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Oxford accused of lowering standards to meet diversity target

20 Dec 2024  |  www.thetimes.com  |  English  |  University Admissions

The University of Oxford faces criticism for allegedly compromising academic standards to meet diversity targets through its Opportunity Oxford program. Critics argue that the initiative prioritizes diversity over academic ability, potentially harming the university's reputation. The program aims to support students from under-represented backgrounds, but some believe it displaces more academically qualified candidates. The debate reflects broader concerns about diversity policies in education, with parallels drawn to similar issues in the United States.

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University of Oxford Campaign for Real Education Supreme Court

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Journalist, reporter working for radio, TV, digital media and print magazines. 
Between France, the UK and Africa.
Writer and podcast producer.

Currently with RFI English.

Since 2006, I've worked with France24, AFP, BBC World Service, Deutsche Welle, Reuters, Think Africa Press, TV5, Le ...

UK's deal with Rwanda / Kenya at 60

12 Dec 2023  |  melissa.substack.com  |  English  |  Colonial History

The UK has signed a new migration treaty with Rwanda after the Supreme Court blocked an earlier arrangement as unlawful. The policy has faced significant criticism due to Rwanda's human rights record and the ethical implications of offshoring asylum seekers. Key figures, including immigration lawyer Sarah Gogan and Labour's Yvette Cooper, have voiced strong opposition. The article also reflects on Kenya's 60th independence anniversary, celebrating the Mau Mau rebellion's role in ending British colonial rule. The British monarchy's historical and recent interactions with Kenya are discussed, highlighting the lack of an apology for colonial atrocities.

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SOAS University of London Oxford's Refugee Studies Centre UK Supreme Court British Government Rwanda Government Labour Party Conservative Party Mau Mau War Veterans Association Buckingham Palace

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Chiara Crescenzi is a journalist based in Roma, RM, Italia.

How to Defend Your Online Anonymity

14 Jan 2024  |  www.wired.it  |  Italian  |  Technology

In the digital age, maintaining online anonymity is challenging but achievable with the right measures. The article provides practical advice on blocking trackers, using privacy-focused browsers like Tor, and employing tools such as VPNs and encrypted communication services. It emphasizes the importance of choosing services that respect user privacy and offers tips on minimizing personal data exposure online. Advanced strategies for heightened security, such as using privacy-centric operating systems and anonymizing email addresses, are also discussed.

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University of Oxford Electronic Frontier Foundation Wired US

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MQONDISI DUBE is a journalist based in Gaborone, South-East, Botswana.

Botswana Communities March Against UK's Anti-Hunting Bill

13 Mar 2024  |  allAfrica.com  |  English  |  Wildlife Conservation

Scores of people from Botswana communities marched against the UK's anti-hunting bill, delivering a petition to the British High Commission. The bill seeks to ban the importation of legally obtained wildlife trophies from Africa, which protesters argue will negatively impact local livelihoods and conservation efforts. The bill, which goes for a second reading later this month, has faced opposition from various stakeholders, including local organizers and wildlife conservation experts. The debate highlights the complex relationship between trophy hunting, wildlife conservation, and community livelihoods.

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University of Oxford House of Lords House of Commons British High Commission

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Freelance journalist: science, culture, technology, travel, education & personal essays for National Geographic, SmithsonianMag, Aeon, GOOD, Discover, BBC Wildlife, Psychologies, Huck, Matador Network and more. Digital media professional: video, photography and web. I am location independent and ...

LLM Hallucinations: A Bug or A Feature?

23 May 2024  |  cacm.acm.org  |  English  |  Technology

Large Language Models (LLMs) are capable of impressive feats but are prone to 'hallucinations,' where they generate plausible yet inaccurate responses. This issue is significant in fields like healthcare, finance, and law, where accuracy is crucial. Various organizations, including Stanford University and Oxford Internet Institute, are researching the causes and solutions for these hallucinations. Some view them as bugs to be fixed, while others see them as inherent features. Efforts to mitigate hallucinations include fine-tuning models, developing sector-specific approaches, and rethinking the perception of hallucinations. The rapid growth of LLMs poses challenges, as future models may be trained on flawed outputs, potentially amplifying inaccuracies over time.

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National University of Singapore Hong Kong University of Science and Technology University College London Oxford Internet Institute Stanford University Pew Research Center Demos Facebook AI Research Meta New York University Peking University

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Freya Graham is a journalist based in London, United Kingdom.

What is Disease X? What we know about the 'next pandemic'

14 Feb 2024  |  metro.co.uk  |  English  |  Science & Environment

Disease X represents a hypothetical pathogen that could cause the next pandemic, as warned by WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. It is a term created by the WHO in 2018 and is on their priority disease shortlist. Scientists, including Professor Dame Sarah Gilbert, are researching potential zoonotic origins of such a disease. The UK's new Vaccine Development and Evaluation Centre aims to develop vaccines within 100 days for future pandemics. The World Economic Forum, which discusses global health among other topics, has faced criticism from right-wing commentators who associate Disease X with conspiracy theories about globalist agendas.

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Pandemic Sciences Institute, University of Oxford World Health Organisation (WHO) Vaccine Development and Evaluation Centre UK Health Security Agency World Economic Forum G7 countries Full Fact

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I am an experienced photographer and videographer based in Belgrade, Serbia, with a passion for capturing impactful moments through the lens. With a background in documentary photography and video production, I specialize in covering breaking news, political events, and cultural stories. My work ...

In Great Britain, the discovery of cannibalized bones challenges our view of the past

16 Dec 2024  |  www.ouest-france.fr  |  French  |  Cannibalism

Archaeological research led by Rick Schulting from the University of Oxford reveals a grim prehistoric event in Charterhouse Warren, southwest England, where at least 37 individuals were violently killed and possibly cannibalized around 2200-2000 BC. This discovery, based on bones found in the 1970s, challenges previous perceptions of the Bronze Age in Britain, suggesting an isolated incident of extreme violence and potential social or political tensions. The study hypothesizes that the violence served as a spectacle to intimidate others, with the consumption of human flesh as a tactic to instill fear.

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University of Oxford

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LUIS GUILLERMO HERNÁNDEZ is a journalist based in Ciudad de México, México.

Biologists have already found the animal that will take over the world when we disappear: the octopus, evidently

01 Jan 2025  |  midiariotec.blogspot.com  |  Spanish  |  Intelligence in Animals

The article explores the hypothetical scenario of octopuses becoming the dominant species on Earth if humans were to disappear. Biologist Tim Coulson from the University of Oxford suggests that octopuses, with their intelligence and adaptability, could potentially develop a civilization. The article discusses the challenges octopuses would face, such as energy sources and sociability, and highlights recent discoveries of octopus communities in Australia. However, it concludes that any predictions about future dominant species remain speculative.

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University of Oxford

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Bilal Hussain is an independent journalist and columnist with a wealth of experience in covering South Asia, and the Middle East with a particular emphasis on the socio-political landscape of Kashmir. His reporting has been featured in prominent news outlets and organizations such as Voice of ...

Ukraine, Palestinian Territories Highlight Environmental Threats at COP28

12 Dec 2023  |  Voice of America  |  English  |  Humanitarian Issues

At COP28 in Dubai, delegations from Ukraine and the Palestinian territories are actively participating to highlight the environmental threats they face due to ongoing conflicts. Ukraine is showcasing the environmental damage from Russia's invasion and advocating for global measures against ecocide. The Ukrainian pavilion details the catastrophic effects of war on the environment, including a dam explosion and efforts to rebuild. Moldova and other countries have shown support for Ukraine's stance. The Palestinian delegation is seeking attention to their humanitarian needs and climate challenges, such as water scarcity and desertification. They are also hoping for support from the newly announced Loss and Damage Fund. The environmental repercussions of the Ukraine war have been documented, with significant land impact and increased carbon emissions. Ukraine's 10-year national recovery plan was also mentioned, with a focus on recovery pathways for major sectors. The article also touches on the broader need for climate justice and a just transition to cleaner energy sources, as emphasized by Simon Chambers of ACT Alliance.

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University of Oxford Oxford Net Zero U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs VOA United Nations ACT Alliance

Dan Ikpoyi is an international Video journalist based in Lagos, Nigeria.

Nigeria joins other African countries and offers malaria vaccine to young children

12 Dec 2024  |  Independent Español  |  Spanish  |  Public Health

Nigeria has launched a campaign to vaccinate young children against malaria, joining 17 other African countries in this effort. The vaccine, developed by the University of Oxford, is reported to be over 75% effective in preventing severe cases and deaths. The World Health Organization emphasizes the disproportionate impact of malaria on African children and pregnant women, urging more support. Despite challenges like weak health systems and limited resources, progress has been made in reducing malaria deaths in Africa. The Nigerian Ministry of Health views the vaccination campaign as a significant step towards eliminating malaria.

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Nigerian Ministry of Health University of Oxford World Health Organization

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Tom Jenkins is a highly experienced journalist, editor, digital producer and consultant with a demonstrated history working in media production and an acute understanding of the digital landscape. He writes about food and drink, travel, culture and lifestyle.

Born, raised and based in London, he ...

How Cambridge came to dominate the Boat Race – a photo essay

29 Mar 2024  |  www.theguardian.com  |  English  |  Boat Race

The University of Cambridge has recently excelled in the Boat Race against Oxford, achieving an unprecedented clean sweep in the last year's races. The success is attributed to the dedication of the athletes who balance rigorous academic work with intense training, the state-of-the-art Ely boathouse, and the stable coaching setup led by Paddy Ryan and Rob Baker. The integration of separate boat clubs into one has fostered a sense of unity and shared purpose. The Boat Race, despite its elitist stereotype, continues to draw large crowds and global viewership, underpinned by egalitarian principles that contribute to Cambridge's dominance.

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University of Oxford Cambridge University Boat Club

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As Spain Correspondent for The Times of London for 11 years, I covered the Catalan independence drive, royal scandals and the rise of animal rights in a country famed for bullfighting.   Now I freelance for The Independent, the i paper, Reuters, The Telegraph and Al Jazeera among others. 
I am ...

Please press record: new project aims to capture sounds of migration and settlement

15 Mar 2024  |  www.euronews.com  |  English  |  Sound Recording

A new project called Migration Sounds, led by sound artist Stuart Fowkes and organizations like Cities and Memory and COMPAS, aims to collect and use sounds representing migration to reshape the debate around this controversial issue. The project invites people to submit sounds that will be transformed into artistic works by 120 global artists. This initiative follows a previous project, Polar Sounds, which highlighted the impact of the climate crisis through recorded sounds from the Arctic and Antarctic regions.

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University of Oxford Cities and Memory COMPAS Helmholtz Institute for Functional Marine Biodiversity Alfred Wegener Institute

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Professional Experience:  

Working  in Sai Media and Advertising Services 
&  Associated with International Media for  providing News & Contents.  - Working since Jan.2016 to till this date in Jharkhand.
Associated with short film making,research 
Worked with  [ Freelancer ]  LionBridge  ...

Indian tribes renew efforts to repatriate ancestral skulls from UK collections

03 Dec 2024  |  Arab News  |  English  |  Cultural Heritage

The Naga community in India is intensifying efforts to repatriate ancestral human remains from UK collections, following the removal of a Naga skull from an auction in Oxfordshire. The Forum for Naga Reconciliation is leading the initiative, aiming to return thousands of items, including human remains, taken during British colonial rule. The process is expected to be lengthy, with discussions on how to handle the remains once returned. The incident highlights ongoing issues of colonial violence and the quest for dignity and justice for indigenous communities.

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University of Oxford Forum for Naga Reconciliation Pitts River Museum

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Lottie Limb is a digital reporter for Cambridgeshire Live, based in Cambridge.

She has a strong interest in environmental issues, and has previously written features in a freelance capacity for euronews Living and Ecohustler.

Silicon solar panels are hitting their limit. This UK lab is making perovskite the next big thing

03 Nov 2024  |  www.euronews.com  |  English  |  Technology Innovation

Oxford PV, a UK-based company, is pioneering the development of perovskite-on-silicon solar panels, which promise to surpass the efficiency limits of traditional silicon solar cells. Originating from a University of Oxford research project, Oxford PV has achieved a world-record efficiency of 29.5% for its tandem solar cells. The company is leveraging its intellectual property to collaborate with global partners, including a recent deal with a US utility company. The perovskite technology, which enhances solar panel efficiency by absorbing a broader spectrum of sunlight, is seen as a crucial innovation for the future of renewable energy, aligning with global targets to increase renewable capacity. Oxford PV's advancements are part of a broader trend in the solar industry, with companies in Europe, the US, and China exploring similar technologies.

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University of Oxford Enel

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Margaret López is a journalist based in Caracas, Venezuela.

Latin American women are the most concerned about the effects of climate change

19 Aug 2024  |  Efecto Cocuyo  |  Spanish  |  Gender Studies

A global survey titled 'The People's Climate Vote 2024' reveals that Latin American women are increasingly concerned about the impacts of climate change, with 76% expressing heightened worry over the past year. This concern surpasses that of men in the region, with notable gender gaps in countries like Argentina, Colombia, Ecuador, and Brazil. The survey, conducted by the University of Oxford, the United Nations Development Programme, and GeoPoll, highlights a global demand for stronger governmental action against climate change, including transitioning to renewable energy and protecting vulnerable communities from extreme weather events.

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University of Oxford United Nations Development Programme GeoPoll

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Laís Martins is a journalist based in São Paulo, Brazil.

Amid economic collapse, older Venezuelans turn to gig work

01 Jan 2024  |  Rest of World  |  English  |  Aging Workforce

Amid Venezuela's economic collapse, older citizens are increasingly turning to online gig work as a primary income source. With pensions insufficient to cover basic living expenses, many have embraced platforms like Workana, Upwork, and Freelancer for tasks ranging from content creation to data annotation. The shift is partly driven by age-related biases in traditional job markets and the technological literacy gained during the pandemic. Despite the challenges, gig work offers a lifeline, allowing older Venezuelans to earn significantly more than the national minimum wage, though inflation remains a concern. The trend highlights the growing role of the gig economy in providing opportunities for marginalized groups.

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Oxford Internet Institute Yale University Central University of Venezuela International Labour Organization Venezuelan Finance Observatory World Bank Convite Fairwork

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Marc Martorell Junyent holds a Bachelor in International Relations and is a second-year student of a master in Comparative and Middle East Politics and Society at the University of Tübingen, Germany. His research and political analysis focuses on the Middle East and North Africa region, with ...

Eugene Rogan’s The Damascus Events: The 1860 Massacre and the Making of the Modern Middle East

01 Sept 2024  |  www.juancole.com  |  English  |  Intercommunal Violence

Eugene Rogan's book, 'The Damascus Events: The 1860 Massacre and the Making of the Modern Middle East,' explores the intercommunal violence in Ottoman Damascus in 1860, where around 5,000 Christians were killed. The book contextualizes the events within the broader historical setting of the weakened Ottoman Empire and European intervention. It highlights the role of key figures like Ahmad Pasha, whose incompetence exacerbated tensions, and Fuad Pasha, who restored order post-massacre. The narrative draws parallels to modern-day sectarian violence, emphasizing the potential for misinformation to incite violence.

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University of Oxford Ottoman Empire European Powers

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Liam Miller is a journalist based in Santiago, Chile.

A historic achievement: Miami University reaches funding deal with the City of Oxford

01 Oct 2024  |  Miami professor hosts “History Harvest” at Bethel AME Church - The Miami Student  |  English  |  Public Services

Miami University and the City of Oxford have reached a funding agreement to support the Oxford Fire Department, contingent on the approval of a property tax levy, Issue 2. The university will contribute $1.27 million annually for ten years, matching the funds raised by the levy. The agreement aims to address the department's staffing and equipment needs, exacerbated by a lack of funding and increased demand from the university's student population. If the levy fails, the city may face budget cuts. The collaboration is seen as a significant achievement in university-city partnerships.

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Oxford Fire Department City of Oxford Miami University

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I’m a freelance journalist, based in Hong Kong, and have covered a range of topics, from political unrest to public health. My work has appeared in several publications, including South China Morning Post,
Forbes.com, Hong Kong Free Press, France 24 among others.
Last year, I spent the bulk of ...

Extreme heat is pushing India to the brink of ‘survivability.’ One obvious solution is also a big part of the problem

06 Jan 2024  |  www.cnn.com  |  English  |  Air Conditioning

India faces a severe climate challenge as extreme heat becomes more frequent, pushing the country towards 'survivability' limits. The rising demand for air conditioning, driven by increasing temperatures and economic growth, exacerbates the climate crisis due to emissions from cooling systems. Despite not signing a global pledge to cut cooling emissions, India is making strides in sustainable cooling and renewable energy. The country aims to reduce power demand for cooling by 20-25% by 2038, balancing development with environmental goals. Experts suggest passive cooling strategies and emphasize the need for international support to manage cooling-related emissions.

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Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Oxford University International Energy Agency World Economic Forum United Nations Sustainable Energy for All

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Alison Mutler is a journalist based in Bucharest, Romania and covers Romania and Moldova. I have covered Romanian current affairs, politics, protests, the EU, corruption, social issues, defense, NATO, lifestyle and sport for the past 30 years, 25 of those for the Associated Press. I also served as ...

China vies US for influence in Balkans as gateway to EU in ‘New Cold War’

29 Nov 2023  |  Universul.net  |  English  |  Balkan Politics

The article explores the strategic competition between China and the US in the Balkans, highlighting China's efforts to use the region as a gateway to the EU and the US's pushback to maintain its dominant influence. It discusses the historical context, key investments, and the mixed success of China's initiatives, as well as the responses from Balkan states and the broader implications for Europe. The analysis includes insights from various experts and emphasizes the ongoing strategic rivalry, with the US currently holding the upper hand but China's influence remaining significant.

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University of Oxford NATO EU LSE IDEAS Ratiu Foundation Financial Times ESTIMA King’s College London Three Seas Initiative Clean Network initiative

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Daniel Rivas is a journalist based in Madrid, Spain.

Robotic Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy for Spine Metastasis Pain Relief

22 Feb 2024  |  www.mdpi.com  |  English  |  Radiation Therapy

The study retrospectively describes the experience of using robotic Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT), specifically the CyberKnife system, for spinal metastases in terms of feasibility, oncological results, toxicities, and observed pain relief. A total of 25 patients with 43 lesions were assessed, showing a statistically significant reduction in pain. The treatment was well-tolerated, with only one patient developing grade 3 dermatitis. Factors such as female gender, adenocarcinoma tumors, and lack of previous surgery were associated with better response to SBRT. The study concludes that robotic spine SBRT is feasible, improves quality of life, and should be offered to patients early in their treatment process.

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Granada University Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Complutense University of Madrid GenesisCare CIBERSAM Hospital Ruber Internacional Cyberknife Quiron Biopathology and Regenerative Medicine Institute (IBIMER) Centre for Biomedical Research Biosanitary Research Institute ibs.Granada

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Laura is an award-winning journalist, travel writer and broadcaster based in the West Midlands, U.K. 

She has worked with the BBC, Conde Nast Traveller, Euronews, The Independent Travel, Lonely Planet and Which? Travel, among others. Laura is a regular on the Which? podcasts offering travel ...

How two outsiders tackled the mystery of arithmetic progressions

26 Feb 2024  |  www.sciencenews.org  |  English  |  Computer Science

Raghu Meka, a computer scientist at UCLA, and Zander Kelley, a Ph.D. student at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, made significant progress in the field of combinatorics by addressing the mystery of arithmetic progressions. Initially working on abstract games in computer science, their research led them to explore arithmetic progressions, a simple yet historically challenging mathematical pattern. Their breakthrough involved improving the understanding of the density of sets and when arithmetic progressions must appear. This advancement has implications for various mathematical and computer science applications, such as communication networks and image compression. The work of Meka and Kelley demonstrates the potential for fresh perspectives to make substantial contributions to longstanding mathematical problems.

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Stockholm University University of Oxford University of California, San Diego

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Sertan Sanderson is a seasoned journalist with a rich background in covering news and current affairs. Specialising in social change, migration, and cultural impacts, his work is characterised by a deep exploration of the intersection of politics and human rights. 

His reporting has taken him ...

Dog walkers, yoga teachers and librarians: The UK's unusual list of 'skilled labor' professions

21 Feb 2025  |  www.infomigrants.net  |  English  |  Skilled Worker Visas

The UK's list of eligible occupations for skilled worker visas includes unconventional professions such as dog walkers and yoga teachers, reflecting a broader definition of 'middle skilled' jobs post-Brexit. Researcher Robert McNeil from the University of Oxford highlights the impact of Brexit on immigration policies, noting the inclusion of atypical roles due to the end of free movement for EU citizens. The Home Office's list, while eclectic, requires applicants to meet specific criteria, including sponsorship by a UK employer and a minimum income threshold. The UK government plans to tighten visa rules to reduce migration and train more British workers for these roles.

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University of Oxford Centre on Migration, Policy and Society Home Office Guardian

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Mark Scott is a journalist based in London, United Kingdom.

Global climate change talks for TikTok generation

07 Dec 2023  |  www.politico.eu  |  English  |  Misinformation

The ongoing COP28 climate negotiations in the United Arab Emirates are being framed through social media, with a notable focus on TikTok to engage younger generations. The platform's unique approach to political messaging and advocacy, characterized by grainy smartphone footage and viral content, contrasts with traditional social media. The article also discusses the impact of generative AI on misinformation, arguing that its influence is overblown. European Union policymakers are negotiating the AI Act, with significant implications for AI foundation models and surveillance. Key figures like Ursula von der Leyen and Margrethe Vestager are highlighted in the context of these developments.

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University of Oxford University of Zurich United Nations European Union Harvard Kennedy School European Commission

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Rachael Taylor is a jewellery and watch journalist based in London, United Kingdom.

Under the microscope: Asprey launches jade certification process

06 Sept 2024  |  www.ft.com  |  English  |  Jade Certification

Asprey has launched a jade certification process in partnership with Oxford University's Department of Earth Sciences, aiming to standardize jade testing and provide assurance to clients about the authenticity of their purchases. The process involves advanced scientific testing to detect treatments in jade, addressing the prevalence of fakes in the market. While the certification is costly, it offers a definitive answer on jade treatment, crucial for high-value items. The initiative positions Asprey as a leader in the luxury jade market, though industry-wide adoption remains uncertain.

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Gemological Institute of America Oxford University

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