Friday 11th September 2026

Matters of the Moment

Reminder: mandatory Information Security and Data Protection training

A reminder to colleagues who have not yet completed the University’s mandatory Information Security and Data Protection training to please do so as soon as possible. The training is mandatory for all University staff and can be accessed here: complete the Information Security and Data Protection training. If you have not completed the training, and are required to do so by the Central University, you should have received one or two reminders so far from the University. Our current completion rate in Maths is lower than many other departments so please help us improve that.

A final University reminder is expected around the week commencing 28 September. After a further period for completion, departments will be informed of anyone who remains at risk of having University email access suspended, subject to appropriate university review.

Image: Electric clock designed by Gilbert Rohde

Electric clock designed by Gilbert Rohde

Teaching and Learning

Short stories 1 - Magic: The Gathering

Complexity isn't big in an age of simplism. But when it comes to games, complexity is in.

Sergio gathers the magic.

Short stories 2 - Every day I write the book

Every day I write (or don't write) the book. 

Roger Penrose on the perils of being Penrose.

News From Elsewhere in the University

Careers fairs this autumn

Six in-person careers fairs are taking place this autumn, starting in 0th Week and bringing hundreds of employers and organisations to Oxford. Explore different sectors, discover internships and work experience, find graduate opportunities, and talk to recruiters and careers advisers.

Sign up to the Careers Fairs, covering diverse sectors, or attend specialist fairs in Finance and Management Consultancy; Law; Science, Engineering and Technology; Computing; and Mathematics.

Image: P J Crook - Office Meeting

P J Crook - Office Meeting
 

Department of Computer Science Strachey Lecture

Hiding in Plain Sight: The promises and pitfalls of secret communication - Alastair Beresford (Professor of Computer Security and Head of the Department of Computer Science at the University of Cambridge)

This term's Strachey Lecture is especially relevant to anyone who works on or has an interest in cryptography -- as it's by the architect of The Guardian's system that allows people to securely pass on news tips.

Tuesday 27 October, 3 p.m. Oxford University  Museum of Natural History. The lecture will be followed by networking drinks. 

Book your place

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For Early Career Researchers

MPLS women postdocs: Applications close tonight, 11 September, for RisingWISE

Just five places remain for the award-winning MPLS RisingWISE programme, designed for women postdocs working in STEM disciplines.

We're particularly keen to increase applications from MPLS women postdocs as the programme is funded via the EPSRC Impact Acceleration Account. Don’t miss this opportunity to build leadership skills, expand your professional network, and connect with an inspiring cohort of women from across the division. Sign up

Image: Edgar Seligman - Women at Work: The Belgian Steel Factory, Goldhawk Road, W12

Edgar Seligman - Women at Work: The Belgian Steel Factory, Goldhawk Road, W12

Other News

Song of the Week: Talking Heads - Born Under Punches (The Heat Goes On)

What happens when you combine writer's block, African polyrhythms, funk, electronics, stream of consciousness lyrics and Brian Eno as producer?

This happens. It was pretty crazy (and fantastic) for those of us just listening to punk and new wave.