There is a huge number of networks at the University, many of which provide support to staff and/or students from minority groups. The list below is not exhaustive, but we hope you will find some networks of interest here.
Women’s networks
OxWEST (Oxford Women in Engineering, Science, and Technology) is a well-established society promoting and supporting women in science, engineering and technology. OxFEST aims to raise awareness of current issues facing female scientists, provide a support network and networking opportunities for female scientists, increase the visibility of female scientists within the University and associated Institutes, and provide information and resources, which may aid women in pursuing their careers.
The Oxford Physics Gender Equity Network is run by a committee drawn from students and staff in the Department of Physics. They organise events and campaigns to promote gender equity in the department.
Women in Engineering Oxford is a women’s networking group in the Department of Engineering, which organises talks, social events and other networking activities (for all members of the department).
The Oxford Women in Computer Science Society (OxWoCS) aims to support and promote women in computer science. The society exists for all women in computer science, whether students or staff. OxWoCS runs a number of academic, social, and career events throughout the year, including weekly coffee meetings, talks by distinguished female speakers, and industry sponsored events. The society provides networking opportunities and a support network comprising role models, mentors and peers.
Women in Materials Science (WiMS) aims to tackle problems facing all those who identify as women in the field in hopes of addressing the gender imbalance, as well as recognising some of the amazing work carried out by women in materials. This group is open to all genders, undergraduates, postgraduates and all staff. For updates about their events, see the WiMS facebook group.
The Mirzakhani Society is Oxford Mathematics' society for female undergraduates. With over 100 active members, it holds relaxed weekly ‘Sip and Solve’ meetings (aided by high-quality baking), socials and talks. The society is open to both undergraduates and postgraduates, and is central in encouraging more women to take a fourth year (undergraduates currently can choose between the three and four year mathematics courses). Find out more about the society on their Facebook page.
WomCam (or Women's Campaign) is a discussion and action forum from the Oxford University Student Union which welcomes graduate and undergraduate students.
Diversity and support networks
The Menopause Support Network is a safe space for colleagues who are going through menopause to share experiences and information, and find or offer support. To join the network you first need to join the Wellbeing (staff) Teams channel by clicking on the 'Connect' Tile from Supporting others | Staff Gateway (ox.ac.uk). You can then request access to the Menopause Support Network by emailing wellbeing@admin.ox.ac.uk.
The BIPOC STEM Network is an inclusive group of research staff, academic staff and postgraduates who work within the University’s STEM departments and identify as Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour (BIPOC), or Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME). Fill in BIPOC's form to become a member, email them at bipoc.network@mpls.ox.ac.uk or follow them on Twitter at @BIPOC_STEM_NET
Campaign for Racial Awareness and Equality (CRAE) is one of Oxford University Student Union's permanent campaigns to create a more just and inclusive student experience at the University through action and engagements with racial diversity and difference.
LGBTQsoc aims to provide a safe space for all members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Queer community and is focused on providing welfare and social events for students.
LGBTQ Campaign is the autonomous campaign within the Oxford University Student Union that works in the interests of Oxford’s LGBTQ students. They hold speaker events on a range of topics, organise focus groups, and run campaigns on matters of relevance to all LGBTQ individuals. They also hold Open Meetings every fortnight to informally discuss anything members want. If you would like to be added to the mailing list, please email welfare@ousu.org or get in touch with the LGBTQ Officer at lgbtq@ousu.org
Queer Intersections Oxford convenes a diverse, interdisciplinary coalition of scholars, activists, and artists to consider their role in the production of knowledge related to identity, power, and their intersections. The group meets weekly for lectures, book launches, reading groups, seminars, workshops and research lunches.
Oxford University Newcomers’ Club is an organization, run by volunteers, whose aim is to help the newly-arrived wives, husbands or partners of visiting scholars, of graduate students and of newly appointed academic members of the University to settle in and to give them the opportunity to meet people in Oxford.
International Students’ Campaign is a student-run organisation committed to representing and improving the welfare of the more than 6,500 international students from 139 different countries at Oxford.
