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Alumni Weekend

The annual Oxford University Alumni Weekend aims to showcase the Collegiate University as a whole, giving prominence to a range of current research and its application to real world situations, as well as recognising the achievements of Oxford men and women.
This series also includes podcasts from other alumni events including study days and the Oxford European Reunion.

Past themes include "A Global Oxford" (2008), "Equal Citizenship" (2009) and "Shared Treasures" (2010).

# Episode Title Description People Date
67 A New era for Higher Education: Challenges and Opportunities for Oxford David Watson leads a panel discussion on the future of Oxford as a leader for higher education. With Mike Nicholson, Nick Rawlins, Ben Plummer-Powell and Loren Griffith. David Watson, Mike Nicholson, Nick Rawlins, Ben Plummer-Powell 05 Oct 2011
66 Geoengineering: Fantasy or Feasible Future? Richard Darton gives a talk for the 2011 Oxford Alumni Weekend on the developments in the science of Geoengineering and looks at how close we are to be able to do it. Richard Darton 03 Oct 2011
65 Why Robots Play Football Stephen Cameron gives a talk for the 2011 Oxford Alumni Weekend on robotics and new technological advances in the field. Stephen Cameron 03 Oct 2011
64 What is Public in the Digital Age? Use of the internet has raised major public issues around the definition of public and priavte information. Director of the Oxford Internet Institute Professor Bill Dutton examines how we can best reconcile the risks and opportunities presented. William Dutton 03 Oct 2011
63 Creative Commons Energy in the Future: Brenda Boardman Part 3 of 3. Some of Oxford's leading experts discuss the issue of energy in the future, one of the greatest challenges facing the world as we move through the 21st century. Brenda Boardman 30 Sep 2011
62 Creative Commons Energy in the Future: Nick Eyre Part 2 of 3. Some of Oxford's leading experts discuss the issue of energy in the future, one of the greatest challenges facing the world as we move through the 21st century. Nick Eyre 30 Sep 2011
61 Creative Commons Energy in the Future: James Marrow Part 1 of 3. Some of Oxford's leading experts discuss the issue of energy in the future, one of the greatest challenges facing the world as we move through the 21st century. James Marrow 30 Sep 2011
60 Political Oxford Why does Oxford produce so many politicians? How have the University's alumni shaped the political landscape? And how has this impacted on perceptions of the University, both in the UK and overseas? David Butler, Tim Boswell, Richard Jarman 30 Sep 2011
59 The Gamesmakers: Oxonians Preparing for London 2012 A panel discussion with some of the Oxonians most closely involved with the successful Olympics bid, providing a fascinating insight into the thrills and anxiety of preparing for London 2012. Andrew Thomas, Roger Mosey, Ed Warner, Paul Williamson 30 Sep 2011
58 Creative Commons Philanthropy: Mega-trend of the 21st Century Dame Stephanie Shirley speaks about her personal philosophy of philanthropy, the importance of a social and cultural approach to giving, and her vision of the role of philanthrophy in the 21st century. Stephanie Shirley 29 Sep 2011
57 A Cook's Tour: Oxford and the Modern Olympics The University of Oxford has a rich sporting heritage and many links with the foundation and evolution of the modern Olympics. Professor Simon Lee examins the role of Oxonians as athletes and administrators within this global phenomenon. Simon Lee 29 Sep 2011
56 The Responsibility to Protect in modern international relations Jennifer Welsh and Hugo Slim from the Oxford Centre for Ethics, Law and Armed Conflict discuss "The Responsibility to Protect" in contemporary international relations, and its role in key cases such as Libya and the post-election violence in Kenya. Jennifer Welsh, Hugo Slim 28 Sep 2011
55 Creative Commons Climate and Weather: The Ends of Acts of God? Professor Myles Allen explains how research at Oxford allows us to quantify just how much climate change caused by past emissions is costing individuals, corporations and potentially entire countries. Myles Allen 28 Sep 2011
54 Creative Commons Nanomedicine: Challenges and opportunities Nanotechnology has the potential to transform the way that medical and healthcare solutions are developed and delivered, this talk reviews the properties of nanomaterials for medical applications and the challenges and opportunities of their use. Sonia Trigueros, Sonia Contera 27 Sep 2011
53 Creative Commons What Next? Surviving the 21st Century For his keynote lecture the Chancellor, Lord Patten of Barnes, examines the rapidly-growing list of challenges facing the world, from climate change to nuclear proliferation, migration to water and energy shortage. Chris Patten 26 Sep 2011
52 Creative Commons The persistence of identity in the digital age: Living in social networks on and offline Social networks are now culturally bound to online software such as Facebook and Twitter, with a trend in personal persistent content. Bernie Hogan will review new empirical research on social networks and conclude with advice on future online policy. Bernie Hogan 26 Sep 2011
51 Emerging infectious diseases Emerging infectious diseases are often in the news but are there really more of them? Here we explore how infections invade human populations, how new pathogens adapt to become efficient infections of humans and how to predict what might happen next. Angela McLean 26 Sep 2011
50 Creative Commons Building markets: Where innovation meets strategy Dr Marc Ventresca from Oxford University's business school reports on recent advances in economic sociology with examples from markets in high technology, microfinance in Bangladesh, and ecosystem services in Amazonian Peru. Marc Ventresca 26 Sep 2011
49 William Adams and the Samurai Oxford trip scholar Michael Jay is only the second non-Japanese man to hold a Samurai rank. Hear about his journey to becoming a Samurai. Michael Jay 30 Nov 2010
48 The future of the past; The Bodleian's great acquisitions Part of the 2010 Alumni Weekend. Dr Ovenden looks at the Bodleian's great acquisitions, from Alan Bennett's gift of his literary archive to Cavalli's Erismena, the earliest surviving score of an opera in the English language. Richard Ovenden 30 Nov 2010
47 The infinitely expanding universe of memory; books, manuscript...pixels Part of the 2010 Alumni Weekend. Bodley's Librarian Dr Sarah Thomas in conversation with Dr Alice Prochaska, Principal of Somerville, discussing the 'infinitely expanding universe of memory' and collections in the digital age. Sarah Thomas, Alice Prochaska 30 Nov 2010
46 Creative Commons The Future of Human Rights Part of the 2010 Alumni Weekend. Timothy Endicott, Murray Hunt and Sandra Fredman discuss the future of human rights, looking at the human rights constitution, its critics and how to uphold human rights. Timothy Endicott, Murray Hunt, Sandra Fredman 30 Nov 2010
45 The Marlborough Gems at Blenheim Palace Part of the 2010 Alumni Weekend. Sir John Boardman gives a talk on the antique gems held in Blenheim Palace; the history of the collection and the significance to researching the Classics. John Boardman 23 Nov 2010
44 The Ashmolean Collection and the Formation of Ancient Egyptian Art Part of the 2010 Alumni Weekend. Professor john Baines gives a talk on the Ashmolean Museum and its collection of ancient Egyptian art. John Baines 02 Nov 2010
43 How to Prevent Alzheimer's Disease Part of the 2010 Alumni Weekend. Dr David Smith gives a talk on how to prevent Alzheimer's disease. David Smith 02 Nov 2010
42 Creative Commons Therapy for muscular dystrophy in the new genetics era From the 2010 Alumni Weekend. Duchene Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) is a genetic muscle wasting disease that causes great suffering to those experiencing it. Dr Kay Davies talks about the advances in molecular genetics which could help treat DMD. Kay Davies 25 Oct 2010
41 Creative Commons A Florence Nightingale for the 21st Century From the 2010 Alumni Weekend. Marjorie Reeves Memorial lecture given in St Anne's College. Mark Bostridge, author of the first major biography of Florence Nightingale in 50 years talks about the great woman's life and character. Mark Bostridge 25 Oct 2010
40 Creative Commons The anatomy of a scientific dispute From the 2010 Alumni Weekend. Conrad Keating, biographer of Richard Doll, gives a talk on the difficulty scientists have at getting people to believe their results, as Richard Doll had when he published his findings on the dangers of smoking. Conrad Keating 25 Oct 2010
39 Creative Commons Early Tudor England: A People's Reformation? From the 2010 Alumni Weekend. The english Reformation has often been seen as am 'act of state', imposed on the people. How true was that? How soon did the English people buy into the huge success story that was he reformation in northern Europe? Diarmaid MacCulloch 25 Oct 2010
38 Creative Commons Rocking the Cradle...6,000 Years of Geological Impact in Greece From the 2010 Alumni Weekend. Phillip England talks about the history of Greece through its many earthquakes and seismic activity over the last 6000 years and shows how these events shaped the ancient world's history. Phillip England 25 Oct 2010
37 The Future of Humanity From the 2010 Alumni Weekend. Nick Bostrom, director of the Future of Humanity Institute gives a talk on ideas surrounding future scenarios on what might happen to the human race in the future, from ideas of total extinction to post-humanity. Nick Bostrom 25 Oct 2010
36 Creative Commons The Hidden History of the Wellcome Collection From the 2010 Alumni Weekend. Frances Larson gives a talk entitled 'Shared Treasures or Just Bits and Pieces? The Hidden History of the Wellcome Collection. Examining Sir Henry Wellcome's vast hoard of Art and Antiques he collected over his lifetime. Frances Larson 25 Oct 2010
35 Creative Commons Giving What We Can From the 2010 Alumni Weekend. Dr Toby Ord, a practical ethics researcher and founder of Giving What We Can, explains why he has pledged to donate more than £10,000 per year - an estimated £1 million over his career - to development charities. Toby Ord 20 Oct 2010
34 Creative Commons The Bodleian Shakespeare: A treasure lost... and regained From the 2010 Alumni Weekend. Emma Smith reveals how Oxford University mobilised Alumni support to bring Shakespeare's First Folio back to the Bodleian library over 200 years after it was lost. Emma Smith 19 Oct 2010
33 Creative Commons Galaxy Zoo - The Rise and Rise of Citizen Science Chris Lintott from the Department of Astrophysics gives a talk on the increasing significant contributions members of the public are making to scientific research through websites such as Galaxy Zoo. Chris Lintott 27 Jan 2010
32 Creative Commons China, US, global imbalances and the 2008 financial crisis Dr Yueh presents on China's position in the global economy, the indirect role played by China in the global financial crisis, and the implications of the crisis going forward. Linda Yueh 30 Nov 2009
31 Creative Commons Lewis Carroll in Numberland An intriguing biographical exploration of Lewis Carroll, focusing on the author's mathematical career and influences. Robin Wilson 30 Nov 2009
30 Creative Commons Beyond the Bottom Billion Prof. Paul Collier discusses the contradiction of resource rich countries with troubled economies, including how the harnessing of natural assets can go wrong, and what can be done to ensure their correct handling. Paul Collier 30 Nov 2009
29 Havens across the Sea Local historian Ann Spokes Symonds gives a talk on the Oxford children and mothers who were evacuated to Canada and the USA in July 1941. Ann Spokes Symonds 12 Nov 2009
28 Oxford and the Crime Novel Best-selling crime fiction writer of Wire in the Blood Val McDermind talks about what makes Oxford city so alluring to crime fiction writers. Part of the 2009 Oxford Alumni Weekend. Val McDermind 12 Nov 2009
27 Creative Commons Russia is Back: Jenifer Hart Memorial Lecture Professor MacFarlane gives a talk about modern Russia; from the fall of the Berlin Wall to today; including the rise of Vladimir Putin, the conflict between Chechnya, alleged human rights violations and Russia's relationship with the rest of the world. Neil MacFarlane 28 Oct 2009
26 Gutenberg and the digital revolution Bodley's head librarian, Sarah Thomas, talks about the history of the Bodleian Library and the changes that are taking place within it, particularly the digitisation project -creating electronic digital versions of books- currently underway. Sarah Thomas 28 Oct 2009
25 Creative Commons Understanding human pain, suffering and relief through brain imaging Using examples from her research, Professor Tracey illustrates some of the exciting developments in brain imaging -seeing exactly how the brain is affected by its environment-and discusses how this research impacts on modern medicine, law and society. Irene Tracey 28 Oct 2009
24 Creative Commons Women composers at Oxford: Cinderella (1858-1944) and other role models In the history of the University, women and music have shared a Cinderella-like status before the 20th Century. In this talk, Dr Wollenberg looks at how women composers have continued to change the face of Oxford music in new ways. Susan Wollenberg 28 Oct 2009
23 Creative Commons Developing an improved TB vaccine Dr McShane talks about the University's work in creating an improved vaccine against tuberculosis and she also talks about the urgency of this research. Helen McShane 28 Oct 2009
22 Creative Commons A is for Autism Dame Stephanie gives a talk about her philanthropic work in autism, looking at the condition's history, its causes, the treatments, specialist education and society's position on autism. Stephanie Shirley 28 Oct 2009
21 Creative Commons Languages disorders in children: What can they tell us about genes and brains? Recent studies have shown that genes are strongly implicated in determining if children will develop language disorders. In this talk, Professor Bishop examines the role genetics play in language development and language disorders. Dorothy Bishop 28 Oct 2009
20 Creative Commons A Woman's place: The transformation of female power in first millennial BC Egypt A talk assessing the role of women in ancient Egypt - looking at the changes in female religious roles in ancient Egyptian society as a barometer for wider social, cultural and political transformation. Elizabeth Frood 28 Oct 2009
19 Creative Commons Young Lives Project: Children's experiences of poverty, adversity and inequality This talk looks at the work done by the Young Lives Project, a study which tracks 12,000 children across 4 developing countries over a 15 year period trying to find a scientific answer to the question of the causes of childhood poverty. Jo Boyden 28 Oct 2009
18 Creative Commons HIV: Will there ever be a vaccine? This talk looks at the University's work in China and Africa and its attempts to identify the key determinants of protective immunology against HIV infection that should guide future vaccine design. Sarah Rowland-Jones 28 Oct 2009
17 Creative Commons Breast Cancer: Causes and Prevention Dr Valerie Beral talks about her research into the causes of breast cancer, looking into the history of the cancer as well as offering ways of reducing the risk of contracting breast cancer. Valerie Beral 28 Oct 2009
16 Power Shift in the Global Economy The 2008 Oxford University Society Lecture in which Professor Woods talks about the shift in Global Economic Power from private companies in the developed world to national companies in developing countries. Ngaire Woods 22 Sep 2009
15 The Tipping Point: Climate Change Professor Gideon Henderson and Dr Ros Rickaby from the Department of Earth Sciences talk about some of the key issues surrounding climate change today. Gideon Henderson, Ros Rickaby 26 Aug 2009
14 Sleep in the Global 24/7 Society Professor Foster gives a talk on some of the causes and consequences of sleep disruption and explores how our increasingly sleep deprived society is have unanticipated consequences for out physical and mental health. Russell Foster 24 Aug 2009
13 The International Student Experience at Oxford Dr Heather Bell talks about Oxford’s growing international student population and what Oxford does to support and encourage them. Medical student Xin-Hui Chan also talks about her experience of being an international student at Oxford. Heather Bell, Xin-Hui Chan 19 Aug 2009
12 Inside Innovation: The University–Business Interface Tom Hockaday, Managing Director of Isis Innovations, talks about Oxford University’s Technology Transfer Office, helping to transfer products of university research to the business world. Tom Hockaday 01 Jul 2009
11 Creative Commons Pheromones: what animals (including humans) say with smell Tristram Wyatt gives a talk on 'The Science of Smell' - Pheromones, outlining their discovery, their chemistry and how animals (and humans) interact through smell. Part of the 2008 Oxford Alumni Weekend. Tristram Wyatt 23 Jun 2009
10 The Vindolanda Tablets Professor Alan Bowman gives a talk on the Roman fort of Vindolanda. Using the famous Vindolanda tablets and other written sources found at the site, he paints a vivid picture of life at the Roman fort and in Roman Britain during the reign of Hadrian. Alan Bowman 12 Jun 2009
9 Cradle of Western Civilization Professor Griffin from the Oxford University Society Travel Programme gives a humourous talk about the ancient Aegean Islands; the founding Minoan and Greek civilizations where philosophy, science, and literature were born and first flourished. Jasper Griffin 12 Jun 2009
8 Introduction to Indian Literature in translation Professor Boehmer gives a short talk on her current research on Indian Literature in English, looking at the Post-Colonial world of literature and gives an introduction to studying World Literature in the Humanities Division. Elleke Boehmer 30 Apr 2009
7 Introduction to Studying the History and Politics of China Dr Rana Mitter talks about his cutting edge research in China and gives an introduction to studying the history and politics of China, a new and exciting field of research within the Humanities division. Rana Mitter 29 Apr 2009
6 Studying Buddhism Richard Gombrich, first academic director for the Oxford Centre for Buddhist Studies (OCBS), gives a talk on Buddhism, from its Indian Origins, its history and its influence on Eastern culture. He also talks about the history of the OCBS. Richard Gombrich 29 Apr 2009
5 Politics and Popular Poetry in the Arab World Professor Clive Holes gives a short talk on Arabic popular poetry; a medium of social satire and cultural criticism that is as important in Arabic culture as much as Social satire is in British culture. He also reads three translations of political poetry Clive Holes 29 Apr 2009
4 Howard Carter's excavation records of the tomb of Tutankhamun Dr Jaromir Malek, Keeper of the Archive at the Griffith Institute talks about the tomb of Tutankhamun; its discovery by Howard Carter and what the Griffith Institute are doing to study the tomb and the treasures inside it. Jaromir Malek 29 Apr 2009
3 The Kadoorie Study in China Zhengming Chen, Professor of Epidemiology, gives a talk on the Kadoorie Biobank study, a joint Chinese and British study looking at the lifestyles of 500,000 people and presents some of the findings that can be used to influence public health policy. Zhengming Chen 29 Apr 2009
2 Beyond the Globe: Exploring the Solar System Professor Fred Taylor discusses some of Oxford University's pioneering work in planetary science. Fred Taylor 29 Apr 2009
1 Genetics of Common Human Diseases Peter Donnelly, one of the UK's leading statisticians and geneticists, discusses his involvement in recent projects aimed at understanding the genetics of common human diseases. Peter Donnelly 29 Apr 2009