HomeResearch

Research

Oxford University ranked number 1 in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings for the ninth year running, and at the heart of this success is our ground-breaking research and innovation.
Old PC monitor in Quadrangle
AI at Oxford

AI at Oxford

Applying AI to society's greatest challenges and tackling its ethical issues
3d model of a brain
The brain and mental health

Brain and Mental Health

How Oxford experts are exploring the most complex object in the known universe
A grid of images representing research
Oxford's REF submission demonstrates critical contributions to global health, economic prosperity and cultural life

Oxford’s REF 2021 results show largest volume of world-leading research

The Research Excellence Framework assesses the quality of research in UK higher education.
Jet engine
Explore the impact of Oxford’s innovators including our work on jet engines
Credit: Shutterstock

Oxford's innovation case studies

Helping you to change the world
Oxford's Global Research Map
A view of Oxford's Global Research Map

Oxford's Global Research Map

Explore Oxford's world-class research from pole to pole and in every continent

Oxford is world-famous for research excellence and home to some of the most talented people from across the globe. Our work helps the lives of millions, solving real-world problems through a huge network of partnerships and collaborations. The breadth and interdisciplinary nature of our research sparks imaginative and inventive insights and solutions.
Professor Timothy Power

Oxford profiles

Meet some of the talented people behind Oxford’s world-class research. Pushing forward the boundaries of knowledge, their work solves real world problems and creates a positive impact on our societies, economies and health.

started in Oxford montage

Started in Oxford

The Oxford region is one of the most innovative in the UK, with new enterprises continuing to join a growing band of spinouts, startups and entrepreneurs.

Writing documents

Oxford's experience in Policy Engagement

Oxford’s researchers and academics have a wealth of experience in engaging with policymakers and contributing to policy impact.

Image of the Radcliffe Camera building; part of the University of Oxford

Engaged research at Oxford

Have a look at some of the short films below for excellent examples of Public Engagement with Research (PER) activities that take place at Oxford which Inform/Inspire, Consult and Collaborate with the public.

Research Collaboration Values graphic

Research Collaboration Values

Our approach to research collaboration and partnership is underpinned by five core values.

h

Oxford Impact Films

Watch our Research Impact films: 3-4 minute videos of how our research has benefitted policy, health, business and culture. 

reconstruction of Palmyra’s Arch

Whose Heritage, Whose Reconstruction?

Impact case study

Dr Judith McKenzie’s convictions about the ‘intangible heritage’ vested in historic sites by those who live among them are shared by other Oxford academics.
Powis Castle

The National Trust Partnership: Connecting cutting-edge Oxford University research with the National Trust’s places and collections

A look into the collaborative partnership between the National Trust and Oxford University research.
bluetooth logo

Identifying and fixing critical design flaws in Bluetooth

Impact case study

Oxford University research uncovered critical flaws in the Bluetooth standard implemented in billions of devices worldwide.
EAMENA aerial shot

Archaeology from Above

Impact case study

The vast scope of EAMENA – Endangered Archaeology in the Middle East and North Africa – belies its origins in a smaller venture to document the ancient heritage of Jordan from above.
Side view of Palmyra’s Monumental Arch

Lighthouse in a Storm

Impact case study

One timely innovation by Oxford University is offering a second life for historic monuments and other heritage sites destroyed in current conflicts in the Middle East and beyond.
Aleppo, Umayyad (Great) Mosque courtyard

Why Oxford archaeologists dream of seeing the Palmyra Arch rebuilt by Syrians.

Impact case study

As Islamist militants are driven finally out of their captured strongholds, Oxford archaeologists have urged that the restoration of damaged historic sites be made a priority.
Dieter Schwarz Foundation and Oxford announce major research collaboration on artificial intelligence, government and policy

Oxford to receive £7 million to turn bright ideas into global opportunities

The award follows Oxford’s recent top ranking in the UK for generating spin-out companies and its success in the Research Exc

Emily Jones

Preparing the UK for a new era of trade

As the United Kingdom enters a new era of trade after leaving the European Union, the government is now tasked with developing a strategic trade policy that balances multiple stakeholder priorities.
Painting of Frederick Delius in the garden of his home at Grez sur Loing, France

Digital Delius

Impact case study

Researchers from the Faculty of Music have catalogued the work of British composer, Frederick Delius, and engaged with audiences to increase knowledge and understanding of his music and the process of composition.
Aeroplane © 135pixels/Shutterstock.com

Tackling climate change by researching routes to greenhouse gas removal

Impact case study

Since 2003, researchers at the University of Oxford have been conducting research on approaches to greenhouse gas removal from the atmosphere.
Hornsea One - Offshore WInd Farm. Photo Credit: Ørsted

Improving technology to support offshore wind production

Impact case study

An Oxford research team has improved engineering design for the ‘monopile’ foundations that support offshore wind turbines – reducing costs to enable the economic scale up of wind energy.
Image of gPen app being used to enter a Chinese character

Rough Paths: gaining insights and building solutions

Impact case study

Researchers in the Department of Mathematical Science are using the mathematics of ‘rough paths’ and signatures to enhance the analysis of complex streams of data – helping to identify practical solutions to real-world challenges.
Artistic impression of a plasma membrane of a human cell

OMass Therapeutics: New technology for drug discovery and development

Impact case study

Oxford University spin-out, OMass Therapeutics, is using new technologies to develop treatments for rare immunological and genetic diseases.
Bank of England notes and coins

Transforming Central Bank Communications: wider communication with targeted audiences

Impact case study

Michael McMahon and colleagues have developed evidence on the importance of central banks communicating beyond traditional audiences – influencing the Bank of England, and other central banks, to engage more effectively with the public.
Mosquito on net

Combating drug-resistant malaria

Impact case study

Oxford University research has contributed to strategies to eliminate malaria in the Greater Mekong Sub-region, helping to prevent the spread of drug-resistant malaria and improving health provision and outcomes for remote communities.
assorted donuts with chocolate frosted, pink glazed and sprinkles donuts

Making the case for sugar taxes: UK, Ireland and Mexico

Impact case study

Researchers at the University of Oxford have made the case for sugar taxes to reduce obesity and boost health – influencing policy in Mexico, Ireland, and the UK.
Library interior

Enabling digital inclusion through public libraries

Impact case study

Dr Kira Allmann and colleagues have worked with public libraries across Oxfordshire to identify barriers to digital inclusion and develop recommendations to help libraries better support digital access and skill development.
two men teaching mindfulness

Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy to prevent depression

Impact case study

Research at the University of Oxford has validated and extended a novel approach to preventing depression.
Problematic old labels over image of museum interior

Rethinking the ‘Collection Development Policy’ for the Pitt Rivers Museum

Impact case study

Marenka-Thompson-Odlum and colleagues examined the Pitt Rivers’ Collection Development Policy in the light of initiatives to decolonise the museum, gaining insights and recommendations which will inform a policy update.
Ithaca inscription

Oxford historians apply state-of-the-art AI to transform the study of ancient texts

News

Ithaca is the first deep neural network that can aid historians in not only restoring the missing text of damaged inscriptions, but also identifying their original location, and establishing the date they were written.

Pages
Was this page useful?*

Latest research news

See also

• Research strategy
• Engagement and partnership strategy
• Divisions
Related websites
Enterprising Oxford
Oxford University Innovation
Oxford Sciences

Latest campaigns

AI at Oxford banner

AI at Oxford

We are developing fundamental AI tools, applying AI to global challenges, and addressing the ethical issues of new technologies.

illustration showing parts of the brain

Brain and Mental Health

Experts at Oxford are expanding our understanding of brain health at a cellular level, exploring the impacts of mental health issues on the individual, and examining population-wide global health problems.

Other campaigns

Cancer at Oxford

Digital collections at Oxford

True planet

Coronavirus research