Wildlife Trade researchers urge reforms to global regulations as CITES turns 50

Researchers from the Oxford Martin Programme on Wildlife Trade have evaluated the effectiveness of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), asking whether it is solving the problem for which it was designed.

Oxford Martin School epilepsy programme launches innovative research centre

International, national and local partners have been welcomed to the launch of the world’s first centre dedicated to empowering global epilepsy research and care.

Reform VAT on foods to make healthy and sustainable eating more affordable, suggests Oxford study

An Oxford Martin School / Environmental Change Institute-led team of researchers have reported that setting VAT rates based on health and environmental considerations can help citizens choose healthier and more sustainable diets and make them more affordable.

A research team’s dream to achieve a net-zero plastics future

With the Oxford Martin Programme on the Future of Plastics coming to an end, we explore how this research programme has helped develop a holistic solution to the challenge of ending plastic pollution, resulting in the concept of a circular economy for plastics.

Machine learning used to optimise disease surveillance

A new machine learning informed strategy could support public health leaders to design better surveillance during a disease outbreak.

Eating less sugar would be great for the planet as well as our health

Sugar addiction is on the rise. Globally, sugar intake has quadrupled over the last 60 years, and it now makes up around 8% of all our calories.

Are mergers necessary for 5G networks?

Research from the Oxford Martin Programme on Technological and Economic Change explores whether mergers in the mobile network industry benefit consumers, or if a new business trend in the sector might be a better approach.

Climate Policy Monitor highlights implementation gap in net zero regulations

The Oxford Martin Programme on Net Zero Regulation and Policy has launched its Climate Policy Monitor, a regularly updated public resource evaluating the ambition, comprehensiveness, and stringency of climate-related regulations against over 250 data points.

Decentralised social media ‘increases citizen empowerment’, says Oxford study

Researchers from an Oxford Martin School programme have reported findings from a paper exploring the motivations and challenges in running decentralised social media such as Mastodon, concluding such platforms offer potential for increased citizen empowerment in this digital domain.

Digital infrastructure examined in low- and middle-income nations

A new programme at the Blavatnik School of Government developed with the involvement of researchers who lead Oxford Martin School programmes will investigate the effects of digital public infrastructure (DPI) on inclusion and wellbeing in low- and middle-income countries, initially focusing on Ethiopia.

New programmes focus on AI threats, ‘second-life’ EV batteries and digital pandemic tools

The Oxford Martin School has announced three new programmes for 2024 that aim to develop research solutions to the most pressing 21st century issues. They will tackle the critical challenges of how we can improve our ability to detect attacks on AI systems; effectively redeploy electric vehicle batteries through ‘second-life’ schemes when they reach the end of their life; and optimally and ethically employ digital tools during a pandemic.

Oxford Martin School citizen science project helps improve detection of antibiotic resistance

Antibiotic resistance poses one of the most urgent challenges to public health worldwide. During this process, bacteria acquire genetic mutations that help them to become resistant to antibiotics.