Oxford Biology
@biology.ox.ac.uk
Exploring the breadth and diversity of life on Earth 🌍 Updates on research & teaching at @ox.ac.uk. Merged from Departments of Plant Sciences and Zoology August 2022
www.biology.ox.ac.uk
www.biology.ox.ac.uk
We have two online talks coming up for Biology Week in October!
The Kent meningitis outbreak
Register ➡️ https://bit.ly/4h5dFDy
Species coexistence in a changing world
Register ➡️ https://bit.ly/3V5NXq0
Appropriate for ages 11+. Teachers, just register for the event to join with your class.
The Kent meningitis outbreak
Register ➡️ https://bit.ly/4h5dFDy
Species coexistence in a changing world
Register ➡️ https://bit.ly/3V5NXq0
Appropriate for ages 11+. Teachers, just register for the event to join with your class.
September 2, 2026 at 10:03 AM
We have two online talks coming up for Biology Week in October!
The Kent meningitis outbreak
Register ➡️ https://bit.ly/4h5dFDy
Species coexistence in a changing world
Register ➡️ https://bit.ly/3V5NXq0
Appropriate for ages 11+. Teachers, just register for the event to join with your class.
The Kent meningitis outbreak
Register ➡️ https://bit.ly/4h5dFDy
Species coexistence in a changing world
Register ➡️ https://bit.ly/3V5NXq0
Appropriate for ages 11+. Teachers, just register for the event to join with your class.
Have you ever thought of familiar garden plants’ backstories?
In a new blog, Professor Stephen Harris, Curator of the Oxford University Herbaria, unearths the hidden history behind purpletop vervain (Verbena bonariensis) - one that involves the Atlantic slave trade 👇
https://bit.ly/4c99sMD
In a new blog, Professor Stephen Harris, Curator of the Oxford University Herbaria, unearths the hidden history behind purpletop vervain (Verbena bonariensis) - one that involves the Atlantic slave trade 👇
https://bit.ly/4c99sMD
August 14, 2026 at 11:46 AM
Have you ever thought of familiar garden plants’ backstories?
In a new blog, Professor Stephen Harris, Curator of the Oxford University Herbaria, unearths the hidden history behind purpletop vervain (Verbena bonariensis) - one that involves the Atlantic slave trade 👇
https://bit.ly/4c99sMD
In a new blog, Professor Stephen Harris, Curator of the Oxford University Herbaria, unearths the hidden history behind purpletop vervain (Verbena bonariensis) - one that involves the Atlantic slave trade 👇
https://bit.ly/4c99sMD
Join us on 3 October for a day of discovery, curiosity, and hands-on science! 🌳🧠
We’re hosting a free science fair with @oxexppsy.bsky.social where you can visit stalls, take part in activities, and hear about exciting research 👇
https://bit.ly/insidelam
We’re hosting a free science fair with @oxexppsy.bsky.social where you can visit stalls, take part in activities, and hear about exciting research 👇
https://bit.ly/insidelam
August 11, 2026 at 10:44 AM
Join us on 3 October for a day of discovery, curiosity, and hands-on science! 🌳🧠
We’re hosting a free science fair with @oxexppsy.bsky.social where you can visit stalls, take part in activities, and hear about exciting research 👇
https://bit.ly/insidelam
We’re hosting a free science fair with @oxexppsy.bsky.social where you can visit stalls, take part in activities, and hear about exciting research 👇
https://bit.ly/insidelam
Last week Besiana Sinanaj & @syno2xis.bsky.social hosted an exciting series of talks & art exhibition!
The event explore connections between art and plant molecular biology, with four speakers who are both researchers and artists.
📷 Ted Aplin
🎨 Hsuan Pai & Besiana Sinanaj
The event explore connections between art and plant molecular biology, with four speakers who are both researchers and artists.
📷 Ted Aplin
🎨 Hsuan Pai & Besiana Sinanaj
June 24, 2026 at 9:31 AM
Last week Besiana Sinanaj & @syno2xis.bsky.social hosted an exciting series of talks & art exhibition!
The event explore connections between art and plant molecular biology, with four speakers who are both researchers and artists.
📷 Ted Aplin
🎨 Hsuan Pai & Besiana Sinanaj
The event explore connections between art and plant molecular biology, with four speakers who are both researchers and artists.
📷 Ted Aplin
🎨 Hsuan Pai & Besiana Sinanaj
Step inside the world of the Oxford Herbaria 🌿
Not one but three exhibitions across Oxford feature our Herbaria, highlighting how our historic collections continue to shape modern science from from food security to climate research.
Read more about each of the exhibits ➡️ https://bit.ly/4uyluq0
Not one but three exhibitions across Oxford feature our Herbaria, highlighting how our historic collections continue to shape modern science from from food security to climate research.
Read more about each of the exhibits ➡️ https://bit.ly/4uyluq0
May 22, 2026 at 12:03 PM
Step inside the world of the Oxford Herbaria 🌿
Not one but three exhibitions across Oxford feature our Herbaria, highlighting how our historic collections continue to shape modern science from from food security to climate research.
Read more about each of the exhibits ➡️ https://bit.ly/4uyluq0
Not one but three exhibitions across Oxford feature our Herbaria, highlighting how our historic collections continue to shape modern science from from food security to climate research.
Read more about each of the exhibits ➡️ https://bit.ly/4uyluq0
"Demand [for sand] continues to surge [...] while sand is also vital for ecosystems - supporting biodiversity, protecting coastlines, and regulating water systems."
Sand & Sustainability, new from @unep.org, co-authored by Sophus zu Ermgassen 👇
https://wedocs.unep.org/handle/20.500.11822/49463
Sand & Sustainability, new from @unep.org, co-authored by Sophus zu Ermgassen 👇
https://wedocs.unep.org/handle/20.500.11822/49463
May 12, 2026 at 2:27 PM
"Demand [for sand] continues to surge [...] while sand is also vital for ecosystems - supporting biodiversity, protecting coastlines, and regulating water systems."
Sand & Sustainability, new from @unep.org, co-authored by Sophus zu Ermgassen 👇
https://wedocs.unep.org/handle/20.500.11822/49463
Sand & Sustainability, new from @unep.org, co-authored by Sophus zu Ermgassen 👇
https://wedocs.unep.org/handle/20.500.11822/49463
Through turbid waters 🐠
Cait Newport studies how fish make decisions – and they are much more intelligent than you might think.
Read our new spotlight on Cait! 👇
https://bit.ly/4cugUCk
Cait Newport studies how fish make decisions – and they are much more intelligent than you might think.
Read our new spotlight on Cait! 👇
https://bit.ly/4cugUCk
April 7, 2026 at 11:16 AM
Through turbid waters 🐠
Cait Newport studies how fish make decisions – and they are much more intelligent than you might think.
Read our new spotlight on Cait! 👇
https://bit.ly/4cugUCk
Cait Newport studies how fish make decisions – and they are much more intelligent than you might think.
Read our new spotlight on Cait! 👇
https://bit.ly/4cugUCk
The curiosity cube is back! And for some pupils this is their third time visiting, repeat visits - making science feel, possible, and real.
Great to be part of it with Merck Curiosity Cube and colleagues across Biology, Chemistry and Engineering.
Read more 👉 https://bit.ly/4lOa7GQ
Great to be part of it with Merck Curiosity Cube and colleagues across Biology, Chemistry and Engineering.
Read more 👉 https://bit.ly/4lOa7GQ
March 26, 2026 at 10:03 AM
The curiosity cube is back! And for some pupils this is their third time visiting, repeat visits - making science feel, possible, and real.
Great to be part of it with Merck Curiosity Cube and colleagues across Biology, Chemistry and Engineering.
Read more 👉 https://bit.ly/4lOa7GQ
Great to be part of it with Merck Curiosity Cube and colleagues across Biology, Chemistry and Engineering.
Read more 👉 https://bit.ly/4lOa7GQ
⏰ Closing soon! A final reminder about our Fellowship Mentorship Programme for early career researchers, application for this year closes in just one week on 25 March ⬇️
https://bit.ly/BioIRF
https://bit.ly/BioIRF
March 18, 2026 at 10:40 AM
⏰ Closing soon! A final reminder about our Fellowship Mentorship Programme for early career researchers, application for this year closes in just one week on 25 March ⬇️
https://bit.ly/BioIRF
https://bit.ly/BioIRF
The application deadline for our Fellowship Mentorship Programme is fast approaching – make sure to get yours in by 25 March.
If you’re looking to make the move to an independent fellowship, an academic mentor can provide valuable support and advice ⬇️
https://bit.ly/BioIRF
If you’re looking to make the move to an independent fellowship, an academic mentor can provide valuable support and advice ⬇️
https://bit.ly/BioIRF
March 4, 2026 at 10:40 AM
The application deadline for our Fellowship Mentorship Programme is fast approaching – make sure to get yours in by 25 March.
If you’re looking to make the move to an independent fellowship, an academic mentor can provide valuable support and advice ⬇️
https://bit.ly/BioIRF
If you’re looking to make the move to an independent fellowship, an academic mentor can provide valuable support and advice ⬇️
https://bit.ly/BioIRF
Why are “nature positive” approaches critical to resilient economies and financial markets?
Find out more on our exciting new executive education course, Green Economy and Nature Positive Finance, led by @joewbull.bsky.social. Open for booking 👇
https://bit.ly/greeneconomycourse
Find out more on our exciting new executive education course, Green Economy and Nature Positive Finance, led by @joewbull.bsky.social. Open for booking 👇
https://bit.ly/greeneconomycourse
February 20, 2026 at 9:19 AM
Why are “nature positive” approaches critical to resilient economies and financial markets?
Find out more on our exciting new executive education course, Green Economy and Nature Positive Finance, led by @joewbull.bsky.social. Open for booking 👇
https://bit.ly/greeneconomycourse
Find out more on our exciting new executive education course, Green Economy and Nature Positive Finance, led by @joewbull.bsky.social. Open for booking 👇
https://bit.ly/greeneconomycourse
To understand how fish use vision to navigate, we must first understand what they see.
New review from Cait Newport and @burt15theresa.bsky.social in @jexpbiol.bsky.social 👇
doi.org/10.1242/jeb....
New review from Cait Newport and @burt15theresa.bsky.social in @jexpbiol.bsky.social 👇
doi.org/10.1242/jeb....
February 16, 2026 at 9:54 AM
To understand how fish use vision to navigate, we must first understand what they see.
New review from Cait Newport and @burt15theresa.bsky.social in @jexpbiol.bsky.social 👇
doi.org/10.1242/jeb....
New review from Cait Newport and @burt15theresa.bsky.social in @jexpbiol.bsky.social 👇
doi.org/10.1242/jeb....
Book now to secure your place on our new Exec Ed Course - Green Economy & Nature-Positive Finance.
Explore why “nature positive” approaches are critical to resilient economies and financial markets.
Book now👉 bit.ly/greeneconomy...
16-20 March, Life and Mind Building
Explore why “nature positive” approaches are critical to resilient economies and financial markets.
Book now👉 bit.ly/greeneconomy...
16-20 March, Life and Mind Building
February 9, 2026 at 6:15 PM
Book now to secure your place on our new Exec Ed Course - Green Economy & Nature-Positive Finance.
Explore why “nature positive” approaches are critical to resilient economies and financial markets.
Book now👉 bit.ly/greeneconomy...
16-20 March, Life and Mind Building
Explore why “nature positive” approaches are critical to resilient economies and financial markets.
Book now👉 bit.ly/greeneconomy...
16-20 March, Life and Mind Building
Applications for our Fellowship Mentorship Programme are open!
The programme supports promising early career researchers to submit fellowship applications and move towards research independence. Find out more ⬇️
https://bit.ly/BioIRF
The programme supports promising early career researchers to submit fellowship applications and move towards research independence. Find out more ⬇️
https://bit.ly/BioIRF
February 9, 2026 at 10:15 AM
Applications for our Fellowship Mentorship Programme are open!
The programme supports promising early career researchers to submit fellowship applications and move towards research independence. Find out more ⬇️
https://bit.ly/BioIRF
The programme supports promising early career researchers to submit fellowship applications and move towards research independence. Find out more ⬇️
https://bit.ly/BioIRF
We were proud to feature on BBC’s Inside the Factory this week 🎥
In the latest episode, viewers get a behind-the-scenes look inside our bee lab at Wytham Field Station, where science and nature come together.
You can catch us from 6:23: www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m...
In the latest episode, viewers get a behind-the-scenes look inside our bee lab at Wytham Field Station, where science and nature come together.
You can catch us from 6:23: www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m...
January 21, 2026 at 10:41 AM
We were proud to feature on BBC’s Inside the Factory this week 🎥
In the latest episode, viewers get a behind-the-scenes look inside our bee lab at Wytham Field Station, where science and nature come together.
You can catch us from 6:23: www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m...
In the latest episode, viewers get a behind-the-scenes look inside our bee lab at Wytham Field Station, where science and nature come together.
You can catch us from 6:23: www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m...
There's been a record shift in the breeding season of Antarctic penguins 🐧
Gentoos are advancing breeding by an average of 13 days per decade, and Adélies and Chinstraps by an average of 10 days, likely in response to climate change.
Led by @penguinacho.bsky.social 👇
https://bit.ly/4svQWnX
Gentoos are advancing breeding by an average of 13 days per decade, and Adélies and Chinstraps by an average of 10 days, likely in response to climate change.
Led by @penguinacho.bsky.social 👇
https://bit.ly/4svQWnX
January 20, 2026 at 10:11 AM
There's been a record shift in the breeding season of Antarctic penguins 🐧
Gentoos are advancing breeding by an average of 13 days per decade, and Adélies and Chinstraps by an average of 10 days, likely in response to climate change.
Led by @penguinacho.bsky.social 👇
https://bit.ly/4svQWnX
Gentoos are advancing breeding by an average of 13 days per decade, and Adélies and Chinstraps by an average of 10 days, likely in response to climate change.
Led by @penguinacho.bsky.social 👇
https://bit.ly/4svQWnX
📢Executive Education Course
Dive into Green Economy & Nature-Positive Finance -
5 days of expert training on why nature matters in financial markets 🌿
Oxford | 16–20 Mar 2026
bit.ly/greeneconomy...
Dive into Green Economy & Nature-Positive Finance -
5 days of expert training on why nature matters in financial markets 🌿
Oxford | 16–20 Mar 2026
bit.ly/greeneconomy...
January 20, 2026 at 9:48 AM
📢Executive Education Course
Dive into Green Economy & Nature-Positive Finance -
5 days of expert training on why nature matters in financial markets 🌿
Oxford | 16–20 Mar 2026
bit.ly/greeneconomy...
Dive into Green Economy & Nature-Positive Finance -
5 days of expert training on why nature matters in financial markets 🌿
Oxford | 16–20 Mar 2026
bit.ly/greeneconomy...
A lesson in balance 🌱
Eunyoung Chae studies the complex factors that shape plant immunity, a tentative balancing act to defend against threats whilst still allowing growth.
Read our new spotlight on Eunyoung! 👇
bit.ly/4jNLF7z
Eunyoung Chae studies the complex factors that shape plant immunity, a tentative balancing act to defend against threats whilst still allowing growth.
Read our new spotlight on Eunyoung! 👇
bit.ly/4jNLF7z
January 7, 2026 at 9:42 AM
A lesson in balance 🌱
Eunyoung Chae studies the complex factors that shape plant immunity, a tentative balancing act to defend against threats whilst still allowing growth.
Read our new spotlight on Eunyoung! 👇
bit.ly/4jNLF7z
Eunyoung Chae studies the complex factors that shape plant immunity, a tentative balancing act to defend against threats whilst still allowing growth.
Read our new spotlight on Eunyoung! 👇
bit.ly/4jNLF7z
Congrats to @bertaverd.bsky.social, who's been accepted into the @embo.org Young Investigator Programme!
Her research focuses on one of the fundamental and most longstanding questions in biology: how phenotypes evolve to generate the incredible diversity of forms we see 👇
https://bit.ly/4aj8YDi
Her research focuses on one of the fundamental and most longstanding questions in biology: how phenotypes evolve to generate the incredible diversity of forms we see 👇
https://bit.ly/4aj8YDi
December 2, 2025 at 2:02 PM
Congrats to @bertaverd.bsky.social, who's been accepted into the @embo.org Young Investigator Programme!
Her research focuses on one of the fundamental and most longstanding questions in biology: how phenotypes evolve to generate the incredible diversity of forms we see 👇
https://bit.ly/4aj8YDi
Her research focuses on one of the fundamental and most longstanding questions in biology: how phenotypes evolve to generate the incredible diversity of forms we see 👇
https://bit.ly/4aj8YDi
The Life & Mind Building: from foundations to a new home for Biology.
As we celebrate its official opening, here’s a look back at how far this building has come over the past six years.
We can’t wait to see everything it will make possible.
As we celebrate its official opening, here’s a look back at how far this building has come over the past six years.
We can’t wait to see everything it will make possible.
November 21, 2025 at 12:34 PM
The Life & Mind Building: from foundations to a new home for Biology.
As we celebrate its official opening, here’s a look back at how far this building has come over the past six years.
We can’t wait to see everything it will make possible.
As we celebrate its official opening, here’s a look back at how far this building has come over the past six years.
We can’t wait to see everything it will make possible.
The Life & Mind Building officially opened on Tuesday, marked by a visit from Sir Paul Nurse. A major milestone for Biology, this new £200 million home brings cutting-edge labs, teaching spaces, and research communities together under one roof.
bit.ly/4pbzoeg
📸C.Mower
bit.ly/4pbzoeg
📸C.Mower
November 20, 2025 at 6:18 PM
The Life & Mind Building officially opened on Tuesday, marked by a visit from Sir Paul Nurse. A major milestone for Biology, this new £200 million home brings cutting-edge labs, teaching spaces, and research communities together under one roof.
bit.ly/4pbzoeg
📸C.Mower
bit.ly/4pbzoeg
📸C.Mower
Join us for our annual lecture on 16 December! We will delve into the wonders of animal seismic senses, from spider webs to elephant rumbles, with Dr Beth Mortimer 🐘🕷️
16 December 17:15, in the Life and Mind Building, Oxford & online 👇
www.biology.ox.ac.uk/event/biolog...
16 December 17:15, in the Life and Mind Building, Oxford & online 👇
www.biology.ox.ac.uk/event/biolog...
November 20, 2025 at 10:21 AM
Join us for our annual lecture on 16 December! We will delve into the wonders of animal seismic senses, from spider webs to elephant rumbles, with Dr Beth Mortimer 🐘🕷️
16 December 17:15, in the Life and Mind Building, Oxford & online 👇
www.biology.ox.ac.uk/event/biolog...
16 December 17:15, in the Life and Mind Building, Oxford & online 👇
www.biology.ox.ac.uk/event/biolog...
From trade offs to synergies: Aligning climate and biodiversity policies.
Reps from Oxford Biology joined experts from government, academia and NGOs at COP30 at this side event.
With Greenpeace, SOS Atlantic Forest foundation, WWF and @oxfordgeography.bsky.social.
📸 L.Jardim & A.Vasconcelos
Reps from Oxford Biology joined experts from government, academia and NGOs at COP30 at this side event.
With Greenpeace, SOS Atlantic Forest foundation, WWF and @oxfordgeography.bsky.social.
📸 L.Jardim & A.Vasconcelos
November 13, 2025 at 9:00 AM
From trade offs to synergies: Aligning climate and biodiversity policies.
Reps from Oxford Biology joined experts from government, academia and NGOs at COP30 at this side event.
With Greenpeace, SOS Atlantic Forest foundation, WWF and @oxfordgeography.bsky.social.
📸 L.Jardim & A.Vasconcelos
Reps from Oxford Biology joined experts from government, academia and NGOs at COP30 at this side event.
With Greenpeace, SOS Atlantic Forest foundation, WWF and @oxfordgeography.bsky.social.
📸 L.Jardim & A.Vasconcelos
Want to do a PhD in biology? Our projects for 2026 are now live! If you're considering a PhD, or know someone who is, we have projects that span the biosciences to serve as inspiration.
Reach out to our academics to discuss these or more options if you have an idea of your own 👇
bit.ly/dphilbio25
Reach out to our academics to discuss these or more options if you have an idea of your own 👇
bit.ly/dphilbio25
October 20, 2025 at 8:51 AM
Want to do a PhD in biology? Our projects for 2026 are now live! If you're considering a PhD, or know someone who is, we have projects that span the biosciences to serve as inspiration.
Reach out to our academics to discuss these or more options if you have an idea of your own 👇
bit.ly/dphilbio25
Reach out to our academics to discuss these or more options if you have an idea of your own 👇
bit.ly/dphilbio25
📢Closing on Monday: Associate Professor of Molecular Cell Biology
But if you thought you had missed out...
🎉Extended till 22nd October: Associate Professor of Animal Behaviour
Join us in the new state-of-the-art Life and Mind Building 👇
bit.ly/488CNW3
But if you thought you had missed out...
🎉Extended till 22nd October: Associate Professor of Animal Behaviour
Join us in the new state-of-the-art Life and Mind Building 👇
bit.ly/488CNW3
October 10, 2025 at 1:21 PM
📢Closing on Monday: Associate Professor of Molecular Cell Biology
But if you thought you had missed out...
🎉Extended till 22nd October: Associate Professor of Animal Behaviour
Join us in the new state-of-the-art Life and Mind Building 👇
bit.ly/488CNW3
But if you thought you had missed out...
🎉Extended till 22nd October: Associate Professor of Animal Behaviour
Join us in the new state-of-the-art Life and Mind Building 👇
bit.ly/488CNW3