Wednesday 17th June 2026

News

Oxford Union holds “This House Believes the West is Right to be Suspicious of Islam” Debate

Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, otherwise known as Tommy Robinson, is due to speak at the Oxford Union at 8.30 pm this evening at a debate on the motion “This House Believes the West is Right to be Suspicious of Islam”. The event has drawn condemnation from University societies, local politicians, and local faith leaders.

Home Office proposes doubling of Campsfield capacity

The Home Office has proposed a second phase of development to the Campsfield Immigration Removal Centre (IRC), increasing its capacity from 160 to 400 beds.

New Oxford campaign seeks to demystify genetic and neurological conditions using animations

A new educational campaign developed by the Department of Paediatrics at the University of Oxford aims to make neurodevelopmental disorders easier to understand through a series of animated videos. 

Twelve Oxford Scientists receive prestigious Royal Society Fellowship

Twelve University of Oxford researchers have been elected as fellows to the Royal Society, the UK’s national academy of sciences. They join a cohort of 90 scientific researchers elected this year from around the world who specialise in fields ranging from “astronomy and cancer research to mathematics and biotechnology”.

University funds hip hop classes for teens

The classes will form part of a study on the effects of exercise on wellbeing

Healthy heart may help prevent dementia, Oxford study claims

“Dementia devastates lives, and with the number of people with dementia set to rise to 1 million by 2025 and more families affected than ever before, reducing our risk has never been more important"

Oxford school becomes first vaccination centre in the city

"We want to help the Government and the people of the UK beat COVID-19 because the quicker we’re vaccinated, the more lives we save, the more jobs we save, the more businesses we save, and we’re prepared to do whatever it takes to see that happen.”

COVID vaccine can adapt to combat new mutations, says Oxford professor

Brendan Wren, professor of vaccinology at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical medicine, said modifying the vaccines would be relatively easy. It would involve making small changes to the genetic material they contain and would only take a matter of days to incorporate.

New online hub raises awareness of University’s colonial past

The online hub includes details on the University's efforts to address system racism in education, including outreach programmes which aim to provide support to Black applicants at undergraduate and postgraduate level.

University announces courses allowed to return for start of Hilary

Some colleges also suggested that students on these courses could still study at home if they so desired.

Not “safe or sustainable”: Bodleian Libraries’ reading rooms remain open

“The only way to keep us safe is to immediately close all open libraries and move to remote services only, with measures put in place to minimise the risk of travel."

History Faculty will not extend thesis deadlines

The deadline for students to submit their thesis remains Friday of Week 8 Hilary Term.

Oxford University confirms no safety net

"“The pandemic continues to provide us with significant challenges, but please rest assured that supporting your academic success is a key priority for everyone at the University."

Classics Moderations cancelled and replaced with Prelims

"Thank you for your lucid and well-argued letter about Mods, which was passed to the Chair of the Moderators, and was taken into account by the board of examiners when they considered what course to adopt. You will soon be receiving a formal announcement from the university that the decision has been taken to cancel Mods and set a Classics Prelim exam instead."

New College’s exempt students asked to consider withdrawing their application to return

Students have been invited to withdraw their applications by emailing the Academic Registrar before noon on Monday January 11th. After that, the college will confirm the final list of students who will be allowed to return.

Colleges release guidance regarding returns after national lockdown announced

Balliol, for example, “will have very tough criteria for agreeing any applications, given the importance of minimising the further spread of the virus in Oxford.”

Brexit hits Merton food supply chain

"Our food supply chain is currently being impacted by the effects of the national lockdown and post-Brexit border arrangements with the EU."

Major leak at St Catherine’s forces students to leave accommodation

"A major flood in the early hours of Friday morning has led to parts of St Catherine's college losing both heating and water supply".

Safety nets deemed not “necessary or appropriate” in Russell Group statement

""Our universities will continue to work in partnership with our students to review our approach to mitigation measures and make any necessary changes to ensure these are as effective, compassionate and empathetic as they can be."

Crankstart volunteering demands relaxed

"Normally as part of the scholarship students are required to complete at least 25 hours of volunteering across the academic year. These can be in either community projects in Oxford or as part of outreach events for the University."

University releases new guidance for returning students

"Students will still be able to return to university under the previous exemptions outlined. All other students will be advised not to travel back until mid-February, with all teaching taking place online until at least then. "

“There are measures in place to ensure your removal”: Keble students return without permission

Students from Keble College have been arriving at the college without any permission or having informed the accommodation office.

BREAKING: University suspends residency requirements for all of Hilary

In an email to students, Balliol College confirmed that "the University has removed the usual student “residency requirement” for the whole of the Term"....

Only 4 University libraries open for study until start of Hilary

For the start of Hilary term, the Bodleian Libraries will prioritise the provision of remote and zero-contact services, such as Live Chat, Scan and Deliver, and Click and Collect.

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