Edge Challenges is a new initiative for Oxford DPhil and Master’s students, delivered in collaboration with Oxford Science Enterprises and the Skoll Centre for Social Entrepreneurship.

From 25 February to 15 April, you’ll join a small, interdisciplinary team to work once a week on a real-world challenge shaped by external stakeholders. You’ll develop a research-informed response with impact beyond the University – whether that’s at the frontier of scientific entrepreneurship or social innovation. 

It's the Week 3 Student Bulletin!

Another week of term complete, we hope you're enjoying the term so far. 

Read on for pancake day and Lunar New Year at Cafe Pi, a new outreach initiative and wellbeing week at the RSL!

'Garage' was a largely American phenomenon in the 1960s (presumably they had more garages per capita). It was 'amateur', guitar based and largely commercially unsuccessful though there was a lot of it, in every garage, so to speak. 

It was mainly male, but there were also female groups such as the 'Gingerbreads', one of the first all female rock bands as opposed to singing combos who sang but didn't play the instruments. The group had a smidgeon of success with this bit of pop. Great to see them in action. More Garage next week.

As part of the Pay & Conditions programme, a survey is currently underway to understand barriers and access to health, fitness and wellbeing facilities for staff. There is particular interest in hearing from colleagues who do not currently use University or college facilities, including those who are based outside of central Oxford.

The survey is open to all staff and closes on Friday 13 February.

Applications are now open for SeedWISE Trinity 2026, a unique enterprise programme tailored for women DPhil students in STEM. Running from 20 April 2026 – 8 June, this programme will help you explore potential career routes in industry, innovation, and enterprise through interactive in-person and online sessions.

Happy Pancake Day

Tuesday 17 February | Morning Only 

Treat yourself this Shrove Tuesday with our exclusive breakfast menu. We’re serving up stacks of fluffy, golden pancakes loaded with a variety of delicious toppings. 

Chinese New Year Celebrations

Tuesday 17 February | From 12 to 2 pm 

Who owns our knowledge? In the age of AI, how can we make research trustworthy and share it openly (including in non-traditional formats)? Join the research community in shaping the future of ‘open.’ Come to challenge, learn, laugh, and eat. All Oxford staff/students attend free, but spaces limited.

In-person Wed 4 March 10:00 - 18:00, including lunch. Online events 2 - 6 March. 

Register and info

In week 5 of Hilary Term (w/b 16 February for those of us on Planet Earth) the Radcliffe Science Library will be hosting a wellbeing week. There will be a range of events based on student feedback, including an art class, jewellery making, free hot chocolate, board games and more. Details and booking available on the Wellbeing Calendar.