Sunday 15th February 2026

News

Oxford University and Google Expand AI Partnership

The University of Oxford and Google have announced a major expansion of their collaboration to embed advanced artificial intelligence tools across the University’s academic and administrative activities.

Opening of Global Leadership Centre in Osney Power Station further delayed to summer 2026

The project was first mooted in May 2015, discussions with local residents took place in 2018, and the project was approved by Oxford City Council in 2019.

John Radcliffe Hospital hosts new institute for trauma, emergency, and critical care

A new Kadoorie Institute of Trauma, Emergency and Critical Care has been established within the University of Oxford.

Rusu, Farhan, Quan, Kola-Balogun elected to SU leadership amid low turnout

The Oxford Students’ Union (SU) has announced the results of its 2026 election.

ATIK Oxford won’t be closing despite rumours

Following speculations by many students regarding the future of nightclub ATIK’s operations, Cherwell contacted the parent company, Rekom UK, for comment. A spokesperson for...

Oxford begins human vaccine trials for deadly Nipah virus

The first in-human clinical trial of a vaccine against the deadly Nipah virus has been launched by Oxford.

New mental health hospital planned for Warneford Park

Plans to build a new mental health hospital in Warneford Park, at the site of the existing hospital, are progressing after partners signed documentation agreeing on redevelopment plans.

Oxford research finds financial sector unprepared for climate lawsuits

Research by the Oxford Sustainable Law Programme (SLP) found that investors and regulators have seriously overlooked the risk of potential climate lawsuits.

Oxfordshire County’s funding gap grows from £9.1 million to £11.2 million

Following the central government’s annual allocation of funding to local councils, Oxfordshire’s projected £9.1 million budget shortfall has grown to £11.2 million for the 2024/25 financial year after the county did not receive as much grant support funding as expected.

Oxford researchers unearth evolutionary origins of multiple sclerosis in ancient DNA

An Oxford team led the research, published in Nature on January 10, that uncovered the origins of multiple sclerosis (MS).

Oxford University receives millions of pounds from arms companies

An openDemocracy investigation has found that over the past five years, UK universities received over £100 million in donations, funding, and sponsorships from arms companies. According to the investigation, Oxford University has taken approximately £17 million, with the lion’s share of this money from Rolls Royce. 

Green Templeton College demolition plans draw criticism

At a meeting of Oxford City Council’s Planning Committee on Tuesday 23 January, Green Templeton College was granted approval to demolish its Richard Doll building in order to build new and environmentally friendly student accommodation for 51 graduate students. This approval was granted despite objections from the Oxford Architectural and History Society and the Thames Valley Police.

Oxford Union believes money can buy you happiness

At Saturday night’s intervarsity debate against the Cambridge Union, members voted in favour of the motion “This House believes money can buy you happiness.”

Oxford cocaine research reveals neuron activity behind heightened memories

A combined research effort from Oxford University’s Medical Research Council Brain Network Dynamics Unit and the Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences has used cocaine to uncover a specific pattern of nerve cell activity that leads to the production of insistent memories.

University severs ties with TCS following admissions test debacle

Due to issues in test administration during last year’s admission cycle, Oxford University has decided to sever ties with Tata Consultancy Services (TCS)

74% of students think Oxford University is not inclusive: EDI at Oxford

A survey conducted by Cherwell has revealed that 74% of students think Oxford University is not inclusive

Oxford researchers unveil Neptune’s true colour

A team led by Professor Patrick Irwin of Oxford University’s Department of Physics found that Neptune and Uranus are both pale blue-green, not deep navy blue as is commonly believed. The main purpose of their study, published in the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, was to explain why Uranus’s colour changes throughout its year.

Oxford hospitals declare increased pressure amidst strikes

Oxford’s John Radcliffe Hospital has announced increased levels of pressure in the midst of junior doctor strikes lasting six days. An Operational Pressure Escalation Level (OPEL) 4 has been declared, the highest level on the framework, signalling an increased risk of compromised patient care and safety. 

Short-term contracts put Oxford University staff at risk of poverty

An employment tribunal will be convened in Reading this January to look into problems associated with short-term and casual employment contracts at Oxford University, identified by the UCU (University and College Union) as significant causes of poverty.

Students in four-star hotels following accommodation construction delays

More than 120 students from two Oxford colleges are being housed in four-star hotels following delays in student accommodation construction.  For over two months, around...

Protesters block Barclays entrance in pro-Palestine demonstration

Around a hundred protestors blocked the entrance to Barclays on Cornmarket Street in a demonstration organised by Oxford Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC) in support of the boycott, divest, sanctions (BDS) movement currently targeting the bank.

Oxford Union believes the UK is failing immigrants

On Thursday night, the Oxford Union voted in favour of the motion “This House Believes the UK is Failing Immigrants.” The final count had 224 members voting for the motion and 46 members voting against. 

Oxford launches new Vice-Chancellor’s Colloquium programme

Oxford’s Department for Continuing Education launched a new interdisciplinary extra-curricular programme, “The Vice-Chancellor’s Colloquium,” this term. The programme was first announced at Vice-Chancellor Irene Tracey’s 2023 Oration speech last October, and aims to bridge the gaps between humanities and STEM subjects through “an experiment in helping students learn from each other across the divide.”

Oxford releases new guidance on AI use for students

The University of Oxford has released new guidance on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools for students. The guidance, published 8 January 2024, comes following significant interest in the promises and dangers of AI, including the 2021 launch of the Oxford Institute for Ethics in AI and the continued advertisement of the Saïd Business School’s Oxford Artificial Intelligence Programme.

Follow us