Blue-purple light burst above a banner about a new method to achieve extreme light intensities (Dept. of Physics) Image credit: Timmis et al. 2026

Oxford physicists have demonstrated a new route to boosting the intensity of high-power laser light.

Published in Nature, the work could enable experiments probing fundamental physics, including how light interacts with the quantum vacuum.

➡️ Read more: https://tinyurl.com/37abvu7j

Happy #EarthDay! The collaborative project, Physics in Action, produced an animation that explores the mathematics of forecasting, showing how climate science impacts everything from daily routines to public safety.
📽️https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MS_9EC4tOn8
https://physicsinaction.site.ox.ac.uk/

Six composite panels to illustrate Earth Day: ocean current map, Antarctic polar grid, ice-core layers, soil with roots, coral reef, layered sediment.

From climate modelling to biodiversity research, scientists across the MPLS Division spend every day trying to understand and protect the world we live in. 🌍

#EarthDay2026

Antifungal resistance leads to >3.8 million deaths each year. To address this global threat, the IOI has established a new antifungal drug discovery programme, led by Dr Xuefei (Fei) Chen, to uncover new antifungal agents and treatments.

Find out more 👉https://ow.ly/SiAV50YMst9

The Sheldonian ceiling fresco of cherubs and clouds behind a gold lattice; overlay: "Sheldonian Series - Satire" and Oxford logo.

When reality outpaces satire, what's left? 🤔

This term's Sheldonian Series talk tackles The Power of Satire with Jan Ravens, Andrew Hunter Murray and Ella Baron.

Wednesday 20 May, 5.30-6.45pm. Audience Q&A included.

👉 Book your tickets at https://tinyurl.com/2t3dhd9h

Two adult chimpanzees sitting on grass Morton (Central) and Garrison (West), leaning together and looking toward the camera. Credit: John Mitain

Nearly 30 years of data. One major social split.

In a study led by UT Austin, Department of Statistics researchers contributed to the analysis of nearly 30 years of data tracking the breakdown of the world’s largest known chimpanzee community.

➡️ Read more: https://tinyurl.com/22b2mrch

Promotional image for the MPLS Impact Awards, featuring a vivid multicolour burst beside bold white text announcing the MPLS Impact Awards on a dark blue background.

📢 Have you nominated for the MPLS Impact Awards yet?

Recognising outstanding research impact beyond academia across five categories: commercial, social, policy, public engagement with research, and technician impact.

Deadline: 29 April
Find out more: https://tinyurl.com/5n92pmuz

The strong stellar wind from the supergiant star pushes the jets launched by the black hole away from the star. This causes the jet direction to vary as the black hole and the supergiant star move around their orbit. Credit: ICRAR.

New research from Oxford University and Curtin University captures a black hole jet 'dancing' as it orbits a massive star.

The observations provide a direct measurement of the jet’s power, confirming key assumptions in large-scale models structures.

➡️ https://tinyurl.com/2b7tjvy9

Poster for the event. Features backdrop images of anatomical imagery from historic texts and highlights the date - 23rd April 2026 and the times for each session. 09.20am at the RSL then 2.30pm at the Weston Library

Anatomy Uncovered is a unique event combining engaging, expert led talks with an exhibition showcasing rare historic anatomy books from @bodleian.ox.ac.uk. An interactive morning at the RSL provides the context before viewing this remarkable display at the Weston Library

go.glam.ox.ac.uk/anato

Sign and front entrance to the Life and Mind Building in summer. Credit: Brianna Cornock, 2025. Copyright © University of Oxford Images / Public Affairs Directorate -- All rights reserved.

EVENT: Oxford AMR Network on translation and commercialisation

Oxford researchers working on antimicrobial resistance are invited to hear from Oxford Science Enterprises and Oxford University Innovation, followed by networking.

📅 Tuesday 12 May, LaMB
👉 https://tinyurl.com/3nbz76jx

Reconstruction of Jiangchuan biota (~554-539 million years ago). Credit: Xiaodong Wang.

A newly discovered fossil site in southwest China is shedding light on the origins of complex animal life.

In an Oxford-led study, researchers analysed more than 700 fossils, suggesting key animal groups emerged millions of years earlier than previously thought.

➡️ https://tinyurl.com/5bv79n5y

Sperm tagged with green fluorescent protein in the sperm storage organ of a female Drosophila fruit fly. Credit: Krish Sanghvi.

Storing sperm can reduce its quality across the animal kingdom, new research led by Oxford’s Department of Biology shows  with effects on fertility and offspring development.

The findings could help inform fertility treatments and conservation efforts.
➡️ https://tinyurl.com/mrnj6kfz

2026 Schmidt Science Fellow, Kit Gallagher Credit: Schmidt Science

Our congratulations to Kit Gallagher, nominated by the University of Oxford and selected as a Schmidt Science Fellow.

Having completed his DPhil at the Mathematical Institute, Kit will now pivot from mathematical modelling to genetics and genomics as a 2026 @schmidtfellows.bsky.social

A lunar base concept with a cylindrical lunar habitat with astronauts and rovers on Moon surface, lander in background and Earth on horizon released by Nasa in February 2026. Credit: Nasa

In The Conversation: NASA plans to have a permanent base on the Moon by 2030 – how it can be done.

As NASA eyes a permanent foothold on the Moon by 2030, Oxford physicists explain what it would take, from lunar 3D printing to advanced energy systems.

➡️ https://tinyurl.com/yszkwuca

A promotion graphic for the MPLS Teaching Awards with a colourful mosaic background with a 'MPLS Teaching Awards' banner and the University of Oxford logo.

📢 Know someone who deserves recognition?

The MPLS Teaching Awards are open to anyone who teaches as part of their role within the MPLS Division.

Nominations can be made by academics, staff or students.

 📅 Deadline: Thursday 30 April 
👉 Find out more: https://tinyurl.com/47hetvhd

Hedgehog walking on pavement; research suggests hedgehogs hear ultrasonic sounds that could help reduce road deaths. Hedgehog image credit: Alexas_Fotos

NEW: Researchers in @biology.ox.ac.uk have discovered that hedgehogs can hear ultrasound up to 85kHz, far beyond the human range.

The finding could help develop targeted repellers to reduce hedgehog road deaths.

Read more: https://tinyurl.com/558ukfwc

To all the brilliant women working across the sciences at Oxford University, thank you. You inspire and shape the future.

#IWD2026 #WomenInSTEM #InternationalWomensDay

Rice stalks with headline: gene discovery could cut fertiliser use while protecting yields. The study is a collaboration between the University of Oxford's Department of Biology, Nanjing Agricultural University, and Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology (Chinese Academy of Sciences). Original image credit: ignartonosbg

A newly identified rice gene helps maintain yields with less nitrogen fertiliser and could support more sustainable farming.

In field trials, rice with an improved natural version showed higher yields under low-fertiliser conditions.

➡️ Read more: https://tinyurl.com/2k2ceaaf

Oxford college framed by spring foliage, person on the lawn; Oxford and Wiener‑Anspach logos.

Cross-Channel Collaboration for the Public Good celebrates the 60th anniversary of the Fondation Wiener-Anspach, bringing together speakers to explore how research can reach wider audiences with integrity and impact.

📅 27 March, 3pm
🗺️ Lady Margaret Hall

Register: https://tinyurl.com/52s3zfbw

Close-up of the Moon with caption about Apollo sample analysis revealing clues to the Moon's magnetic field history. Original Moon image: Fabio Minetto

New Oxford analysis of Apollo moon rocks suggests the debate over the Moon’s magnetic field comes down to where samples were collected.

High-titanium volcanic rocks recorded brief intense magnetism, while most of the Moon was weakly magnetic.

Read more: https://tinyurl.com/3cynatvf

Promotional image for the MPLS Impact Awards, featuring a vivid multicolour burst beside bold white text announcing the MPLS Impact Awards on a dark blue background.

📢 The MPLS Impact Awards are open for nominations!

Recognising outstanding research impact beyond academia across five categories: commercial, social, policy, public engagement with research, and technician impact.

Deadline: 29 April 2026
Find out more: https://tinyurl.com/5n92pmuz

'Between isolation and connectedness: understanding energy islands… Her research examines the design and governance of decentralized, decarbonized, and digitalized electricity systems, with particular focus on innovation…

Join the Oxford Martin School for a talk on “energy islands”, exploring the degrees of isolation and connectedness in energy systems from microgrids to nation-states, with Professor Yael Parag.

📅 Monday 9 March
🗺️ Oxford Martin School and online

Register online 👇

University of Oxford MPLS Division graphic promoting the Research Culture Fund, with application deadline 9 March 2026.

Reminder: MPLS Research Culture Fund is open for applications.

Supporting pilot and collaborative initiatives that enhance:
• How research is carried out
• How contributions are recognised
• How research careers are developed

🗓 Applications close: 9 March

Apply now 👇
https://tinyurl.com/28xx4nnn

Colourful Tetris-style blocks stacked on a light background above text reading “Study shows that digital treatment with Tetris gameplay can dramatically reduce trauma memories” and “In collaboration with the Department of Biology.” The study was developed at Uppsala University with P1vital and trialled with collaborators including the University of Cambridge and the University of Oxford.

A collaborative study including researchers from the Department of Biology has found that a simple digital intervention using Tetris-like gameplay cut intrusive trauma memories tenfold in healthcare workers. Published in The Lancet Psychiatry.

Read more: https://tinyurl.com/3sa6f8ad

Colourful Tetris-style blocks stacked on a light background above text reading “Study shows that digital treatment with Tetris gameplay can dramatically reduce trauma memories” and “In collaboration with the Department of Biology.” The study was developed at Uppsala University with P1vital and trialled with collaborators including the University of Cambridge and the University of Oxford.

A collaborative study including researchers from the Department of Biology has found that a simple digital intervention using Tetris-like gameplay cut intrusive trauma memories tenfold in healthcare workers. Published in The Lancet Psychiatry.

Read more: https://tinyurl.com/3sa6f8ad

Two people testing the robot arm Panda, designed for general manipulation tasks in workspaces shared with humans, Oxford Robotics Institute. Credit: University of Oxford Images / Public Affairs Directorate

📢 The 2026 EPSRC Vacation Internship call is open.

Up to 15 funded summer research internships (c.10 weeks) are available, giving undergraduate students hands-on experience in EPSRC-remit research.

Deadline: Midday, 13 March 2026
More information: https://tinyurl.com/mr2bwnwe

Students discussing a equation written on to a white desk. Credit: John Cairns

📢 Nominations are open for the MPLS Outstanding Supervisor Awards! 

The awards recognise supervisors who excel in mentorship and support, enhancing the academic and professional growth their students.

📅 Deadline: 23 March 2026
👉 Find out more: https://tinyurl.com/mryh3zyn

Graphic for “Oxford Green Action Week, 23–27 February 2026” asking, “What are your ‘top five’ actions for the environment?” with “top five” highlighted in yellow on a dark blue background with a colourful border.

Green Action Week: Let’s take the next step together 🐝

Green Action Week is a chance to celebrate environmental action across the University. With over 80 event hosts – staff, students, colleges and departments, there’s something for everyone.

See more: https://tinyurl.com/5ctrzces

Oxford and the Rubin Observatory Perched around 2800 metres high on Cerro Pachón, a mountain in northern Chile, the Vera C. Rubin Observatory is poised to transform our understanding of the Universe. Over the course of 10 years, Rubin will build the most detailed time-lapse view of the cosmos ever generated, and amass the largest ever data set for optical astronomy – around 500 petabytes. Find out more about how Oxford University researchers are involved with the Observatory.

The Vera C. Rubin Observatory is mapping the southern sky over 10 years, creating an unprecedented timelapse of the Universe.

Oxford researchers are part of this international effort, helping to advance our understanding of dark matter and the dynamic cosmos.

⬇️

University of Oxford MPLS Division graphic promoting the Research Culture Fund, with application deadline 9 March 2026.

The MPLS Research Culture Fund is open for applications.

Supporting pilot and collaborative initiatives that enhance:
• How research is carried out
• How contributions are recognised
• How research careers are developed

🗓 Application deadline: 9 March 2026

Apply now 👇
https://tinyurl.com/28xx4nnn