celebrating 20 years of impact

Two decades of pioneering research

Since 2005, the Oxford Martin School has brought together hundreds of researchers to tackle the biggest challenges of our time. From climate change to AI, from global health to inequality, our research has shaped policy and improved lives across the globe.

The 20th anniversary of the Oxford Martin School occurs at a time of unprecedented geopolitical challenges and a concern that we may be moving backwards in addressing some of the most pressing global issues. Never has the work of the School been more needed, and the School and the University of Oxford gratefully salute James Martin’s inspiring vision and extraordinary generosity.

– PROFESSOR SIR CHARLES GODFRAY, DIRECTOR, OXFORD MARTIN SCHOOL

Our people & programmes

Our impact is best told through the people and programmes that have shaped change. Watch three stories that highlight the diversity and depth of our work.

Wildlife Trade

Our researchers are tackling one of the biggest drivers of species extinction: the wildlife trade. Evidence from our programme helped countries agree to ban international trade in saiga antelope horn — a species that had lost 95% of its population. Since then, numbers have risen dramatically.

Plastic Pollution

The Future of Plastics programme brings together experts in chemistry, economics and law to tackle the challenges of plastic waste. From developing fully recyclable plastics to shaping regulation and working with industry to grow new markets, the programme is driving change towards a sustainable future.

Epilepsy

Fifty million people live with epilepsy worldwide, most in low- and middle-income countries where diagnosis is limited. Our team is closing the diagnostic gap with new portable EEG headsets, training apps for healthcare workers, and a global research database to transform diagnosis and care.

Impact stories

View more impact stories

For 20 years, our researchers have been turning bold ideas into real-world solutions. These stories illustrate the breadth of our impact and the way our work has helped shape a better future.

Meeting the world’s cooling needs without warming the planet

As cooling demand surges worldwide, the Oxford Martin Programme on the Future of Cooling is delivering the evidence, policy change and practical, low-carbon solutions needed to protect health, food and productivity while cutting emissions. From quantifying heat’s hidden costs to piloting low-carbon cold storage and advising the UK Parliament and UN, Oxford researchers are shaping heat resilience and sustainable cooling for a zero-carbon, climate-adapted future.

Rethinking food for health and sustainability

What we eat affects not only our individual health but also the health of the planet. Over the past decade, Oxford Martin School researchers have helped reshape global understanding of the links between diet, sustainability and public health, influencing policy, shifting public opinion, and driving practical change.

Understanding our world, one dataset at a time

“We bring all the available high-quality data on the biggest global issues together, from global health to economic issues to human rights, and make it accessible for people who work on these issues." Professor Max Roser, Founder, Our World in Data.

Breaking barriers to epilepsy diagnosis

This work is ensuring that people with epilepsy receive the care they need to lead full and fulfilling lives by making accurate diagnosis more accessible, especially in low-resource settings.

Giving people control of their online data

Led by the inventor of the web, this programme puts adults and children back in charge of their personal information.

Diagnose faster, treat smarter, fight resistance

By combining AI, advanced microscopy and engineering the team is revolutionising how infections are diagnosed, and how antibiotics are prescribed.

Discover the full collection of stories in our 20th Anniversary Brochure.

The Oxford Martin School was founded on the belief that bold, high-risk, high-reward research can make a difference. Twenty years on, we continue to see the results: new vaccines and diagnostic tools, innovative solutions for biodiversity and climate, pioneering insights into inequality and the future of work.

This collection brings together over two decades of stories that demonstrate how research can inform policy, inspire action, and shape a better future.

Our anniversary collection explores how Oxford Martin School research has helped tackle:

Global health – from new vaccines to rapid diagnostics
Climate and environment – shaping international policy and protecting ecosystems
Technology and society – anticipating AI’s impact and safeguarding the digital age
Inequality and development – creating fairer economies and opportunities worldwide

Read the brochure here