Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford

Oxford’s Men’s Blues celebrate their Varsity victory at StoneX Stadium, standing behind a large “Winners” board while a player lifts the trophy overhead. Teammates in navy kits cheer with raised arms as water sprays into the air in front of the stadium stands. Photo credit: © The Varsity Matches

Engineering meets elite sport 🔵

Congrats to John Belcher-Heath and Matilda Lees, who helped secure Oxford’s 37–25 Men’s and 52–8 Women’s Varsity wins over Cambridge last weekend.

🔗 https://f.mtr.cool/ylhrwlbmcb

📸 © The Varsity Matches

📚 Over 10 years ago, Nicole Bakker published Photovoltaics in Historical Built Environments, exploring solar integration in heritage architecture.

Now her DPhil research on circular electronics builds on it. First edition sold out, anniversary edition in mind.

#WorldBookDay #OxfordEngineering

WorldBookDay 📚highlight. Prof Felix Leach's book 'Critical Mass' has won the 2026 Independent Press Award (Green category). A powerful exploration of how we incentivise sustainable transport as automotive sector evolves.

Read more: https://f.mtr.cool/qnhdwfpsoz

On #WorldEngineeringDay we celebrate Oxford’s 2025–26 SCGC-FIRST awardees, including Prof Reece Oosterbeek, supporting research in sustainable plastics, advanced materials and energy-efficient technologies.

Read more: https://f.mtr.cool/cypzimuuza

Paul M. Hubel stands at a large wooden table in a bright office, working on a laptop while reviewing a large, colourful photographic print laid out in front of him. Natural light streams through floor-to-ceiling windows behind him. Working Photo Credit: Dan Wang 2025

From Oxford DPhil to reshaping digital photography 📸

Alumnus Paul M. Hubel has been named the 2026 Edwin H. Land Medal recipient for pioneering image algorithms that power modern cameras, from HDR to portrait mode.

🔗 https://f.mtr.cool/mnlkqpgvsg

Photo credit: Dan Wang 2025

Person tapping a smartwatch showing an activity graph, 256 calories and a heart-rate icon.

Dr Xiao Gu has secured a Smart Data Research UK (UKRI) Fellowship to develop AI models that learn health signatures from wearable data.

The project will build a “Digital Triage Nurse” using models to detect early signs of decline and support personalised care.

🔗 https://f.mtr.cool/xnuinjoslu

Promotional graphic for the “Access Oxford Initiative” featuring the Modulr logo alongside the Department of Engineering Science and University of Oxford logos. The design shows a human hand reaching toward a robotic hand over a dark blue tech-themed background with network lines. A small black and yellow cartoon robot stands at the bottom right. Text includes “ACCESS OXFORD INITIATIVE,” “www.modulr.cloud” and “@modulr_robotics.”

Excited to announce our partnership with Modulr 🦾

The Access Oxford Initiative will let pupils at distant UK state schools explore Oxford remotely - controlling a humanoid robot to tour colleges, gardens & libraries, ask students questions & experience university life.

Launching summer 2026.

University of Oxford Vice-Chancellor Professor Irene Tracey (right), wearing a navy suit, speaks while holding notes during a reception at No. 11 Downing Street. Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves (left), dressed in a green suit, stands beside her listening. They are positioned in front of an ornate white fireplace against red patterned walls with framed artwork above.

Professor Constantin Coussios (left) speaks to Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves (right) while demonstrating OrganOx’s normothermic machine perfusion device. The machine, visible between them, contains a transparent chamber filled with dark red fluid and connected tubing. They stand in an ornate room with red patterned walls and gold-framed artwork at No. 11 Downing Street.

Guests gather in an ornate reception room at No. 11 Downing Street with red patterned walls, gold-framed portraits and a central chandelier. A large group of leaders from across science, technology, investment and industry stand listening as a speaker addresses the room near a fireplace.

Professor Constantin Coussios (right) speaks with Lord Vallance (left) while demonstrating OrganOx’s normothermic machine perfusion device at a reception in No. 11 Downing Street. The medical device, with visible tubing and a chamber containing dark red fluid, stands between them in an ornate room with red patterned walls, framed paintings and a fireplace.

Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor reception at No. 11 Downing Street⭐️

Prof Constantin Coussios presented OrganOx’s normothermic perfusion technology.

📸 HM Treasury / DSIT

🔗 https://f.mtr.cool/iwanxervjx

Metals are crystals at the atomic scale. By controlling tiny defects in their structure, engineers create shape-memory alloys used in cardiovascular stents.

Watch Mujan Seif's full spotlight talk here: https://f.mtr.cool/brcvlwktjb

#NationalHeartMonth

Promotional graphic for The Varsity Matches featuring a male Oxford rugby player in a dark blue O.U.R.F.C. jersey standing against a patterned navy and white background. Text reads: “Oxford vs. Cambridge, 28 Feb 2026 at 12.00 PM, StoneX Stadium” and “The Varsity Matches” with the website www.thevarsitymatches.com.

Portrait graphic of John, a DPhil student in the AIMS CDT, wearing a dark blue Oxford rugby jersey. Beside him is the quote: “I am immensely proud to represent a club steeped in over 150 years of tradition. It is always a privilege and an honour to pull on the dark blue.” The background includes a small image of rugby posts and pitch grass within the design.

Portrait graphic of Matilda, an MEng Engineering Science student, wearing a dark blue Oxford rugby jersey. She stands beside a quote that reads: “Balancing rugby alongside my studies has been an amazing way to maintain a work-life balance. I’m honoured to share such a prestigious day with teammates, friends, & family.” A small image of rugby posts appears in the background design.

Oxford vs Cambridge. This Saturday. 🔵

Proud of our Engineering students Matilda Lees, John Belcher-Heath, Thomas Toze & Victor Angelov representing the Dark Blues at the Varsity Match 💪

📅 28 Feb
📍 StoneX Stadium

🎟 https://f.mtr.cool/ndfzlzjaxa 

#VarsityMatch #OxfordVsCambridge #DarkBlues

Six men stand side by side in a wood-panelled room at the launch of Oxford × QRT Labs. From left to right: Professor James Naismith, Head of Oxford’s MPLS Division; Dr Daniel Giamouridis, Quantitative Research Director at QRT; Sir Ernest Ryder, Master of Pembroke College; Professor Jon Chapman, Head of the Mathematical Institute; Professor Frank Windmeijer, Head of the Department of Statistics; and Professor Clive Siviour, Head of the Department of Engineering Science. Photo credit: Cyrus Mower.

Oxford × QRT launched 🚀

A new long-term partnership with Qube Research & Technologies, with @imperialcollegeldn.bsky.social & @universitypress.cambridge.org will fund 70+ early-career researchers across maths, stats, computer science & engineering.

🔗 eng.ox.ac.uk/news/oxford-...

📸 Cyrus Mower

Portrait of Nicole Bakker, a Clarendon Scholar and DPhil student in Engineering Science at the University of Oxford. She is smiling and standing indoors against a softly blurred modern background. A blue banner at the bottom of the image reads: “A Record 14 Clarendon Scholars in Engineering Science.”

A record 14 Engineering DPhils received prestigious Clarendon Scholarships this year 🎉

Clarendon supports outstanding scholars worldwide and celebrates its 25th intake in 2025/26.

🔗 https://f.mtr.cool/ayptdwiwru

Researcher in safety glasses and gloves adjusts complex lab equipment; banner reads Funded DPhil studentships - apply by 3 Mar 2026

Funded DPhil Studentships at Engineering Science 🎓

From AI-driven manufacturing and aerodynamics to wildlife monitoring and power electronics - multiple research opportunities now open.

Deadline: 12 noon, 3 March 2026⏰

🔗 https://f.mtr.cool/iteqxdfpkd

#PhDOpportunity #STEM

Above photo: Close-up of a clinician viewing a medical monitor displaying real-time ultrasound imaging and treatment controls, as part of a focused ultrasound procedure. Below photo: Close-up of the new HIFU machine at the Churchill Hospital, showing a hand holding a transparent sheet above a water-filled treatment chamber illuminated in gold, part of a system that increases the power of ultrasound by a factor of 10,000 for precise, non-invasive treatment.

When surgery was the only option, Oxford’s focused ultrasound programme offered an alternative.

Developed over 25 years by IBME and Oxford University Hospitals teams, HIFU provides non-invasive tumour treatment.

🔗 https://f.mtr.cool/ntusvsyivo

Young male basketball player sitting alone on an outdoor court, leaning forward with his head resting on his folded arms. A basketball lies in the foreground and a water bottle stands nearby on the ground.

New research from Oxford’s Podium Institute finds a two-way link between mental health & sports injuries in young athletes (10–24).

The study of 221k+ athletes highlights why psychological support should be part of routine sports medicine.

🔗 eng.ox.ac.uk/news/new-pod...

#SportsScience #YouthSport

Can Pancake Mix Stop a Bullet? 🥞 YouTube video by Oxford Engineering

Can pancake mix stop a bullet?🥞

In this #SpotlightIE talk, Oxford engineer Huanming Chen explores how Oobleck (cornstarch + water) turns solid under impact, with potential for liquid armour.

Full talk🔗 f.mtr.cool/uprbfiillz

youtube.com/shorts/oNtSM...

#PancakeDay

The ZERO Institute has launched a new DPhil in Zero Carbon Energy Research, combining cutting-edge research with training to equip future leaders of the energy transition.
Deadline: 3 March 2026

Apply now: https://f.mtr.cool/nqshvgeave

Industrial plant with tall smokestacks emitting white steam, surrounded by greenery and a fence. Road with cars in foreground.

50% of industrial energy lost as waste heat. 

New Royal Society report draws on research from Engineering Science, on thermal energy storage & industrial decarbonisation to support net zero.

🔗 https://f.mtr.cool/xudppnmwxy

£4M+ in EPSRC Open Fellowships 👏

🔬 Prof James Kwan – scaling up sonochemical CO₂ conversion (2 PDRAs + 1 DPhil recruiting)
🤖 Dr Christian Schroeder de Witt – advancing trustworthy multi-agent AI (recruiting 2 PDRAs)

🔗 f.mtr.cool/xvhbsfilyo

Promotional graphic featuring a photo of Rajeev Pal holding a certificate for the Shining Star Apprentice Award, where he was Highly Commended at the University of Oxford Apprenticeship text reads: “I am honoured to receive this recognition. My apprenticeship journey has combined learning with hands-on experience, helping me grow in confidence and secure a full-time role. It reflects the real value of apprenticeships in building long-term careers.”

overlaid quote reads: “Rajeev has come so far since joining us as an apprentice in 2023, becoming our permanent Finance Assistant and taking on greater responsibility. He shows the real value of investing in apprentices — building skills tailored to your team and supporting long-term growth.” The quote is attributed to Laura Griffin, Finance Manager

For #CelebrationFriday, congratulations to Rajeev - Highly Commended for the Shining Star Apprentice Award at the University of Oxford Apprenticeship Awards.

A fantastic example of how apprenticeships support long-term growth and development.

#NAW2026 #SkillsForLife #OxfordApprenticeships

#NAW2026 #SkillsForLife

For #OpportunityThursday, we’re sharing an insight into a finance apprenticeship experience - showing how building skills through real work can open up future opportunities.

#NAW2026 #SkillsForLife #OxfordApprenticeships

Supporting women in science means building cultures where they can thrive. From DPhil candidates to postdocs, women are shaping bioengineering every day at our department. This #International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we’re sharing a glimpse of it and standing with women in STEM worldwide.

What It’s Really Like to Be an Engineering Apprentice at Oxford | #NAW2026 YouTube video by Oxford Engineering

For #ApprenticeWednesday, meet Elsa - an Engineering Apprentice learning hands-on skills and supporting real research in Oxford Engineering’s workshops.

#NAW2026 #SkillsForLife #OxfordApprenticeships

youtu.be/b0uMxBeZMJI?...

Dark blue slide with yellow heading text reading “What skills have you gained that surprised you?”. White text explains developing strong organisational and communication skills, confidence using IT systems, and managing real responsibility. Pink line accents frame the text.

Dark blue slide with yellow heading text reading “Where could this lead next?”. White body text explains that the apprenticeship provides a strong foundation for growth and future opportunities within the University by combining a recognised qualification with experience at Oxford.

Dark blue slide with yellow heading text reading “Do you feel supported and part of the team?”. White body text explains being supported by a line manager, department and training provider, with regular check-ins and feeling trusted and integrated within Engineering Science. Abstract shapes appear in the background.

Her apprenticeship combines structured learning with real work, helping her build skills that support both her development and the wider department.

#NAW2026 #SkillsForLife

Dark blue graphic with bold white text reading “Inside a Business Administration Apprenticeship at Oxford”. Abstract geometric shapes appear in the background, with accent lines in pink and yellow. “#NAW2026” appears in the bottom left, with a small arrow indicating to swipe.

Text reads: "Why this route? It offered a practical way to gain a recognised qualification while developing transferable skills in a professional environment. I liked the idea that it combines real work experience with structured learning. I learn best by doing, and this meant I would have clear structure while allowing me to apply what I was learning straight away, without having to choose between work and study."

Dark blue slide with yellow heading text reading “How does the apprenticeship work alongside your job?”. White body text explains completing a Level 3 Business Administration apprenticeship with a college course, portfolio work and on-the-job learning. Decorative pink lines and abstract shapes frame the content.

Text reads: "What does a typical day look like? No two days are the same in my role. I work alongside our Undergraduate, Postgraduate and Outreach teams, which has helped me understand how the whole team functions and build confidence and adaptability. My day can include answering enquiries and working on student systems."

For #EmployerTuesday, we’re sharing Anais’ experience as a Business Administration apprentice working in student admin and outreach at Oxford Engineering - supporting teams, building skills and gaining real responsibility.

#NAW2026 #SkillsForLife #OxfordApprenticeships

Olivia's Degree Apprenticeship Journey | Skills for Life | #NAW2026 YouTube video by Oxford Engineering

“Earn while you learn.”

For National Apprenticeship Week, Olivia shares her experience as a University of Oxford employee building skills for life through an apprenticeship delivered by Middlesex University.

#NAW2026 #SkillsForLife @ox.ac.uk

youtube.com/shorts/9HVkf...

RAINZ CDT includes £10k/year TechExpert funding via the UK Government’s TechFirst programme
⏰ Deadline 13 Feb
Apply now: https://f.mtr.cool/sflwdvbszp

A neurosurgeon wearing surgical scrubs and a face mask implants the Picostim-DyNeuMo deep brain stimulation device in a patient during surgery. Overlaid text reads: “I’d gone from thinking ‘I can beat this’ to realising I didn’t have a plan B… The key word is hope — for me and for everyone who comes next.” — Nigel Price, stroke survivor and EPIONE study participant.

Composite CT and MRI brain image showing the implanted Picostim DyNeuMo device and electrode leads positioned in key pain-processing areas of the brain, with coloured tracts illustrating major sensory pathways.

“I was told there was no cure.”

Oxford researchers are testing whether deep brain stimulation could help treat severe post-stroke pain - a condition that can be disabling and resistant to medication.

🔗 https://f.mtr.cool/gecdclictg

Split image showing a close-up of a tick on human skin alongside a researcher walking through woodland carrying monitoring equipment, representing robotics-led wildlife monitoring and tick research.

New DPhil studentship🤖

Funded by the Breitman Family Foundation, the project will use robotics to monitor wildlife & tick activity – supporting ecology, conservation & public health research.

Apply by 3 March 2026 👉 https://f.mtr.cool/jvpndtetsh