Mathematical Institute Bulletin

Student Tea@11 is a student-led initiative to revitalise the daily tea, coffee, and biscuit service for everyone. 'Tea' takes place in the Common Room at 11 am. We are looking for student volunteers for this term to form a committee similar to Happy Hour, which would take over the running of the tea service.

This is a low level of commitment: around 30 minutes every two weeks during term time, on a rota. The role consists in helping to prepare and distribute tea, coffee, and biscuits in the Common Room to members of the department between 11:00 am and 11:15 am, on days of your choosing.

Fill in this form to express your interest. If you have any questions, feel free to email Vlad Tuchilus at @email

Georgina Ryan is our new MPLS ED&I Fellow. 

This is the sixth year of running the ED&I Fellowship scheme with representation from across the Mathematical, Physical and Life Sciences (MPLS) Division's departments.

Georgina says: “I’m very excited to be an MPLS ED&I Fellow this year to work on advancing ED&I initiatives throughout the division. In the Mathematical Institute, I hope to help implement ideas from the fellowship with a focus on making our existing ED&I commitments sustainable and enduring for the long term.”

Our prestigious Hooke and Titchmarsh Fellowships are open for applications. Please spread the word so we keep the talent pipeline flowing.

Full details

Image: Joos van Gent and Pedro Berruguete - Euclid

When you next go swimming, take some maths with you. And don't worry, maths is waterproof. Nathan Creighton is in at the deep end.

Quick, quicker, less quick. Amandine Aftalion describes the trajectory of a 100m runner in this clip from her Oxford Mathematics Public Lecture.

Watch the full lecture here: 

Join us for a one-day, in-person conference hosted by the Mathematical, Physical and Life Sciences (MPLS) Division, bringing together researchers, technicians, and research enablers to explore how artificial intelligence is shaping scientific inquiry - and the ethical questions that arise.

This event is a showcase for cutting-edge research across the MPLS Division, with opportunities for interdisciplinary exchange, networking, and collaboration.

Date: Thursday, 15 January 2026
Time: 09:30 – 16:30
Location: Mathematical Institute, University of Oxford

Find out more

Are you a woman working in Artificial Intelligence (AI) at Oxford? We are creating a MPLS campaign to highlight the incredible diversity of people driving AI research, teaching, and innovation across the University.

We are looking to feature a range of voices, roles and experiences — from students and postdocs to professional services staff and academic leaders — working in any area connected to AI.

If you’re interested in being featured, or know someone who might be, please get in touch at @email by Friday 14^th November.

Image: Paula Rego - The Artist in Her Studio

On Friday October 31^st at 12 pm in S2.37, Mathematrix is hosting a discussion with Ian Griffiths (one of our mental health first aider) about how to protect your mental health while studying an intense graduate degree at Oxford. 

All master's and PhD students are encouraged to attend. A sandwich lunch will be provided.

Halloween Themed Cupcakes

Trick or treat, next Friday.

The great man theory of history is back in vogue: the idea that it is individuals not wider forces that shape the world, both by their own actions and the way they influence others. In music, Beethoven has long been a member of the club. Here's why (it starts very quietly).

Conducted by Paavo Järvi with the Deutsche Kammerphilharmonie Bremen

Full list of Songs of the Week