Research in the Mathematical, Physical & Life Sciences

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Oxford is widely recognised as one of the world's leading science universities. The departments of the Mathematical, Physical and Life Sciences Division (MPLS) cover a broad range of subjects, encompassing fundamental research often linked to cutting-edge technology.

MPLS scientists are engaged in research initiatives which tackle the major scientific and technological challenges of the 21st Century. These are increasingly interdisciplinary, particularly in areas such as energy, climate, biodiversity loss, computing, water resources, biomedicine and the needs of an ageing population.

Today's scientific research not only crosses traditional subject boundaries, but also transcends national boundaries: Oxford scientists are playing leading roles in international projects, such as the search for fundamental particles and comparative studies of the human genome.

There is also a strong tradition of innovation amongst Oxford scientists. The Oxford University Begbroke Science Park is just one of the many ways through which Oxford researchers actively engage with business and industry. And since 1997, MPLS scientists have been involved in the launch of over 30 spin-out companies.

Professor David Gavaghan talks about his work in the Computational Biology Group based primarily within the Computing Laboratory.

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