REGISTRATION EXTENDED TO JUNE 14!

Location

Please note that no accommodation has been booked, nor are there any special rates available for symposium attendees, but we recommend the Travelodge Oxford Peartree Hotel.

Aerial view of the iconic Radcliffe Camera in Oxford, England, showcasing classic architecture.

For the 2026 SRUK/CERU International Symposium, Collaborate to Innovate, we have selected four exceptional venues across Oxford. Each venue will host a different part of the programme, providing the ideal setting to discuss, connect, and celebrate science. Together, these spaces reflect different facets of the city of Oxford: both its rich history and its global standing as a hub for cutting-edge research.

Satellite Event

The symposium will kick off on Friday morning at the Kavli Institute. Located within the Dorothy Crowfoot Hodgkin Building, this interdisciplinary research hub will host the satellite event, “Six Problems Science Cannot Solve”. Featuring a talk by Prof. Sonia Contera and a roundtable on the philosophy and history of science, the session will explore the frontiers of knowledge in a cutting-edge environment, combining technical insight with dynamic discussion ahead of the official opening.

  • Registration: 10:30 – 11:00
  • Event: 11:00 – 13:00

Kavli Institute for Nanoscience Discovery
Sherrington Rd, Oxford OX1 3QU

Opening Ceremony and Reception

On Friday evening, we will gather in one of the city’s most iconic neo-Gothic buildings, the Oxford University Museum of Natural History. Beneath the spectacular iron-and-glass structure of its central court, we will formally welcome all attendees. This magnificent space will host the Opening Ceremony, the SRUK/CERU Merit Award ceremony, and the keynote lecture delivered by Sara García Alonso. Afterwards, the museum will transform for our unforgettable “Reception with Dinosaurs”, an evening immersion among the museum’s Victorian fossil collections. Combined with an outdoor telescope session, this will offer a memorable first day where natural history and space exploration come together.

  • Registration: 17:30 – 18:00
  • Event: 18:00 – 21:00

To enhance the experience, the ceremony will be complemented by catering from Vaults & Garden, an Oxford café known for its locally sourced, organic, and sustainably produced dishes, ensuring a delicious and eco-conscious experience

Oxford University Museum of Natural History
Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PW

Informal Gathering

Following the reception, we invite you to join us for an informal gathering at The Jericho, a welcoming pub in Jericho, Oxford.

The Jericho Tavern has a legendary history dating back to around 1650, originally serving as a vital refuge for weary travellers stranded outside Oxford’s city gates after sunset. Known over the centuries as the Jericho House and the Philanderer & Firkin, this iconic Walton Street venue evolved from a historic packhorse inn into the beating heart of Oxford’s indie music scene, famously launching global acts like Radiohead and Supergrass. Today, it beautifully balances its deep historic roots with its modern legacy, operating as a vibrant, soundproofed live music venue and relaxed pub.


During registration, please do not forget to indicate your interest in joining the informal gathering to ensure your place at this enjoyable post-reception gathering!

  • Event: 21:30 – 00:00

The Jerico
56 Walton St, Oxford OX2 6AE

Talks, Roundtable and Posters

Over the weekend, the Mathematical Institute, located within the Andrew Wiles Building, will serve as the heart of Collaborate to Innovate. Designed as Oxford’s flagship conference venue, it stands out for its bright contemporary architecture and functional design, which maximises natural light. From the moment we step onto its iconic Penrose tiling, it will host the core of the symposium: plenary sessions, the SRUK/CERU General Assembly, innovation roundtables, career seminars, and workshops. Its spacious common areas will also provide the perfect setting for poster sessions and coffee breaks, encouraging the exchange of ideas.

  • Registration: 08:30 – 09:00
  • Event: 09:00 – 17:00

The day will also be complemented by delicious catering from La Smorfia, Oxford’s renowned Italian eatery, offering a selection of fresh, flavorful dishes throughout the event.

Mathematical Institute (Andrew Wiles Building)
Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, Woodstock Road, Oxford OX2 6GG

Concert

To close Saturday’s intense scientific day, and just before our social dinner, we will move to the historic heart of the city. St Michael at the North Gate is a true heritage gem, renowned for its preserved Saxon tower, the oldest structure in Oxford. Within its walls, we will enjoy a special concert sponsored by the Instituto Cervantes. The church’s remarkable acoustics and serene atmosphere will provide the perfect cultural counterpoint, offering a moment of pause, art, and reflection in a setting of immense historical value.

  • Event: 18:00 – 19:00

St Michael at the North Gate
Cornmarket Street, Oxford OX1 3EY

Pint of Science, Arts and Social dinner

Following the concert, we invite you to unwind and enjoy a delightful dinner at The Slow and Steady, a warm and characterful pub in Oxford.

Housed in a striking building dating back to 1897, The Slow and Steady was designed by HT Hare, the architect behind Oxford’s Town Hall. It stands on the site of an earlier pub that once served as the lodgings of the Bursar of Brasenose College. The area also carries a touch of sporting history—Oxford City Football Club’s stadium was located just behind the pub until the early 1980s, before its move to Marston.

You can check the menu via this link.

During registration, please do not forget to indicate your interest in joining the dinner to ensure your place at this enjoyable post-concert gathering!

  • Event: 19:30 – 23:00

The Slow and Steady
38 Abingdon Rd, Oxford OX1 4PD

Talks, Workshop and Prizes

On Sunday, the Andrew Wiles Building remains the vibrant centre of Collaborate to Innovate. The day will feature a blend of insightful talks, an interactive workshop, and the exciting announcement of awards and prizes. Attendees will continue to benefit from the venue’s open, light-filled spaces, perfect for collaboration and knowledge-sharing.

  • Event: 09:00 – 14:00

The day will also be complemented by delicious catering from La Smorfia, Oxford’s renowned Italian eatery, offering a selection of fresh, flavorful dishes throughout the event.

Mathematical Institute (Andrew Wiles Building)
Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, Woodstock Road, Oxford OX2 6GG

The Symposium will take place in the historic city of Oxford, a world-renowned centre of academic excellence and cultural heritage. With its iconic colleges, cobbled streets and vibrant research community, Oxford offers an inspiring setting for meaningful scientific exchange.

Founded in the 12th century, Oxford blends centuries of history with cutting-edge innovation. Visitors can explore its famous university buildings, museums and green spaces, all within a compact and walkable city centre. Whether you are visiting for the first time or returning to a familiar place, Oxford provides a unique backdrop for the SRUK/CERU International Symposium.

We have prepared a brief guide to help you plan your visit and make the most of your time in the city. For more information please go to the Oxford City Visitor Information website.

Accommodation

There are several options you may consider when booking accommodation in Oxford for the symposium (e.g., college rooms, hotels, Airbnb, Booking.com). As Oxford is busy during the summer, we strongly recommend booking as early as possible.

Colleges

We recommend staying in an Oxford college that offers bed and breakfast for the best value for money. These can be found on here (prices ranging £95-£145 per night). Nearby colleges that often offer rooms are:

Central Hotels

If you prefer a hotel stay, several options are available within walking distance of the venue:

Commute

Travelling to Oxford by Train

Oxford is well connected by rail, with frequent direct services from London Paddington, London Marylebone, Birmingham New Street, Reading, and Didcot. Trains from London Paddington typically take around 1 hour, while services from Birmingham take approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Oxford Railway Station is located a convenient 5-10 minute walk from the centre of Oxford.
Advance booking is recommended to secure the best fares. Train tickets can be purchased directly from train operators or via the Trainline app.

Travelling to Oxford by Coach

Oxford is also easily accessible by coach. The Oxford Tube offers a direct service between Oxford and London, running a frequent timetable on a virtually 24-hour basis, Monday to Sunday. 
National Express provides frequent services from London and major UK cities. 
The Oxford Airline provides direct service from Heathrow Airport and Gatwick airport.
The central coach station is at Gloucester Green in the city centre. See also, the Stagecoach Guide to Oxfordshire Bus Tickets & Prices.
The Oxford Bus Company has information on Park and Ride services 300 and 400. The latest timetable for Stagecoach 7 is available here.

Travelling to Oxford by Car

Many Oxford streets are closed to traffic and parking is severely limited. Visitors are encouraged to use the five Park and Ride bus services.
Please refer to Oxfordshire County Council’s up-to-date traffic information for details of all local road works and any disruptions likely to delay your journey.
Oxford’s temporary congestion charge for cars.
Oxfordshire County Council is running a temporary congestion charge scheme from 29 October 2025 to August 2026.
The congestion charge applies only to cars (and motorhomes). Electric cars are not exempt from the congestion charge. The daily charge is £5. Details of congestion locations, fines and exemptions can be found on the Oxfordshire County Council website.
Park and Ride
There are five Park and Ride sites which serve Oxford City Centre.

  • Oxford Parkway (north). For satnav use OX2 8HA.  Take the Stagecoach 7 bus to and from the city centre.
  • Pear Tree (north). For satnav use OX2 8JZ.  Take the 300 bus to and from the city centre.
  • Redbridge (south). For satnav use OX1 4XG.  Take the 300 bus to and from the city centre. 
  • Thornhill (east). For satnav use OX3 8DP.  Take the 400 bus to and from the city centre.
  • Seacourt (west). For satnav use OX2 0HP.  Take the 400 bus to and from the city centre.

Please note that Thornhill and Seacourt are often full, particularly on University Open Days. We recommend that drivers coming from the east (including London), the south and the west use the Redbridge Park and Ride, while drivers arriving from the north can choose between Pear Tree and Oxford Parkway.
Oxford City Council has further information on Park and Ride sites.
Parking in Oxford city centre
Parking in Oxford city centre is limited and can be expensive. For information on car parks, on-street parking and costs of parking, see Oxfordshire County Council’s website.
For information on parking in Oxford for people with disabilities, please see Oxford City Council’s Blue Badge scheme.

Getting around Oxford

Oxford is a small and pedestrian-friendly city, and many of the main attractions are within walking distance of each other. Walking through the historic streets is often the easiest and most enjoyable way to explore!
Cycling is also very popular in Oxford, with several e-bike-hire options available across the city.
Alternatively, local buses operate frequent routes across Oxford and surrounding areas. For more information on bus tickets, prices, and routes, please see the Stagecoach Guide to Oxfordshire Bus Tickets & Prices.
Taxi and rideshare services are also widely available. There are taxi ranks at Oxford Railway Station, Gloucester Green Coach Station and St Giles’ in the city centre. The top taxi providers in Oxford are 001 Taxis (01865 240000) and Royal Cars (01865 777333), both offering 24/7 service, online and app-based booking, and tracking. Other options include Uber, Her Ride (women drivers), and Spire Taxis. 
We recommend familiarising yourself with the venue location and planning your route in advance.

Explore Historic and Cultural Landmarks

University of Oxford Colleges

The historic colleges of the University of Oxford are among the city’s main highlights. Many are open to visitors and offer beautiful quads, chapels and gardens. Popular options include Christ Church, Magdalen College and New College.

Bodleian Library and Radcliffe Camera

The Bodleian Library is one of the oldest libraries in Europe and sits at the heart of Oxford’s historic centre. Nearby, the Radcliffe Camera is one of the city’s most photographed landmarks and an architectural icon.

Ashmolean Museum

The Ashmolean Museum, the University of Oxford’s museum of art and archaeology, houses collections spanning ancient civilisations to modern art. Admission is free and the museum is located just a short walk from the city centre.

Enjoy Outdoor Escapes

University Parks

University Parks offers expansive green space along the River Cherwell, ideal for a peaceful walk or a quick break between sessions.

Port Meadow

Port Meadow is a large area of ancient grazing land just north of the city centre. It is perfect for scenic walks and offers lovely views of Oxford’s nature. A herd of wild horses lives in the meadow, so don’t be surprised if you spot them!

River Thames and River Cherwell Walks

Riverside paths along the Thames (locally called the Isis) and the Cherwell rivers provide pleasant walking and cycling routes. Punting is also a popular Oxford experience during good weather!

Family-Friendly Attractions

Oxford University Museum of Natural History

A favourite for visitors of all ages, the museum features dinosaur skeletons, zoological collections and interactive displays. Entry is free.

Pitt Rivers Museum

Located adjacent to the Natural History Museum, the Pitt Rivers Museum houses fascinating anthropological collections from around the world.

Oxford Botanic Garden

The University of Oxford Botanic Garden is the UK’s oldest botanic garden and offers a peaceful and educational visit suitable for all ages.

Indulge in Culinary Delights

Oxford has a vibrant food scene ranging from traditional pubs to international cuisine.
The historic city centre is home to numerous cafés, bakeries and restaurants catering to a wide range of dietary requirements. The Covered Market is particularly popular for casual dining and local specialities.
Popular bakery options include Knead Bakery in the city centre and Barefoot Bakery in Jericho and Cowley, both well known for fresh pastries and speciality coffee.
For a traditional British pub experience, visitors may wish to stop by The King’s Arms, The Jericho Tavern, or the historic Turf Tavern, all located within easy reach of the city centre.
Visitors may also wish to try afternoon tea at one of Oxford’s historic hotels or cafés, such as The Grand Cafe or The Randolph Hotel. 
For those wishing to explore further, the Jericho and Cowley areas also offer excellent independent dining options within easy reach of the city centre.