Oxford has made a truly extraordinary contribution to winning the war against COVID we are now digging into the complex challenges of winning a lasting peace. I would like to begin by acknowledging colleagues’ fortitude in the face of the perpetual change and adaptation that has been required of us over the pandemic years, which might slow in pace but continues to make constant demands on your flexibility and your resilience. Meanwhile, drought conditions, floods and wildfires have reinforced the urgency of the global climate crisis.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has inflamed the geopolitical scene, with terrible costs, both personal and economic. Though lighter of heart, many are also feeling lighter of pocket as escalating prices and rising inflation take their toll on personal finances.

Yet I know that it has been an exacting year for many people. We have been able to travel more freely, to interact in person with colleagues at other institutions, and to teach face to face. Internally, the academic year has brought the return of some welcome stability to our patterns of research and teaching. So I hope you will indulge me if, at times, I wax both lyrical and prophetic.Įxternally, the past year has been dominated by the war in Ukraine, the cost of living crisis and the death of Her Majesty the Queen. In reflecting on the year that has passed, I would also like to reflect on what has changed during my incumbency and on how Oxford might change further in the future.

I must confess that I am very glad that I will never again have to write another Oration! I would also like to thank you in a wider sense, for being part of this University, and for giving so freely of your energies to make it the dynamic and beloved place of research, learning and community that it is.Īs I enter my final term as Vice-Chancellor I have started to muse on the many people, scenes and activities that I will miss, and a few I won’t. I would like to thank you particularly for making time to attend this Congregation and listen to my remarks. '>Video of Vice-Chancellor' s Oration 2022 Oxford is less set in stone than it looksĬolleagues, thank you for being here.

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