oxford's first and only engineering and physical sciences research institute located in China, hosted celebratory events on Thursday 7th December to mark its fifth anniversary in Suzhou, China.
Unprecedented conservation triumph: Saiga antelope return from the red list
12 December 2023
Biology Food security & biodiversity
The antelope, which roamed the Eurasian Steppe alongside woolly mammoths, has been restored from near extinction by conservation efforts, including those of Professor E J Milner-Gulland in the Department of Biology.
Oxford scientist to lead international transdisciplinary consortium towards delivering NetZero Healthcare
12 December 2023
Biomedical engineering Climate Funding Medical science
The European Union Horizon Europe (with joint funding from UK Research Innovation) has awarded the NetZeroAICT Consortium major funding to develop a novel technology with great potentials to promote climate neutral and sustainable health care.
Oxford Engineering student wins 'Prototypes for Humanity' innovation award at COP28
12 December 2023
Award Climate Engineering Space
'Prototypes for Humanity' recognises innovators in science and engineering, working on solutions for social and environmental issues.
Antibiotic resistance genes are spread more widely between bacteria than previously thought
7 December 2023
Antimicrobial resistance Biology Medical science Research
Researchers at the Ineos Oxford Institute for antimicrobial research (IOI) at Oxford University and Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University in China have developed a new approach to study the transmission of plasmids containing antibiotic resistance genes between bacteria sampled from hospital wastewater.
Oxford Chemical Engineers win top prize at 2023 IChemE Global Awards
5 December 2023
Award Biomedical engineering COVID-19 Engineering
The collaborative project 'Rapid test for Covid-19' by the University of Oxford and Oxsed Limited clinched the top prize, the 'Outstanding Achievement in Chemical and Process Engineering Award.' The team also secured two additional trophies in the categories of 'Innovative Product Award' and 'Business Start-up Award.'
Armed to the hilt: Study solves mystery behind bacteria’s extensive weaponry
5 December 2023
Antimicrobial resistance Biology Medical science
A new study led by the University of Oxford has shed light on why certain species of bacteria carry astonishing arsenals of weapons. The new findings could help us to engineer microbes that can destroy deadly pathogens, reducing our reliance on antibiotics.
Success for Biology researchers in the NERC Impact Awards
30 November 2023
The Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) celebrated the finalists of the 2023 NERC Impact Awards on Wednesday 29th November. Two researchers from the Department of Biology received awards, including Dr Sophus Zu Ermgassen who was the winner of the Early Career category.
Unlocking more sustainable futures with green chemistry
28 November 2023
Chemistry Energy Research Sustainability & the environment
A feature article about three Oxford research groups using chemistry to help reach sustainability goals. From solving global plastic pollution to improving the performance of rechargeable batteries found in electric cars, ‘green chemistry’ is a truly promising topic.