Oxford researchers win ERC Starting Grants to tackle global challenges

Eleven early-career researchers at the University of Oxford have been awarded highly competitive European Research Council (ERC) Starting Grants, each valued at €1.5 million over a period of five years

These ERC Starting Grants, part of the Horizon Europe programme, support emerging leaders in their fields as they launch ambitious research projects and build new teams.

This year, over 3,900 proposals were submitted across Europe, with just 12% receiving funding, which shows the quality of Oxford’s successful applicants.

Pushing the boundaries in science and society

From exploring quantum physics to uncovering the roots of political narratives, the funded Oxford projects show a wide range of disciplines and pressing global issues.

Dr Martina Baradel from the Department of Sociology will investigate how organised crime groups, such as the Japanese yakuza, expand across borders by adapting to cultural, linguistic, and legal landscapes. Her work will enhance the understanding of transnational crime networks and their impact in East and Southeast Asia.

In terms of the Department of Politics and International Relations, Associate Professor Rachel Bernhard will examine how complexity affects political messaging and decision-making. Her project examines why some complex societal issues are reduced to slogans, while others remain unresolved.

Health and medicine

Several projects focus on health and medical science. Dr Yi-Ling Chen from the Nuffield Department of Medicine will study how lipid molecules generated during Group A Streptococcus infections may contribute to autoimmune diseases. Her work could lead to better prevention and treatment strategies amid a global rise in such infections.

Associate Professor Ana Namburete from the Department of Computer Science will develop AI-driven ultrasound tools to track brain development from the womb into early life. This innovation aims to improve the detection of developmental issues in premature and growth-restricted infants.

Dr James Whittington, based in the Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, will study how brain networks support flexible behaviour, using advanced neural network models and collaboration with experimental neuroscientists.

Innovation in computing and AI

Oxford’s Computer Science department is home to several of the grant recipients. Dr Jiarui Gan’s project focuses on the computational foundations of the principal-agent model in AI, helping to develop more cooperative, ethical, and efficient AI systems.

Associate Professor Amir Kafshdar Goharshady will design faster and more scalable software verification algorithms, essential for ensuring the safety of large and complex systems.

Professor Christian Rupprecht will address the data bottleneck in AI training by utilising generative models to reduce the need for expensive manual image labelling, thereby paving the way for more efficient training of large-scale vision systems.

ERC Starting Grants: Physics, chemistry and biology

Dr Natalia Chepiga, in the Department of Physics, will develop new computational tools through the ERC Starting Grants to explore unknown quantum phase transitions, phenomena that could reshape the understanding of quantum systems and lead to future technological breakthroughs.

In the Department of Chemistry, Dr Dan Congrave will pioneer a new class of light-emitting molecules called Discreet Organic Superluminophores. These could transform applications from medical imaging to display technologies.

Dr Tina Schreier from the Department of Biology will investigate how specialised plant cells support C4 photosynthesis, a highly efficient process. Her research could offer insights into enhancing crop productivity under climate stress.

These ERC Starting Grants show the strength of Oxford’s research. The awarded projects not only push the boundaries of knowledge but also aim to deliver real-world impact.