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MPLS Division, University of Oxford
@mplsoxford.bsky.social
280 followers 58 following 250 posts
The University of Oxford leads the UK in mathematical, physical, engineering, computing and life sciences research.
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mplsoxford.bsky.social
New research involving Oxford University has found that drones can be a valuable, non-invasive tool for observing elephant families, with elephants quickly habituating to such airborne observers 🐘

Read more about the study in Nature Scientific Reports: tinyurl.com/3yj32yzr
Drone in use in Samburu National Reserve. © Image credit: Jane Wynyard / Save the Elephants
November 28, 2025 at 4:27 PM
mplsoxford.bsky.social
Thinking of a #PhD in Atomic and Laser Physics?

Join an open day for prospective DPhil applicants at the Department of Physics, which will include research group talks along with a supervisors and students Q&A.

Friday 5 December, 10am–4pm

Register: forms.office.com/e/ggmQZbEvd7
Graphic for the Atomic and Laser Physics Open Day at the University of Oxford. On the left, a navy-blue panel reads “Atomic and Laser Physics Open Day” with the date “05 12 25” shown vertically. Beneath is text inviting prospective DPhil applicants to visit the department, along with a “Register now” label and a QR code. On the right is a photograph of laboratory optical equipment with red and blue laser light reflections. The University of Oxford logo appears in the bottom-right corner.
November 27, 2025 at 3:42 PM
mplsoxford.bsky.social
What can researchers learn from science advice at the EU level?

Join the Oxford Policy Engagement Network on 2 December, 3–4.30pm for a panel with EU scientific advisors discussing how evidence shapes policy and how researchers can engage.

👉 Register online at tinyurl.com/42w8wez5
OPEN Conversation: What can Researchers Learn from Science Advice at the European Union Level? 15:00–16:30, 2 Dec 2025 | Online. How is scientific evidence turned into policy at the European Commission? What challenges do advisors face and what opportunities exist for researchers to contribute? The panel brings together Professor Nicole Grobert (former Chief Scientific Advisor; University of Oxford), Karen Fabbri (Deputy Head of Unit, Science for Policy, Advice & Ethics at the European Commission), and Jonathan Murphy (Policy Officer, Scientific Advice Mechanism). They will reflect on the role and impact of the Scientific Advice Mechanism (SAM), share personal experiences of advising at the highest level, and discuss lessons learned from real-world case studies. The panel will be chaired by Dr Guillaume Matthews (Faraday Research Fellow in the Department of Materials; University of Oxford).
November 25, 2025 at 11:41 AM
mplsoxford.bsky.social
ICYMI last week: The Life and Mind Building has been officially opened by Sir Paul Nurse, Principal Group Leader, The Francis Crick Institute, President Elect of the Royal Society, and 2001 Nobel Laureate in Physiology or Medicine.

➡️ Read more at www.ox.ac.uk/news/2025-11...
Oxford University's Chancellor, Lord Hague of Richmond, Sir Paul Nurse, Professor Irene Tracey, Vice-Chancellor of Oxford University, and António Simões, Group Chief Executive Officer, L&G, at the opening of the Life and Mind building. Image: Cyrus Mower
November 24, 2025 at 2:40 PM
mplsoxford.bsky.social
The Department of Chemistry is leading a collaborative project backed by the BBSRC to increase our understand how animals sense Earth’s magnetic field and apply this knowledge to engineer novel tools with potential biomedical uses.

👉 Find out more at tinyurl.com/3nvc7ssd
A generated diagram showing Earth's magnetic field with blue field lines deflecting orange solar wind particles around the planet.
November 21, 2025 at 12:10 PM
mplsoxford.bsky.social
Welcome to Oxford!

Our third cohort of Optiver Foundation Scholars have arrived to begin their studies across a range of #STEM subjects, from energy systems to computer science.

➡️ Find out more about the programme, including how to apply for next year

tinyurl.com/36fruxax
Four Optiver Foundation Scholars standing on an indoor balcony in the Mathematical Institute. Credit: Optiver / Liam Prior
November 3, 2025 at 4:19 PM
mplsoxford.bsky.social
📢 The Hester Cordelia Parsons Fund supports innovative research that bridges biology, chemistry, and physics, with awards up to £5,000.

📅 Application deadline: 13 February (week 4 of Hilary Term 2026)

➡️ Find out more at: www.mpls.ox.ac.uk/research-fun...
Generated illustration of laboratory glassware with digital molecular and DNA overlays, symbolising interdisciplinary experimental research.
October 28, 2025 at 2:56 PM
mplsoxford.bsky.social
We are pleased to welcome 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.

👉 Read more about the inaugural Fellows' research: ow.ly/t2ZH50XiaSC
Group photo of the Schmidt Science Fellows cohort, shown as five circular portraits of diverse scholars placed in front of an image of Earth connected by glowing digital network lines, with a colourful cosmic background representing global collaboration and scientific innovation.
October 27, 2025 at 9:15 AM
mplsoxford.bsky.social
Chronic pain affects millions worldwide.

Co-led by the Department of Engineering Science, the EPIONE project will bring together engineers and neuroscientists to develop new implant and sensing technologies to improve treatments.

➡️ Find out more: ow.ly/MeN650Xhz4o
Computer generated illustration of a human figure shown as a transparent X-ray, holding their head in pain, with the brain highlighted in red and yellow to indicate chronic pain or neural activity.
October 24, 2025 at 2:20 PM
mplsoxford.bsky.social
ICYMI: The recording of @oxfordphysics.bsky.social's 30th Hintze Lecture with Professor Sir Roger Penrose and Professor Janna Levin – 'A Universe of Black Holes' – is now available to watch online.

Watch via YouTube at ow.ly/xJcS50XhssQ
The mathematical masterpiece: Sir Roger Penrose's black hole discovery drawing.
October 24, 2025 at 11:24 AM
mplsoxford.bsky.social
⏰ Deadline alert: SCGC-FIRST

The SCGC Fund for Innovation and Research in Sustainability and Technology (SCGC-FIRST) supports projects that deliver clear cost and environmental benefits over existing approaches.

📅 Application deadline: 31 October
➡️ tinyurl.com/yhtwu3un
DPhil student in a white lab coat operating a laboratory instrument with blue light in a research setting. Credit: University of Oxford Images / John Cairns Photography
October 23, 2025 at 10:17 AM
mplsoxford.bsky.social
Don't worry if you weren't able to join the Radcliffe Science Library induction tours at the beginning of term.

Visit the radcliffescilib.bsky.social website for details on using the RSL and all the services on offer.

👉 www.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/libraries/rsl
Two students studying in the library.
October 21, 2025 at 10:40 AM
mplsoxford.bsky.social
Britain’s changing weather puts pressure on the energy grid, but greater flexibility can help balance supply, boost renewables and cut costs writes @oxfordphysics.bsky.social's Matthew Wright and colleagues in @uk.theconversation.com.

➡️ Read their article: ow.ly/bFK550XeTPQ
A row of wind turbines stretches across a misty green field under a colourful sunrise sky. Credit: Rudy and Peter Skitterians
October 20, 2025 at 2:19 PM
mplsoxford.bsky.social
🚀 We're please to announce our 2025-26 Public and Community Engagement with Research Fellows!

This year’s cohort will build capacity, share best practice and explore new ways to embed engagement into research across the Division.

👉 Read more: ow.ly/sWR350XeRqZ
Person wearing a yellow ‘Curiosity Carnival’ T-shirt speaking outdoors, with green plants in the background. Image credit: OUImages/Public Affairs Directorate
October 20, 2025 at 11:52 AM
mplsoxford.bsky.social
📢 Deadline approaching – apply now for the OPEN Peer Mentoring Scheme, linking Oxford researchers with UK policy professionals to strengthen policy engagement.

Deadline for Expressions of Interest: 24 October 2025.

👉 Find out more at: ow.ly/OA1g50Xcf7J
Image promoting the Oxford Policy Engagement Network (OPEN) Peer Mentoring Scheme 2026. Features a photo of Professor Christl Donnelly CBE FMedSci FRS (2022–23 cohort) and her quote about gaining new insights into policymaking through the scheme. Includes Oxford, OPEN and UK Policy Profession logos.
October 16, 2025 at 8:22 AM
mplsoxford.bsky.social
The Life and Mind building is one of the largest projects in the University's history. The £200m facility was developed and funded by Legal & General and delivered through the Oxford University Development partnership.

▶️ Take a look inside: ow.ly/C53m50XbTzL
Aerial view looking down into the Life and Mind building's curved entrance canopy featuring an outdoor courtyard with greenery, seating areas. Life and Mind Building name displayed as text overlay.
October 15, 2025 at 4:05 PM
mplsoxford.bsky.social
Oxford's new Life and Mind building opens today: bring together the Departments of Biology, Experimental Psychology and the Ineos Oxford Institute for antimicrobial research under one roof. Over 269,000sq ft dedicated to tackling global challenges from climate to mental health.
Aerial view of Oxford's Life and Mind building showing modern architecture with vertical timber cladding, curved entrance canopy, and rooftop greenhouses, set against the Oxford skyline with historic spires visible in the background. Quote overlay from Professor Irene Tracey, Vice-Chancellor. Credit: NBBJ/ Ty Cole
October 15, 2025 at 11:12 AM
mplsoxford.bsky.social
Welcome back for Michaelmas term!
Autumn foliage with view of Keble College. Credit: University of Oxford Images / John Cairns Photography
October 13, 2025 at 9:03 AM
mplsoxford.bsky.social
Researchers from @oxfordchemistry.bsky.social and collaborators are developing a simple breathing test using the chemistry of breath to detect asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) earlier.

➡️ Find out more about the research: tinyurl.com/yzv2xvkn
Generated medical style illustration of the human respiratory system, focusing on the lungs.
October 2, 2025 at 1:16 PM
mplsoxford.bsky.social
Join us in celebrating the brilliant postdocs advancing science at Oxford.

Oxford's National Postdoc Appreciation Week 2025 events include networking events, Old Bodleian tours, and social gatherings with @OxRSS. #NPAW2025

👉 Find out more at ow.ly/2vlq50WY9y4
Inside Duke Humfrey's Library, Part of the Bodleian Library. Image credit: University of Oxford Images / Whitaker Studio
September 17, 2025 at 2:51 PM
mplsoxford.bsky.social
🚨 Calling researchers, engagement pros AND anyone in business, govt & third sector keen to work with research!

The Accelerate Impact conference celebrates @ukri.org Impact Acceleration Accounts projects at @ox.ac.uk and beyond.

📅 9 Oct 2025

🔗 Info+register www.mpls.ox.ac.uk/Oxford-IAA-Conference
Promotional poster for the Oxford Impact Acceleration Account Conference 2025. The title reads “Accelerate Impact.” The poster invites people to celebrate and explore IAA projects from across Oxford and beyond, with details at www.mpls.ox.ac.uk/Oxford-IAA-Conference . The event takes place on Thursday 9 October 2025 at the Mathematical Institute, University of Oxford. Logos of the University of Oxford Impact Acceleration Accounts and UK Research and Innovation appear at the bottom. The design features geometric blocks with scientific imagery, including micrographs, circuit boards, a river delta, financial graphs, a classical statue, and a spiral plant pattern.
September 16, 2025 at 1:54 PM
mplsoxford.bsky.social
This week we are celebrating our incredible postdocs during #NPAW2025.

With over 1,200 postdoctoral researchers across the division, our postdocs form the backbone of our world-leading research across the breadth of sciences in MPLS. 💙

#PostdocAppreciationWeek
#LovePostdocs
Scientist wearing blue gloves adjusting a metallic component on a precision laboratory instrument. Image credit: University of Oxford Images / Ian Wallman
September 16, 2025 at 9:37 AM
mplsoxford.bsky.social
A new project led by @oxfordmaterials.bsky.social researchers aims to unlock the next generation of cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries 🔋

The 3D-CAT initiative seeks to deliver sustainable, high-performance batteries for tomorrow’s technologies.

➡️ Read more at: tinyurl.com/555pc5fs
Generated futuristic green battery glowing with energy, surrounded by digital circuit patterns and floating leaves, symbolising sustainable and eco-friendly energy technology.
September 12, 2025 at 11:09 AM
mplsoxford.bsky.social
Researchers @oxfordphysics.bsky.social have developed an AI system that reduces astronomers’ workload by distinguishing genuine #supernova signals from background noise. 🔭

The findings are published today in The Astrophysical Journal.

👉 Read more at tinyurl.com/4ha4ymn4
AI tool developed at Oxford helps astronomers find supernovae in a sky full of noise. Credit: NASA, ESA, A. Goobar (Stockholm University), and the Hubble Heritage Team (STScI/AURA)
September 11, 2025 at 10:09 AM
mplsoxford.bsky.social
Are AI systems better friends than humans?

Entries are now open for the Institute for Ethics in AI Bernard Williams Essay Prize 2025. Oxford undergraduates can submit essays for the chance to win up to £500.

📅 Closing date: 30 September
👉 Details: www.oxford-aiethics.ox.ac.uk/bernard-will...
University of Oxford's Institute for Ethics in AI invites undergraduates to submit essays on whether AI systems are better friends than humans for the Bernard Williams Essay Prize 2025.
September 10, 2025 at 3:28 PM