Campaign Report 2017/18 Welcome

It is a real privilege to witness the power of philanthropy here at the University of Oxford. The generosity of our donors, coupled with the calibre and ambition of our academics and students, is inspiring and improving lives across the world via a wide range of projects and research. Our Campaign Report for 2017/18 features just a few of the areas that have been supported through the Oxford Thinking Campaign. These include a look at the significance of the Department of Physics’ magnificent new Beecroft Building and how the Bodleian Libraries’ first Education Officer is driving a variety of community, school and public activities. Your support plays a critical role in maintaining the highest levels of academic excellence at Oxford, which in turn enables us to effect positive change on a global scale. Thank you for your continued support. I hope you enjoy this year’s report.

Liesl Elder Chief Development Officer University of Oxford

Main photography ––John Cairns Front cover photography ––Radcliffe Camera and University Church © Oxford University Images / David Williams Photography Additional photography ––Martin Handley ––Global Initiative ––Global Jet Watch ––Stuart Bebb ––Fotohaus ––Hawkins\Brown Architects ––Dr Karl Harrison ––Ian Wallman Design ––williamjoseph.co.uk 4

Contents

2 Thanks to your support… 12 Tackling prostate cancer How your donations are making Professor Ian Mills discusses his a difference research into the disease, which now claims the lives of more than 11,000 4 Foundations for new physics men in the UK each year Celebrating the opening of the 14 Investigating the threat Beecroft Building, the University’s 10 first construction in 50 years to be of junk news dedicated to the theory and practice of physics The Oxford Internet Institute explores the growing threat of organised social media manipulation worldwide 6 Inspiring audiences at the Bodleian 16 A new dawn for sport Through a new education and The first phase of an ambitious plan outreach programme, the Bodleian to revolutionise sporting provision Libraries seek to inspire a love of at the University has been realised reading in learners of all ages 17 Out of the deep 8 Aspiration, opportunity A new exhibit at the Oxford University 16 and success Museum of Natural History paints a fascinating picture of prehistoric With donor support, Oxford is marine life in England working to ensure talented young people from all backgrounds have 18 the opportunity to fulfil their News in brief academic potential Short stories from across the campaign

10 The Indian Army in the 20 Recognising our donors First World War A collaborative research project reveals new insights into the role played by people across the Indian subcontinent during the war

17 Further reading Discover more about the impact of your support at: www.campaign.ox.ac.uk/report17-18

Oxford Thinking: Campaign Report 2017/18 • 1 Thanks to your support…

…Greater Change is helping the homeless

Oxford alumnus Alex McCallion has …our students are being taught launched a social enterprise that could help thousands of homeless people put their lives back on track. in world-class laboratories Greater Change allows members of the public to give securely and directly to individual homeless people via a More than 100 donors have been inspired a surge in positive alumni engagement. mobile app or website, contributing to give over £266,000 to provide world- Professor Mark Brouard, Head of to co-managed funds that will help leading facilities for the teaching of the Department of Chemistry, says: them to achieve goals such as long-term chemistry at Oxford, with some of the ‘The chemistry teaching labs will enable accommodation or employment. equipment the first of its kind in the UK. us to provide the very best educational The success of the project is, in large Undergraduate teaching in the three experience for chemistry undergraduates, part, thanks to the generosity of more areas of chemistry (organic, inorganic facilitating cutting-edge new than 300 donors who gave a total of and physical) has previously occurred interdisciplinary experiments that mirror £33,024 through OxReach, Oxford’s in separate buildings, but the new the collaborative nature of our research crowdfunding platform. The project laboratories provide a unified space programmes. I am incredibly grateful for also benefited from extensive guidance for integrated practical teaching, with the generous support of our alumni and from Oxford University Innovation and the first students using them from friends and am delighted that students Aspire Oxford, a leading homelessness October 2018. will be able to benefit from this state-of- and employment charity and social As part of the appeal, alumni had the-art facility for years to come.’ enterprise. Greater Change has also the opportunity to dedicate a fume received £23,000 of additional in-kind hood through a donation of £1,916, financing from Global Initiative, an commemorating the centenary of the Oxford digital firm offering a £100,000 opening of the Dyson Perrins Laboratory. Initiative Fund to support projects Former professors and donors’ loved ones designed to return value to society. The feature among the engraved dedications. Greater Change app was launched in One reads: ‘Fill this lab with good science, August 2018. great skills and interesting substances… Alex McCallion and his team have preferably not smoke’. received widespread recognition for the The appeal has made Oxford project. They aim to build on its success Above: Oxford’s new Chemistry’s physical environment for chemistry teaching labs by scaling up operations and supporting undergraduate teaching one of the very Above, right: The Greater 5,891 homeless people annually within best in the world and has prompted Change app three years.

2 • Oxford Thinking: Campaign Report 2017/18 Oxford Thinking Campaign statistics

Amount raised this year £157m 01/08/17–31/07/18 including cumulative college data to 31/01/18

Amount raised since the start of the campaign £2.89bn Including cumulative college data to 31/01/18

Where donations come from (University only)

…we are making the study of languages at Oxford more accessible 59% 27% United Kingdom North America A total of 191 donors have contributed The donations received will go over £55,800 for pre-sessional bridging towards the costs of the courses, including courses in medieval and modern teaching, accommodation, meals and languages at Oxford, aimed especially travel expenses for the students. It is at students from the state school sector. hoped donors will contribute on an The first £10,000 also benefited from annual basis and the faculty can host this pound-for-pound matched funding. valuable course every year. The study of modern and medieval Professor Ian Watson, Faculty languages in the UK is facing an Board Chair for Medieval and Modern 14% unprecedented crisis as student Languages, says: ‘Language provision cuts Rest of the world numbers drop across all age groups. in UK schools have been particularly There are fewer teachers and university damaging to students from less affluent departments are closing every year. backgrounds who wish to pursue their Destination of campaign gifts by priority Oxford’s commitment to the study of aspirations for higher education. Oxford area (University only) languages is stronger than ever though, is committed to ensuring that we can and the new Living Languages Fund has continue to teach languages to the Academic posts been created to encourage students from most talented and enthusiastic students, and programmes all backgrounds to think about studying regardless of their financial background 58% languages, to apply to Oxford and or any lack of resources in the schools Student to take up the places they are offered. they attended.’ support 19% We’re committed to ensuring Buildings that we can continue to teach 19% languages to the most talented Above: Olivia Williams (French and Portuguese, Other and enthusiastic students Merton, 2014) 4%

Oxford Thinking: Campaign Report 2017/18 • 3 Foundations for new physics

donated by Adrian and Jacqui Beecroft. Within it is the Wolfson Centre for The new Beecroft Building will Quantum Science and Technology, enable quantum theoretical funded by the Wolfson Foundation. The building includes offices for and experimental synergies theoretical physicists such as Professor Parameswaran, as well as state-of-the- to flourish at Oxford. art basement laboratories. Professor Parameswaran explains: ‘Physics The world of quantum physics, with its needs extremely complex equipment long time frames and as-yet unknown – vibration isolation, optical tables outcomes for our future, is not that float on air – and there’s often a always suited to applications-focused bottom-line-driven attitude that is more funding. What is vital, says Siddharth concerned with return on investment Parameswaran, Associate Professor of than on asking scientifically interesting Quantum Condensed Matter Theory, is questions. But you can’t put a price on core funding for basic physics, allowing the pure science. You need to think about scientists the freedom to follow where those questions in order to understand their research leads. a mechanism that you can then, if you Oxford, along with its donors, has understand it well enough, translate into the confidence to follow exactly that something that sits on your table top.’ approach – a stance that brought The smartphone would not have been Professor Parameswaran from the possible without the study of quantum University of California, Irvine, to physics. join Oxford’s Rudolf Peierls Centre The Beecroft Building is designed for Theoretical Physics in 2017. That to facilitate interaction. It links on confidence is evidenced by the new three levels to the 1939 Lindemann £50 million Beecroft Building, the Building at the Clarendon Laboratory University’s first construction in 50 years complex, and its central atrium is an airy to be dedicated to the theory and practice hierarchy of spaces to suit discussion of physics. groups of different sizes. These range Designed by architects Hawkins\ from small areas where a few people can Brown, the facility is named in gather around a curved, double-height recognition of the major support kindly blackboard (theoretical physicists favour As a theorist, a collaborative environment allows me to work on whatever I want to. That was one of my major reasons for coming to Oxford, because I felt that if I wanted to go in a new direction, there would be other

Right: Architect’s people with the courage to go in impression of the Beecroft Building, showing the new directions with me impressive use of space below ground level Right, above: Siddharth Parameswaran standing in one of the building’s many collaborative working spaces

4 • Oxford Thinking: Campaign Report 2017/18 real blackboards, with real chalk) to experimentalists; their input stimulates a better understanding of that, and to giant ‘steps’ that can be used as lecture his research in turn and he is currently develop some better tools.’ seating. The atrium can also double as an working on a series of joint experiment Oxford is now the UK’s largest and exhibition space for public events, while and theory papers. most diverse centre for quantum research, at the bottom is a communal coffee area ‘In the condensed matter group’, with over 200 researchers in 38 separate that everyone passes on their way into the he explains, ‘everything is driven by teams. This includes the Networked heart of the building. trying to understand what happens in Quantum Information Technologies Hub, This carefully judged layout puts the setting of many particles moving part of the government’s £270 million Professor Parameswaran within easy in very complicated environments. My investment to establish a quantum reach of other groups with a similar work focuses on quantum mechanical technology industry in the UK. focus. He points out: ‘At Oxford there systems of many particles that are strongly Amid the excitement about possible are around 20 different groups doing interacting, far from equilibrium, or both. new applications, Oxford understands diverse experiments in condensed matter ‘One of the things we are trying to that funding pure science is the key to physics. My colleagues come over for do is build a theory or framework for new advances. This was echoed by the coffee and we spark up conversations.’ handling far-from-equilibrium quantum alumni and friends who made such Professor Parameswaran comments: phenomena. There’s a lot of interest generous donations to this project. ‘The strength of my sub-field of in how that connects to the ideas of physics is that there are a lot of quantum entanglement and quantum → Go online to find out more about the different experiments going on.’ He is chaos – about how quantum systems Beecroft Building: www.campaign.ox.ac. very interested in collaborating with really transfer information. I would like uk/inside-the-beecroft

Oxford Thinking: Campaign Report 2017/18 • 5 Inspiring audiences at the Bodleian

‘It’s an amazing privilege to be the change, providing the platform upon first Education Officer at the Bodleian,’ which meaningful engagement could Through a new education beams Rosie Sharkey. ‘There’s so much take place. and outreach programme, to do, and you could spend a lifetime ‘We want everyone in Oxfordshire to doing it!’ Since Rosie took up her post feel like this library is for them,’ explains the Bodleian Libraries seek in the spring of 2017, she has worked Rosie. ‘There’s a lot of goodwill towards tirelessly to establish an education and the Bodleian. People have always known to inspire a love of reading outreach programme at the library, that we were here, but the Weston creates in learners of all ages. aimed at fostering a love of the book a space where they feel much more for all. comfortable.’ To help encourage people Before the £80 million redevelopment through the doors, Rosie has developed of the Weston Library was completed in a significantly expanded programme 2015, the Bodleian’s efforts at outreach of free public events, ranging from had been constrained – both by lack workshops and demonstrations, to tours, of resources and by the architecture of talks and performances. the old Bodleian Library, which was not At the heart of the new programme designed for anything other than quiet is the Library Lates series, informal study. It was the arrival of the Weston evening events comprised of dozens of Library’s newly remodelled space on bite-sized activities. They have proven Broad Street that finally set the stage for particularly popular amongst younger

6 • Oxford Thinking: Campaign Report 2017/18 audiences, with around 60% of event The final strand of the programme The staff here have attendees aged under 35. ‘There’s been focuses on schools, and sees the Bodleian an increased focus on hands-on learning,’ moving towards a much more proactive been delighted to see says Rosie. ‘We wanted it to feel much approach than had previously been that the public is so more accessible than, say, an hour-long adopted. Rosie now works with teachers lecture might. Spending five minutes from local state secondary schools to interested in their work. chatting with an expert or having a go at develop bespoke sessions, as well as a new activity is often a much easier way seeking out opportunities to engage with I suppose you don’t in for people.’ young people visiting Oxford as part always realise that what As well as running events inside the of the University’s existing widening Weston, Rosie has also been keen to take participation initiatives. you do is fascinating her work out into the local community, In the first year of the programme, and amazing, if it’s your in an effort to engage with groups who education sessions were delivered to might not feel confident enough to visit more than 1,600 students, and 85% of normal nine-to-five! the library by themselves. She has already these sessions were with UK state schools. delivered a number of successful outreach But as well as enriching their current projects in this way, including printing learning, these visits also help young workshops in community venues and people to familiarise themselves with the family-friendly reading sessions in role of a library in supporting research. Oxfordshire libraries. ‘So many schools nowadays don’t have One project that Rosie is particularly a proper library,’ says Rosie, ‘so it’s really excited to be involved in focuses on important that we help them understand connecting Ethiopian and Eritrean what it is we do here.’ communities with the library’s The impact of the Bodleian’s new manuscript collections. The Bodleian programme has been considerable, and currently holds a collection of the pace of change remarkable. Rosie is illuminated gospels written in Ge’ez, left in little doubt as to the importance the liturgical language of the Ethiopian of philanthropy in making it possible. Church. ‘Some of the people we’re ‘It’s been so wonderful to have had the working with can read this language and opportunity to create something like this will be able to talk to us about how these in a library that’s over 400 years old,’ she texts are being used today,’ she says. ‘It’s as says. ‘And to be funded by people who much about us learning from them as it feel as passionately about the book as we is the other way around.’ do… it’s truly an honour.’

The Bodleian Libraries’ education and outreach programme and Education Officer post have both been generously supported by the Helen Hamlyn Trust. There’s just so much incredible stuff in the library. You want people to see and enjoy and → Donations are also supporting outreach work at the Ashmolean understand as much of Museum. Go online to find out more: www.campaign.ox.ac.uk/ashmolean- it as possible education Working with schools has been really rewarding. It’s been lovely to see the collection through young people’s eyes

Far left: Rosie Sharkey running a brass rubbing activity for families Left: Rosie in the Treasury Gallery at the Weston Library Above: Visitors to the library’s Ethiopian and Eritrean Discovery Day

Oxford Thinking: Campaign Report 2017/18 • 7 Aspiration, opportunity and success

After finding out that she had been to consider the possibility. Launched in accepted into Oxford, Fis Noibi called 2012, Target Oxbridge aims to increase the With help from donors, her family to tell them the good news. number of black African and Caribbean Oxford is working to ensure ‘Everybody was screaming,’ she recalls. students at Oxford and Cambridge by ‘Everybody except for mum. She wasn’t helping talented pupils to apply. ‘But that talented young people surprised at all; she said she always knew even then, I just couldn’t decide if I really I would be going.’ wanted to go,’ she reflects. ‘I didn’t know from all backgrounds have Her mum may not have been surprised, if this was something I could be really the opportunity to fulfil their but Fis certainly was. Now a fourth-year serious about.’ French and Arabic student, she was one In year 12, Fis won a place on the academic potential. of only two people from her secondary UNIQ summer school programme. Open school to win a place at Oxford that to students studying at UK state schools, year. ‘My school wasn’t very experienced UNIQ offers a realistic view of Oxford with helping people get to Oxbridge. life, with participants staying in colleges, I think the last person before us went to attending lectures and tutorials, receiving Cambridge, but that was many years ago.’ application advice and engaging with top For Fis, applying to Oxford felt like academics during their five-day stay. It’s ‘a foreign concept’ at first. It was only in an experience she credits with helping her year 10, after meeting with a representative to make up her mind once and for all. from Target Oxbridge, that she started ‘Just being able to speak to people here

8 • Oxford Thinking: Campaign Report 2017/18 and ask them questions about Oxford Access and outreach initiatives, as well Many UNIQ was amazing. That’s when I really started as partnerships with schools, student to think, okay, I can actually see myself societies and other organisations, are key ambassadors actually did in this position,’ she says. ‘It also really to speeding up the pace of change. UNIQ themselves. And Aspiration, opportunity helped to prepare me, not just for writing Supported by Oxford’s Undergraduate my personal statement and making an Admissions and Outreach team, the ACS it makes sense, because application, but for what to expect when holds regular events aimed at helping I finally got here.’ prospective students of African and we know how it has Caribbean heritage to make informed benefited us, and how and success Opening the door for others choices about their education. Fis, who served as the society’s Senior Access to make sure A few days into Freshers’ week, Fis and Outreach Officer last year, was that the students get started attending events run by the responsible for coordinating their African and Caribbean Society (ACS), outreach efforts. ‘You can really see the most out of it a student-led society that explores, the impact that our programmes are promotes and celebrates African and having,’ she explains. ‘When a student Caribbean culture at Oxford. ‘I knew we’ve worked with goes on to make an that I would spend a lot of my time at the application to Oxford, it’s very rewarding.’ ACS because of my siblings’ experiences As well as volunteering for the ACS, at their universities. It played a big role in Fis has also continued her involvement helping them to adjust and feel at home. with the UNIQ programme. This time ‘I also knew that I wanted to be with though, she is a student ambassador, people who look like me,’ she continues. responsible for supporting her very own ‘Just to know that they’re here is really group of cohorts. ‘I’m doing all of this important.’ Although the number of to help make a change,’ she says. ‘Yes, it’s black and minority ethnic students at a big commitment, but it’s worth it. Oxford has grown in recent years, the I’ve made my way into this space, so it’s University is working hard to increase important that I help others behind me diversity amongst its student population. to follow.’

I’m not the type of person UNIQ gives priority to students from low socio-economic status backgrounds and areas Left and below left: to just sit and complain about with low progression to higher education. Fis Noibi at Somerville College It was established in 2009 through something. I like to make plans Below: UNIQ gives philanthropy, and will soon expand by over participants a taste and take action 50% thanks to another generous donation. of college life

Oxford Thinking: Campaign Report 2017/18 • 9 The Indian Army in the First World War

TORCH (The Oxford Research Centre in the Humanities) stimulates research that transcends both disciplinary and institutional boundaries. Through the lens of one project, we explore how the centre’s drive to promote collaboration, foster public engagement and support academics at all stages of their careers, is helping to spark ideas that change our world.

Approximately 1.5 million Indian soldiers served in the First World War, of which 74,187 are thought to have lost their lives. But although the contributions made by the British Indian Army were significant, they have largely been forgotten – their stories long omitted from traditional historical narratives, or relegated to the footnotes. ‘People don’t want to remember the horrific parts of the war, but the fact is that British and Indian soldiers, particularly the lowest orders, suffered quite badly together,’ explains Dr Priya Atwal, 2017–18 Knowledge Exchange Fellow for TORCH. Last year, Dr Atwal embarked on a six-month research project to highlight the overlapping, but largely overlooked, experiences of men from India and Oxfordshire in fighting for the British Indian Army in Mesopotamia. Accompanied by a team of inter- generational volunteers from the local British-Asian community, Dr Atwal gained access to previously unstudied military heritage collections held at the Soldiers of Oxfordshire Museum (SOFO) in Woodstock. She trained the volunteers in archival research and worked alongside them to study and interpret their findings. The stories they uncovered together –

10 • Oxford Thinking: Campaign Report 2017/18 illuminating and at times deeply affecting She hopes that teaching local, global and snapshots of life, love and loss on the colonial perspectives in schools will help Eastern Front – were later told through a new generation to engage more fully a travelling exhibition. with the story of the war. ‘If children ‘It didn’t take us long to see the don’t see their own history reflected, the project’s full potential,’ reflects Dr Atwal. risk is that they will switch off. But if we Inspired by her findings and keen to can show them that all of these different continue her collaboration with the communities were involved, the long-term museum beyond the bounds of the initial legacy of this project could be incredible.’ project, she successfully applied for a For Dr Atwal, an early-career academic, one-year TORCH Knowledge Exchange the support she has received from TORCH Fellowship. The post brought with it an has been invaluable. ‘I was fresh out of my award of £10,000, enabling Dr Atwal to DPhil when the project began, and so the extend the scope of her research, as well fellowship really gave me the opportunity as to significantly enhance the outreach to explore my options,’ she reflects. ‘I activity being undertaken around the gained experience in the heritage and exhibition. education sectors and developed skills ‘The narrative that SOFO was telling in public engagement, all while doing and what we found in the archive material academic research. It’s just been fantastic.’ was very different,’ says Dr Atwal. Through Although her own involvement in a series of events targeted at British-Asian the project has now come to an end, families, she sought to share a different Dr Atwal hopes the work in the archives historical perspective – one that people will continue. ‘We’ve opened up a can of may not have heard before. ‘It’s definitely worms here,’ she says. ‘We’ve discovered done a lot to change perceptions. an incredibly exciting, multi-layered story. Particularly for Asian people, learning Just imagine what could be done with it that they have a long-standing connection in the future.’ with what is a relatively white, middle- class community has promoted a very The Knowledge Exchange Fellowship scheme interesting dialogue.’ has been generously supported by the Andrew Working in collaboration with the W. Mellon Foundation. TORCH relies on museum, Dr Atwal has also created philanthropy to achieve its ambitious goals a range of fresh primary educational and is currently fundraising to secure its resources based on the project’s findings. future through endowment.

We’ve discovered an incredibly exciting, multi-layered story. Just imagine what could be done with → Go online to discover more about TORCH: www.campaign.ox.ac.uk/ it in the future sparking-new-ideas

Left and right: Dr Priya Atwal at the Soldiers of Oxfordshire Museum, Woodstock Above and above right: Items from the archive

Oxford Thinking: Campaign Report 2017/18 • 11 Tackling prostate cancer

on using targeted drugs to modify the inflammatory and immune response Prostate cancer has become the of the patient to the cancer, so that it most common cancer in men ‘can be effectively cleared from the body and cured’. He does this by developing in the UK. One in eight men will preclinical models that, in turn, enable a better understanding of the way in develop the condition at some which these drugs apply to cancer cells, point in their lives, with more and how they interplay with a functioning immune system. than 47,000 new cases being It’s a lengthy process that involves diagnosed every year. editing the genome of cancerous cells to lock in or lock out particular genetic factors. The cells are then treated, either Professor Ian Mills first began researching with radiation or targeted drugs, their prostate cancer in 2003. ‘I’m a molecular DNA extracted and sequenced, and biologist, so my entry point to the the results analysed. ‘We’re looking at disease was a protein called the androgen the signals within those tumours and receptor,’ explains the John Black Associate evaluating how they’ve changed in response Professor of Prostate Cancer. Androgen to the edits that we’ve made,’ explains receptors work by binding to testosterone Professor Mills. ‘I’ll then collaborate with and steroid hormones, which are both clinicians and immunologists to try to regulators of prostate development and think about how to apply these findings.’ prostate progression in men. Professor Mills is currently in the In the years that followed, the process of developing models of the genomics revolution has made it possible disease that can be used by a number of for researchers to map this process in different groups at the University, including unprecedented detail. The findings have had a significant impact upon If you’re in a place the development of targeted hormone treatments, and much work is now being where there are undertaken to increase their efficacy – personalities that want often by combining clinically proven drugs with other forms of treatment, such to reach out to each as radiation or immunotherapy. ‘What you’re actually trying to target other, work together for curative therapy is a disease that’s and take risks with their constantly evolving and changing,’ says Professor Mills. ‘It consists of millions research, philanthropic of cancer cells, each with their own funding can be very repertoire of defects and dependencies, so it’s actually very challenging to think powerful indeed of curing it simply by zeroing in on a single protein. In order to fully capture and respond to its diversity, in the end you need a response biology that’s equally adaptive, and that’s the immune system.’ Professor Mills’ research focuses

12 • Oxford Thinking: Campaign Report 2017/18 teams based within his own department, going to have a direct treatment impact I hope that in ten the Nuffield Department of Surgical or an impact on cancer detection. Model Sciences, as well as further afield. At the development won’t do that, but it will years’ time, I’ll have Big Data Institute, for example, work create the context in which it can happen.’ contributed to a very is being undertaken to predict genetic This is just one of the many reasons drivers of the disease, based entirely on why donor support has proven invaluable clear roadmap for the the computational analysis of cancer to Professor Mills’ work at Oxford. As he sequencing data. ‘There’s the potential to explains: ‘Not only does philanthropy molecular classification collaborate with this group to do some give me the opportunity to catalyse of prostate cancer functional biology on some of the targets collaborations, but it also allows me to take they identify,’ notes Professor Mills. leads, targets and candidate biomarkers But although model development is that we’ve discovered and conduct more key to better understanding the biology experiments. I don’t have to slow down of prostate cancer, finding competitive the pace of my work by filing grant research funding for this type of work can applications. I can just keep pushing until often be challenging. ‘Many funders don’t the data shows us what’s going to work.’ see their role as improving the context in Above: Professor which a disease can be better understood,’ Professor Mills’ post has been generously Ian Mills at the John says Professor Mills. ‘They want to know supported by the John Black Charitable Radcliffe Hospital that the research they’re supporting is Foundation. Left: Lab equipment

Oxford Thinking: Campaign Report 2017/18 • 13 Investigating the threat of junk news

There was a time when the Internet Institute (OII). communication strategies employed Around the world, government Research from the by democratic governments and those agencies and political parties are using Oxford Internet Institute used by authoritarian regimes were easy the Internet to spread misinformation, to distinguish from one another. exercise censorship and undermine trust is revealing the ways in which Today though, things aren’t quite so in democracy. According to a recent straightforward. ‘I started out studying OII study, the problem is growing rapidly, government agencies and democracies, then I studied autocracies and now constitutes a critical threat political parties around the and now I’m back at democracies, and to public life. But although the role that’s in part because a surprising number of digital media as a tool for political world use digital media to of communicative tricks jump from manipulation has recently come under manipulate public opinion. regime type to regime type,’ says Professor increased scrutiny, it is by no means Phil Howard, Director of the Oxford a new phenomenon.

14 • Oxford Thinking: Campaign Report 2017/18 These days, elections are all about data

It was in the run-up to the US presidential election of 2000 that technology experts first began using the Internet to influence public opinion, says Professor Howard. These experts, often industry lobbyists, would set up bogus campaigns in order to create the illusion of widespread public support. ‘Fake lobby groups had been around for many years, but it was really in the late 1990s that they started taking people’s trust in their own social networks online and abusing it for political means,’ he notes. This practice became all the more us that democracy works well in small In a growing number powerful following the creation of groups, and that the larger the group Facebook and Twitter in the mid-2000s. gets, the harder it becomes to signal of countries around the ‘Some of the accounts that we catch preferences and clearly express opinions,’ world, very deliberate here at the OII were started only a few he explains. ‘Social media platforms months after these companies went already allow small groups to deliberate, efforts are being made live,’ says Professor Howard. ‘If political share evidence and sometimes come campaign consultants don’t have to a consensus on a particular issue, to mislead and throw guidance about what constitutes ethical so there may be ways to build that into public conversations off behaviour, they will very quickly turn policymaking.’ new technologies and platforms to the Professor Howard points to instances the rails service of a lobbyist or political interest.’ of single cities, small states and high-trust Following the Brexit referendum organisations using groups of citizens and the 2016 US presidential election, to produce voters’ guides. Such groups technology companies have come under come together to fact-check the claims increased pressure to combat the spread being made on both sides of the debate, of junk news, with efforts focusing producing a balanced document that can on the identification of fake accounts then be used to inform decision-making. and the removal of the very worst of It’s an approach he feels could work the content from their platforms. For well in a number of countries around countries facing upcoming elections, the world. such as South Africa, Guatemala Governments, of course, cannot be and India, these solutions cannot be forced to adopt strategies like this, but implemented quickly enough. by working closely with policymakers, ‘These elections are going to be very practitioners and business leaders, the important for how democracy grows OII is uniquely positioned to help shape globally,’ says Professor Howard, who the debate. will soon begin investigating the way Looking ahead, Professor Howard says in which tech companies are addressing that innovations in artificial intelligence, these problems in the Global South. big data and blockchain are going to ‘India has 40 or 50 different functioning have a significant impact on our political, languages that people vote in. Will economic and cultural institutions. ‘At Facebook really have the capacity – the OII, we investigate how to get the either in software or personnel – to best out of such innovations, and how to catch an organised misinformation do so ethically and equitably.’ campaign there? I doubt it.’ So, how do you begin to tackle a The OII was founded in 2001 following problem on this scale? According to a gift of £10 million from Dame Stephanie

Professor Howard, the answer lies in Shirley, and is currently fundraising to Left and above: Professor more social media, not less. ‘There are secure programming and a dedicated Phil Howard at the Oxford lots of political science theories that tell building facility through endowment. Internet Institute

Oxford Thinking: Campaign Report 2017/18 • 15 A new dawn for sport

The first phase of an ambitious plan to revolutionise sporting provision at Oxford has been realised.

Iffley Road has been at the epicentre of sport at Oxford for over a century, and is perhaps most famous for being the venue where Sir Roger Bannister broke the four-minute mile in 1954. But over time, increasing student numbers, growing sports clubs and limited resources have put the site’s facilities under pressure. ‘Although Oxford is a world-leading university, we were trailing behind in terms of sporting provision,’ says Jon Roycroft, Director of Sport. ‘We knew that things needed to change.’ to switch effortlessly between the line Ultimately, we want In June 2018, Oxford celebrated markings for different sports. the opening of the Acer Nethercott Before the Acer Nethercott Sports Centre to provide an inclusive Sports Centre, a state-of-the-art facility was constructed, the University relied on and accessible home incorporating a spacious four-court sports just one modest hall space to serve more hall, refurbished café, changing rooms than 40 indoor clubs. ‘Having two halls to for all who wish to and the Gallie-Lewis-Dean Gym. More choose from doubles our options,’ explains than 450 donors have committed a total Isabelle. ‘Now we can train at better times, engage with sport of £4.3 million towards the building, and we’re no longer competing with every which will play a key role in helping the other club in order to get prime-time spots.’ University to increase participation in By redeveloping the Iffley Road site, sport and exercise. the University hopes to make a major ‘When we first walked in we were contribution to the wellbeing of its blown away,’ says Isabelle Cooper, a third- students and staff, and the local community. year geography student and Captain of ‘Ultimately, we want to provide an inclusive the Oxford University Netball Club. ‘It and accessible home for all who wish to Above: Members of the just feels so professional, and the floor is engage with sport,’ explains Jon. ‘And with Oxford University Netball Club, captained by Isabelle really great too!’ Inlaid with hundreds of the opening of the new sports centre, Cooper (centre) LED lights, the new glass floor illuminates we’re now one step closer towards realising Below: The four-court at the touch of a button, enabling players this vision.’ sports hall

16 • Oxford Thinking: Campaign Report 2017/18 Out of the deep

A new exhibit paints a fascinating picture of prehistoric marine life in England.

Travel back in time 165 million years, and you would find the land upon which Oxford stands today submerged 50 metres underwater. ‘Much of central and southern England was covered with a warm, shallow sea that would have been teeming with animals,’ says Dr Hilary Ketchum, Collections Manager at the Oxford University Museum of Natural History. The fascinating story of this ancient underwater world is now being told through a new permanent exhibit in the museum’s central court. Entitled Out of the Deep, it showcases the remains of two large Jurassic marine reptiles called plesiosaurs. One of these is the rare long- necked plesiosaur that was discovered in a quarry in Cambridgeshire in 2014. The exhibit also incorporates a short-necked relative that was unearthed near Oxford in the 1990s. ‘We received an overwhelming amount of public interest when the long- necked plesiosaur was donated to the museum,’ says Dr Ketchum. ‘We had a lot of people asking us to put it on display, but we didn’t have a showcase that was big enough, or the money to get one.’ Thankfully, generous donor support meant that the museum was able to purchase the specialist cases it needed, as well as commission a range of new

digital content and dynamic artwork for Out of the Deep has been supported the exhibit. by DCMS/Wolfson Museums and Galleries In addition to finding out more Improvement Fund; FCC Community about prehistoric marine life, visitors to Action Fund, administered by WREN; the new display will have the opportunity and individual donors. The long-necked to learn about the techniques used to plesiosaur was donated to the museum analyse fossil specimens, and how the by Forterra in 2015. findings can help us to better understand the evolution of life on Earth. ‘The really exciting thing is that we think they might be new species,’ says Dr Ketchum. ‘The long-necked plesiosaur has one of the most complete skulls ever found, so that’s going to tell us a lot.’ It’s still early days though, she stresses: ‘We haven’t had that much time to do research on it. We need to scan parts of Above: Dr Hilary Ketchum the skeleton still preserved in rock, and examining the skull of the who knows what that analysis will reveal? long-necked plesiosaur I can’t wait to find out.’ Left: Fossil fragments

Oxford Thinking: Campaign Report 2017/18 • 17 News in brief

Engaging young scientists through the Global Jet Watch

A unique approach in modern children the opportunity to operate astrophysics research that takes telescopes, control the observatory and advantage of the rotation of planet learn to apply science. Targeting mainly Earth, while simultaneously educating girls in developing countries, the goal is students, is celebrating the first ever 24/7 to inspire the next generation of globally measurements of a nova explosion in astute young scientists – building their our galaxy while continuing to produce confidence, encouraging them to aspire spectacular data about microquasars. to change the world for the better, and Supported by a number of donors, ensuring they have lots of fun in the the Global Jet Watch was launched by process. Katherine Blundell OBE, Professor of Professor Blundell says: ‘The Global Astrophysics at the University of Oxford. Jet Watch is a dream come true, both It has five observatories, based in Chile, in terms of astrophysics research and in South Africa, India, New South Wales terms of switching on lights in the minds and, most recently, Western Australia. The of students in developing countries who position of each observatory ensures that wouldn’t otherwise be exposed to science. there is always at least one location in I am indebted to the donors who have darkness, essential for optical astronomy, enabled us to get to where we have got and real-time measurements are served to already.’ up via interactive web pages. The India observatory is even powered by our The fifth observatory, commissioned in 2014 nearest star, through the medium of a in Western Australia, was made possible solar farm. by the generosity of the late Derek Benham Above: School children Education is an important spin-off (1952–2018), Physics alumnus and great in India with the Global of the Global Jet Watch. Four of the five friend and supporter of New College and Jet Watch telescope and observatories are based in schools, giving the University. solar farm

18 • Oxford Thinking: Campaign Report 2017/18 Establishing a visionary programme to improve human wellbeing

A major new programme of research Braam Junior Research Fellowship in focusing on human wellbeing has been Global Wellbeing, currently held by established at Merton College thanks to Dr Kate Orkin, and the Peter Braam the generous bequest of Dr Peter Braam, Graduate Scholarship. a former Junior Research Fellow at the The Early Career Fellowships will be college. based in colleges and departments across The aims of the programme, which the University of Oxford, and oversight will support the creation of a series of of the programme will be based at Merton Early Career Fellowships, are to improve College. Sir Martin Taylor, the recently the human situation and address the retired Warden of Merton College, needs of the poorest or least privileged referred to the programme as ‘visionary’, societies or segments of humanity. with ‘the ability to have a massive The complexity and breadth of impact on problems that can change issues that have an impact upon human people’s lives.’ wellbeing are wide-ranging, and in At a ceremony to celebrate the bequest, recognition of this, the Peter Braam Dr Braam commented: ‘A deep immersion bequest will encompass expertise and in your truly wonderful university and knowledge from a number of disciplines. college system and your respect for Dr Braam’s work has spanned several academic freedom can influence a person fields of theoretical and industrial areas for a lifetime. It has influenced me and of computing, mathematics and some many others more successful than I have physics, and his specific wish is to enable been. It will continue to inspire others.’ ‘the use of research, regardless of which By setting out the terms of his bequest academic disciplines are used, to improve now, Dr Braam is assuring that Merton countless lives on the planet.’ College and the wider University can Dr Braam has already worked with build on this important work well into Merton College to establish the Peter the future. Securing scholarships for the world’s most talented graduate students

The impact of graduate scholarships on been otherwise closed to me. Without it, the life paths and careers of individuals I would not have been able to continue cannot be underestimated. Dr Humphrey my studies.’ Ko, himself a graduate of Oriental Speaking of her future plans, Michelle Studies at Oxford, has enabled students says: ‘I am currently planning to go to of Traditional China to pursue their China to work for at least a year. Since areas of academic interest regardless my academic interest is in Chinese of financial circumstances by setting studies, I want to take this opportunity up the Oxford-Ko Scholarships. for full cultural immersion to improve The first Oxford-Ko Scholars embarked my understanding of the language and on their courses in 2013, and eight culture. I hope to work in the education students have since completed their sector, and give back to society what my studies. As with most Oxford graduate own education has given me.’ scholarships, recipients were required Graduate scholarships are a major to demonstrate excellent academic ability strategic priority for the University, with and the potential to contribute to the plans to establish 300 new scholarships world as leaders in their field. The value within the next five years. of the scholarships was further increased by matched funding from the University, which significantly boosted the impact of Dr Ko’s donation. Michelle Kwan Yee Liu, an Oxford-Ko Scholar in the Master of Studies degree in Above: Dr Peter Braam Traditional China, says: ‘This scholarship at Merton College has been incredibly important, as it has Right: Michelle Kwan Yee given me an opportunity that would have Liu at St Cross College

Oxford Thinking: Campaign Report 2017/18 • 19 For further information please contact:

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