We’re in the business of education, so you won’t be surprised that our research and teaching play a big part in how we tackle the world’s challenges.
Whether it’s improving wind turbines for renewable energy generation, helping tackle ocean plastics, or bringing the humanities together to tackle the climate crisis, we’re leading on research that will help the world beyond the College boundaries.
Here are just a few examples of how the Catz community is shaping the future.
Professor Richard Bailey: removing plastic from our oceans
A geographer, Richard undertakes research on the global marine environment.
His work currently focuses on tackling plastics in the environment, especially reducing the amount of waste plastic in the world’s oceans.
In 2020 he co-authored a paper in Science, and an authoritative report, Breaking the Plastic Wave, on how to reduce ocean plastic pollution, and also works with industry to bring tangible improvements quickly.
Read more about Richard Bailey »
Professor Byron Byrne: improving offshore wind turbines
Professor Byron Byrne’s current research looks into civil and geotechnical engineering, with a focus on offshore renewable energy.
Recent successes include developing new and innovative engineering design models for foundations that support offshore wind turbines. His work has improved efficiency, reducing the materials required by up to 30 percent.
Thanks to his links with industry, these findings have been implemented, already reducing the cost of renewable energy.
Professor Peter Edwards: cleaning up using chemistry
Peter’s research covers a wide range of topics, including the conversion of plastics into hydrogen and on the wider circular economy.
He also conducts research to further the knowledge of carbon neutral fuels, supporting the decarbonisation of shipping, aviation and other transport methods.
Read more about Peter Edwards »
Professor Peter Ireland: harnessing the power of the sun
Peter’s research sees him working to reduce the emissions from aviation and other transport methods.
He is also involved in supporting research into fusion power, a process which replicates the sun’s core to generate power.
His teaching gives students the tools and understanding of thermodynamics to bring about a reduction in CO2.
Read more about Peter Ireland »
Dr Amanda Power: using the past to shape the future
Amanda’s work takes her beyond her traditional discipline of history. He research sees her examining the climate and environment within the medieval period.
She is also co-convener of the University-wide Climate Crisis Thinking in the Humanities and Social Sciences network, bringing together colleagues from across disciplines to re-evaluate how academics approach the topic. Amanda is also a member of the steering committee of the Oxford Climate Research Network.
Read more about Amanda Power »
Dr Alex Teytelboym: the economics of biodiversity
Alex uses economics to improve the world. His work has helped place refugees in the best location for their needs, and more recently he’s turned his attention to biodiversity.
He’s worked with the RSPB on land management auctions to improve the abundance of bird species and contributed to the 2021 Dasgupta Review on the economics of biodiversity, commissioned by the UK Government.
