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University of Oxford

The University of Oxford has been placed number 1 in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings for the fifth year running, and at the heart of this success is its ground-breaking research and innovation.

This work helps the lives of millions, solving real-world problems through a huge network of partnerships and collaborations.

The breadth and interdisciplinary nature of Oxford’s research enables cutting edge innovation, whether it be developing new energy solutions, advancing medical treatments, understanding climate change processes, or building pioneering quantum technologies.

The University’s impact is exemplified in its response to the COVID-19 pandemic: the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine was developed and has protected millions of people worldwide; a rapid COVID-19 test was created and is now in use at UK and international airports; and through the RECOVERY trial, dexamethasone was identified as an effective treatment for the virus, saving many lives and reducing pressure on the NHS.

The economy and wider society benefit from the University of Oxford’s research successes. With more technology licences completed than any other UK university, more than 200 spinouts created, £4bn in external funding raised for spinouts since 2011, and 11 spinouts listed either on LSE or NASDAQ, Oxford is clearly open for business.

Member stories

Students at UCL credit: Alejandro Walter Salinas Lopez
News

SES members to play a leading role in training future scientists and engineers

Some 4,000 students will benefit from a £1bn investment in doctoral training centres for engineering and physical sciences, with SES members lead partners in almost a third of them.

News

SES members to share in £100m boost to AI research

Nine new research hubs bringing together universities from across the UK will receive £80m to deliver revolutionary AI technologies, with SES members playing a leading role in three.

Feature

Discovering positive research initiatives at SES universities

Our partner universities are at the cutting edge of research. They constantly strive to create environments where new ideas can flourish, and innovation is second nature.

Feature

The spin-outs changing our world

Spin-outs have the potential to redefine how research, patient care and product development is handled in the future. Find out about SES members’ spin-out activities.

Farmland in North Wales © Mary Hinkley
Feature

Showing our impact – REF 2021

Looking beyond SES members’ excellent performance in REF 2021 to their case studies reveals the positive impact their research is having. Here are some examples.

University College London, North West WingPhotographer: Mary Hinkley Copyright: © UCL Digital Media
Publication

The economic and social impact of UCL

UCL’s social and economic impact is £9.9bn per year and is felt across the whole UK, according to an independent report.

Professor Patrick Grant, University of Oxford. credit: John Cairns

Patrick Grant

Pro-Vice-Chancellor Research

Executive Board Member

Martin Edmunds

Head of Research Support, Mathematical Physical and Life Sciences Division

Operational Lead / Equipment Sharing Group member