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mplsoxford.bsky.social
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
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
Professor Sir Nigel Shadbolt has been appointed Chair of AI@Oxford Research, a new role to champion and coordinate Oxford’s leading research in artificial intelligence (AI).

⬇️ Find out more about the news and AI@Oxford – tinyurl.com/5fax4tmx
Professor Sir Nigel Shadbolt appointed Chair of AI@Oxford Research |
The University of Oxford has announced that Professor Sir Nigel Shadbolt, Principal of Jesus College and Professorial Research Fellow in Computer Science, has been appointed Chair of AI@Oxford
tinyurl.com
November 13, 2025 at 2:55 PM
mplsoxford.bsky.social
A collaborative Oxford study using findings from NASA’s Cassini mission shows that Enceladus, one of Saturn’s moons, may have the long-term stability required for life to develop.

The next step is determining if Enceladus’ ocean has existed long enough for life to evolve.

⬇️ tinyurl.com/2tdjpatu
Saturn’s icy moon may host a stable ocean fit for life, new study
New findings from NASA’s Cassini mission show that Enceladus, one of Saturn’s moons and a top contender for extra-terrestrial life, is losing heat from both poles – indicating that it has the
tinyurl.com
November 11, 2025 at 8:49 AM
mplsoxford.bsky.social
🦎 Island reptiles are twice at risk – more likely to go extinct and less likely to be studied.

A collaborative paper led by @biology.ox.ac.uk reveals the gap in global conservation research.

⬇️ www.ox.ac.uk/news/2025-11...
Island reptiles face extinction before they are even studied, warns
A new study led by the University of Oxford has revealed that reptiles confined to islands are facing a double jeopardy. Despite being more likely to go extinct than mainland species, they remain
www.ox.ac.uk
November 7, 2025 at 2:46 PM
mplsoxford.bsky.social
👏 Professor Philip Torr and Dr Christian Schroeder de Witt, both from the MPLS Division’s Department of Engineering Science, have been chosen as recipients of Schmidt Sciences' AI2050 Research Fellowships.

⬇️ Read more about their research: www.ox.ac.uk/news/2025-11...
Two Oxford researchers selected for a 2025 Schmidt Sciences AI2050
Professor Philip Torr and Dr Christian Schroeder de Witt, both from Oxford University’s Department of Engineering Science, have been awarded a prestigious AI2050 Research Fellowship by Schmidt
www.ox.ac.uk
November 6, 2025 at 3:20 PM
Reposted by MPLS Division, University of Oxford
oxengsci.bsky.social
Engineering isn’t just hard hats and nuts & bolts, it’s about solving problems that transform lives.
This #NationalEngineeringDay, meet our researchers driving life-saving healthcare tech, sustainable infrastructure, assistive robotics and clean energy innovations 👩‍🔬👨‍💻
November 5, 2025 at 10:03 AM
mplsoxford.bsky.social
Environmental crime is vast, including illegal logging and the poaching and smuggling of wildlife.

So why are so few environmental criminals on Interpol's 'most wanted' list, ask WildCRU's Diogo Veríssimo and Sally Sinclair in The Conversation UK.

👇 theconversation.com/why-are-so-f...
Why are so few environmental criminals on Interpol’s ‘most wanted’ list?
A study of Interpol notifications suggests only a few environmental crimes are being flagged.
theconversation.com
November 4, 2025 at 3:27 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
Following the agreement for the acquisition announced in August, OrganOx, the pioneering Oxford spinout transforming kidney and liver transplantation, has been fully acquired by Terumo Corporation for US$1.5 billion.

👇 Read more about the spinout: tinyurl.com/2xatm788
Terumo completes acquisition of University of Oxford spinout OrganOx
OrganOx, a pioneering Oxford University spinout transforming kidney and liver transplantation, has been fully acquired by Terumo Corporation, a global medical technology company headquartered in
tinyurl.com
November 3, 2025 at 2:21 PM
mplsoxford.bsky.social
🎙️ The #BigQuestions #Podcast is back for a brand new series! And the team are kicking off with a question that will resonate with many people 'Why do I bite my nails?'

Prof Clare Mackay talks to the team about Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviours (BFRBs).

🎧 www.oxfordsparks.ox.ac.uk/podcasts/why...
Why do I bite my nails? - Oxford Sparks
Many of us will be familiar with Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviours (BFRBs), perhaps without even realising it.
www.oxfordsparks.ox.ac.uk
October 31, 2025 at 4:11 PM
mplsoxford.bsky.social
Building faster, building fairer: can we make growth work for nature?

⬇️ Read the latest in the expert comment series by Professor Dame EJ Milner-Gulland from the Department of Biology: www.ox.ac.uk/news/2025-10...
Expert Comment: Building faster, building fairer: can we make growth
Dame E.J. Milner-Gulland, Professor of Biodiversity in Oxford University’s Department of Biology, explains why conservationists and researchers are concerned about the proposed Planning &
www.ox.ac.uk
October 29, 2025 at 12:17 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
How can robotics and data science transform forestry? 🌳

Researchers from the Oxford Robotics Institute and @oxengsci.bsky.social are part of DigiForest, a collaboration creating precise, data-driven tools for sustainable forest management.

📺 Watch online: youtu.be/bqHAI31z30U?...
Robots in the Forest
YouTube video by University of Oxford
youtu.be
October 27, 2025 at 3:49 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
Reposted by MPLS Division, University of Oxford
oxforderesearch.bsky.social
Oxford e-Research Centre academics have been appointed to leadership roles in the University's Mathematical, Physical & Life Sciences Division @mplsoxford.bsky.social. The Centre is also providing leadership in the digital space to drive innovation & research excellence
oerc.ox.ac.uk/news/oxford-...
Wes Armour, David Wallom, Susanna-Assunta Sansone, Anne Trefethen, David De Roure
October 16, 2025 at 1:44 PM
Reposted by MPLS Division, University of Oxford
oxfordphysics.bsky.social
This coming Saturday we are hosting our popular *alumni* event:  Morning of Theoretical Physics. The topic this time will be 'The Quantum Strong Force' and the guest speakers are Professor Fabrizio Caola, Professor Alan Barr and Professor Gavin Salam, FRS.
October 23, 2025 at 6:01 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
Reposted by MPLS Division, University of Oxford
ineosoxford.bsky.social
🩺October 20th is Clean Hospitals Day - a celebration of hygiene in healthcare & the hospital staff who make it happen.

Bacteria can survive for months on hospital surfaces, and if these bacteria have antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes, they pose a serious threat to patients and staff.

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October 20, 2025 at 11:30 AM
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