In October, our largest ever cohort of freshers joined us for a term like no other. We were delighted to smash our previous admissions records, with 81% of our new students coming from state schools, compared to the University average of 68%. First the first time in its long history, Oxford’s matriculation ceremony took place... Read more
As this exceptional year draws to a close, we were delighted to see the success of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine developed by our colleagues here in the University. But Covid-19 isn’t a one off – Prof. Peter Millican explores the long history of pandemics in the latest series of his Futuremakers podcast. As a philosopher, he... Read more
The autumn saw a whole host of Hertford fellows recognised for their outstanding research. Professor of Computer Science, Mike Wooldridge, shared the Lovelace Medal, Britain’s top award for computing. It recognised Mike’s pioneering work on multi-agent systems, developing them from concepts and theories in the 1980s to an integral part of contemporary computer science today.... Read more
After an unprecedented year, we were delighted to send off our finalists with an equally unprecedented set of results which reflected their hard work, determination and resilience. Despite significant disruption caused by the pandemic, half of our finalists achieved a first-class degree and many picked up University prizes for outstanding academic performance – you all... Read more
With the academic year drawing to a close, it was time to bid a fond farewell to old friends. Principal Will Hutton wrapped up the last term of his nine-year principalship and, while it wasn’t what we were planning, we gave him a good socially-distanced send-off. We also said goodbye to Sue Finch, our Academic... Read more
Tom Fletcher CMG became our 14th Principal since 1874 in September, and started his Hertford career quarantined in one of our newly-refurbished first-year bedrooms. This wasn’t an unusual experience, as Tom was a Hertford fresher himself back in 1994. After his Hertford history degree, Tom worked as policy advisor to three Prime Ministers, as the... Read more
At the start of the summer we welcomed back our students for a virtual term, unlike anything else in our 700-year history. Our tutors and students alike adapted to the challenge like ducks to water, quickly arranging online tutorials and social events. With lockdown fatigue setting in, we launched Hertford Responds to try and make... Read more
With the world locked down due to Covid-19, we threw open our annual video competition and received more entries than ever before. Unsung Heroes of Science challenges teenagers to create a short video celebrating the work of a scientist that history has forgotten. This year’s videos told the stories of pioneers throughout history, from a... Read more
Two of our recent alumni were making waves in the world of literature, with Will Harris (English, 2007) being shortlisted for two poetry prizes and Shahnaz Ahsan (History & English, 2006) publishing her debut novel to great acclaim. Will’s first poetry collection, Rendang, went on to win the Felix Dennis Prize for Best First Collection... Read more
After six months in the making, February saw the opening of our brand-new Porters’ Lodge. With the 1990s mezzanine carefully removed, the space was unrecognisable and finally fit for the Grade II* listed building it occupies. Clever joinery and re-opened doorways created a Lodge fit for the 21st century, with a dedicated visitors’ reception area... Read more