What's so special about special relativity? Our new series of student lectures on YouTube kicks off with six lectures from Fernando Alday's 3rd year 'Special Relativity' course. Here's Fernando setting the scene.
Friday 27th March 2026
Teaching and Learning
Short stories 1
Short stories 2 - Netball, Oceans and James Joyce
Student life is about serendipitous friendships. It is also about living cheek by jowl with friends and knowing next to nothing about what they spend their days studying. But sometimes those studies can overlap. Luckiest days of their lives?
News From Elsewhere in the University
Oxford Events site is now live
Oxford Events, the University-wide event listing application which replaces OxTalks, is now live. The new site brings together events from departments, divisions, colleges and other units, in one place.
Image: Pieter Bruegel the Elder - The Fight Between Carnival and Lent
Other News
Café π news - April menu
New Focaccias - Turkey, ham & pepperoni focaccia with tomato, red onion & Cajun mayo. £4.90. Make it a meal deal: add a snack and a drink for £6.95.
Sweet Bites - beignets (jam-filled doughnut balls): £1 each or six for £5
Add any muffin to your hot or cold drink for only £2 after 2:00 p.m every day in April.
Neal Street Rewards
Buy five creams and get your sixth free.
Collect stamps on hot drinks, meals, and salads. Earn a free item when you collect nine stamps.
Song of the Week: Barbara Strozzi - Che si può fare?
Barbara Strozzi (1619-1677) was a prolific composer of secular music - she produced very little sacred music. She also had to navigate a world of men and musical patronage (or lack of it in her case). As the song say, 'What Can One Do'?
German soprano Simone Kermes is the vocalist.