Our case studies showcase academic research from across the Department that has had an impact on the world or local community, and feature some of our current academics, research staff, Alumni and students.
Artificial intelligence and big data help rapid screening antibodies
Artificial Intelligence
Nearly two and a half years into the COVID-19 pandemic, the emergence of new variants of interest of SARS-CoV-2 has prompted the development of a broad range of neutralizing antibodies. Variants such as Delta (B.1.617.2 lineage) and Omicron (BA.1 and BA.2) have been reported to exhibit immune evasion against some current therapeutic antibodies. Evolving SARS-CoV-2 requires rapid prediction of antibody binding to new variants and the development of broadly neutralizing antibodies.
A waste management model for England
Systems and Sustainability
A sustainable waste management model for England is urgently needed to improve resource efficiency and divert waste from landfills. Dr Kok Siew Ng and Professor Aidong Yang have proposed a comprehensive system model to examine current waste management performance and project future waste generation, treatment and disposal scenarios in England.
Future AI could present a serious danger to humans
Artificial Intelligence
Researchers at the University of Oxford have recently analyzed a tricky subject: AI that does not yet exist. The researchers wanted to know, if artificial agents were developed that are much more capable than those existing today, what can we conclude about how they would behave? Their analysis suggests that subject to several assumptions, such artificial agents would present a serious danger to us.
Chess: how to spot a potential cheat
Artificial Intelligence
Michael Cohen is studying a DPhil in Engineering Science with Professor Michael Osborne. In this article from The Conversation, he explains how you need an AI and lots of data to work out whether there’s any foul play in a chess game.