Common Ground Seminar Series

Contributing to research

The Common Ground seminar series brings together researchers from across the Social Sciences Division and the wider University to explore how social scientists can contribute to major challenges and promote interdisciplinary research activities.

We have a lot of expertise in Oxford that needs to be joined up so that we can make sure... we can provide an appropriate response. Thanks to events like this seminar we can learn from each other and improve our knowledge base to fulfill our mandate to serve society.

Professor Jane Kaye, Director of the Centre for Law, Health and Emerging, Technologies at Oxford: HeLEX, Law Faculty

Discover previous seminars in the series

Session 1: AI and society

The first in a series of new captivating Common Ground seminars explored the intersection of Artificial Intelligence and Society, on November 13, 2023, at the Oxford Martin School. Professor Helen Margetts (OII), Professor John Powell (Nuffield Department of Primary Care), and Professor Rebecca Williams (Law Faculty) led a stimulating discussion, leaving attendees buzzing with insights and questions.

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oxford to play key role in uk energy demand research centre

Session 2: Climate change and global health

On 30 March 2024, researchers from a wide range of disciplines and all career stages were invited by Professor Alan Bernstein (Director, of the Oxford Global Health initiative) to explore how social scientists can contribute new solutions to challenges at the interface of global health and climate change.

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Session 3: Earth observation

Led by Professor Heather Viles, Dr Simon Jackman and Professor Michael Obersteiner, researchers from across the University came together in June 2024 to explore how social scientists can contribute to major challenges in the field of earth observation, through interdisciplinary research activities and engagement with non-academic partners.

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Professor Louise Slate stands at a lecture podium in front of Social Sciences Divisional branding and a slide of the agenda for the Democracy seminar

Session 4: Democracy

Led by Professor Louise Slater (Associate Head of Division (Research & Impact)) and with a keynote from Professor Ben Ansell (Department of Politics and International Relations), scholars from across the social sciences explored key questions around the biggest challenges facing democracy.

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Common Ground Seminar Series

A male academic addresses a room full of researchers who listening to him attentively, and seated around tables that are covered in pens and paper, brainstorming activities, and lunch

Researchers seated around a table are in conversation; one is typing, two others are taking notes by hand. In the background is a flipchart and more people in conversation

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Are you ready to join the conversation? Stay tuned for upcoming seminars in this insightful series, where leading experts will continue to explore how social scientists can contribute to major challenges and promote interdisciplinary research activities.

If you would like to find out more or receive information about future Common Ground Seminar Series, please contact the Research, Impact & Engagement Team at research@socsci.ox.ac.uk.