Sheldonian Series

The Sheldonian Series is a termly event convened by the Vice-Chancellor aimed to promote discussions about the big issues of the day, informed by our commitment to free and inclusive speech, diversity of thought and the vibrant exchange of ideas. This event is open to all students and staff, and will feature scholars and voices from a range of fields and viewpoints.

Sheldonian Series: The Power of Activism

The Sheldonian Series continues in Hilary term, taking place on Wednesday 4 February 2026. Join the Vice-Chancellor at the Sheldonian Theatre for a panel discussion on the power of activism. From climate change to democracy to peace, has activism failed? Or have institutions fallen short in delivering progress and stability? What role should activism play in society?

Contributors include:

Baroness Shami Chakrabarti CBE - member of the House of Lords and former director of human rights advocacy group Liberty
Dr Munira Mirza - Chief Executive, Civic Future
Professor Federica Genovese - Professor of Political Science and International Relations, University of Oxford
Shermar Pryce - President, Student Union, University of Oxford

This event is open to all and aims to promote freedom of speech and inclusive inquiry within the collegiate University.

Past events

Sheldonian Series: Cancel Culture

The first event of the series for this academic year took place on Tuesday 21 October 2025. The panel discussed 'Cancel Culture' - whether cancellation a threat to free expression, or a necessary means of accountability. You can view a recording of the event below or read the news story here.

Panellists:

David Isaac (moderator) - Provost of Worcester College
Sunder Katwala - Director of the British Future think tank
Helen Mountfield KC - Principal of Mansfield College and trustee for Index on Censorship
Zoe Williams - Journalist, columnist and author at The Guardian
Lord Young of Acton - General Secretary of the Free Speech Union and Conservative peer

Sheldonian Series: Truth

The third event in the series took place on Tuesday 13 May 2025. A recording of the event is available to watch below. You can read the news story here.

Speakers

Moderator: Richard Ovenden, OBE, Bodley’s Librarian and the Helen Hamlyn Director of the University Libraries, Head of Gardens, Libraries, & Museums (GLAM), University of Oxford;
Panellist: Mitali Mukherjee, Director of the Reuters Institute, University of Oxford;
Panellist: Professor Kimberley Johnson, Professor of Social and Cultural Analysis at New York University and Winant Visiting Professor of American Government, University of Oxford;
Panellist: Fraser Nelson, journalist at The Times newspaper and columnist and editor of The Spectator from 2009-2024.

Sheldonian Series: Life

The second event in the series took place on Tuesday 11 February 2025. A recording of the event is available to watch below. You can read the news story about the event here.

Host:

Professor Irene Tracey, CBE, FRS, FMedSci

Speakers:

Professor Jayne Birkby, Associate Professor of Exoplanetary Science
Rev Canon Prof Luke Bretherton, Regius Professor of Moral & Pastoral Theology
Professor Sir Nigel Shadbolt FRS FREng, Principal of Jesus College and Professorial Research Fellow in Computing Science

Sheldonian Series: Democracy

The inaugural event in the series took place on Monday 25 November 2024.

Read our news story: Sheldonian Series launches with an energetic and open exchange of views on 'Democracy'.

Moderator:

Rachel Sylvester, Political Columnist at The Times