New Catalysts portrait commission profiles Oxford researchers making global impact

New Catalysts portrait commission profiles Oxford researchers making a global impact

The Bodleian Libraries and British Journal of Photography have today unveiled Catalysts, a new portrait series celebrating Oxford University’s leading innovators whose work is reshaping health, society, and the environment worldwide. The initiative will add 19 photographic portraits to the Bodleian’s permanent collection, expanding and diversifying its historic iconography while capturing the breadth and real-world impact of Oxford’s research.

Created by three commissioned photographers Alys Tomlinson, Francis Augusto, and Leia Morrison, the portraits spotlight individuals nominated by their peers for driving meaningful change across medicine, education, climate action, social justice, and the humanities. Responding to the theme Catalysts, the series reflects the pivotal moments, discoveries and actions that have generated lasting global impact. The sitters’ stories reflect the breadth of Oxford’s research excellence – from medical breakthroughs and mental health advocacy to climate action, equitable education, and women’s reproductive health. Among them are Sir Adrian Hill, Director of the Jenner Institute, renowned for his work on malaria vaccines and the the Oxford–AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine; REACH, a research team improving water security for vulnerable communities across Africa and Asia; Alexis McGivern and Clarissa Salmon of Global Youth Climate Training who have trained 4,500 young climate activists from 177 countries, democratising access to critical technical expertise; Professor Rachel Upthegrove MBE, whose work in psychosis research has informed early intervention services for child mental health; and Professor Krina Zondervan, whose research on endometriosis has transformed understanding and treatment of women’s reproductive health. Their portraits are among those now entering the Weston Library’s permanent collections. Bodleian Libraries readers will be able to enjoy the portraits from the new year, when they will be first displayed in the South Parks Road entrance of the Weston Library. To ensure that everyone gets the chance to see the new portraits, in 2026 Catalysts will also be the focus of a series of accessible public and University events, with further details to be shared imminently. Richard Ovenden, Bodley’s Librarian and the Helen Hamlyn Director of the University Libraries, says: “I am extremely proud to unveil the Catalysts commission, a series of portraits showcasing the value and diversity of Oxford’s research and the tireless work of the University community. The inspirational individuals and groups featured in these portraits are catalysts in the truest sense – their achievements have propelled advances across culture, science, and education, shaping both the academic community and wider world. As we celebrate the profound impact of their work, we also seek to ensure that the Bodleian Libraries collections reflect the community behind it, inspiring future generations of researchers, activists, and changemakers.”

Following an open call to its Members, the British Journal of Photography paired the three photographers – working across portraiture, social documentary and fine art – with researchers from diverse disciplines, intending to build a contemporary, multi-voiced record of Oxford University and the people whose work continues to shape global society.

Alys Tomlinson, one of the commissioned photographers, says: “Working with such brilliant minds was an exciting prospect, and I found everyone to be incredibly approachable and down-to-earth…The conversations I had were illuminating and varied, moving from descriptions of the world’s oldest mosque to mental health issues in children, the female reproductive system and employment rights. I learnt a great deal making these portraits and have an enormous amount of respect and admiration for the six brilliant men and women whom I photographed.”

The full list of sitters are: Professor Steve Strand, Professor Shadreck Chirikure, Professor Rajesh Thakker, Professor Rachel Upthegrove, Professor Sir Peter Horby, Professor Dame Molly Stevens, Professor Philip K Maini, Professor Nandini Das, Professor Krina Zondervan, Sir Adrian Hill, Dr Samina Khan, Anne Davies, Professor Teresa Lambe, Alain Fouad George, GLAM – Gardens, Libraries, and Museums (Susan Griffiths, Jumana Hokan, Hayleigh Jutson, Helen Pooley, Miranda Millward, Beth McDougall & Tegan Bennett), Global Youth Climate Training (Alexis McGivern & Clarissa Salmon), We Are Our History (Anthony Brewerton, Helen Worrell, Lanisha Butterfield, Abigail Hopkin and Peter Braithwaite), Africa Oxford Initiative (Dr Anne Makena & Professor Kevin Marsh), and REACH (Professor Katrina Charles, Dr Sonia Ferdous Hoque, and Professor Rob Hope).

Professor Rajesh Thakker OBE FRS, May Professor of Medicine in the Nuffield and Radcliffe Departments of Clinical Medicine, and Somerville College, said: “The University of Oxford is internationally recognised for its research excellence, and provides an exceptional environment that enhances the exchange and creation of innovative ideas that in turn lead to major advances in science and the humanities. These interdisciplinary approaches are vital in our modern age to ensure that the societal and ethical implications of valuable scientific advances are fully debated and considered. My research team, fellows, and students have been fortunate to benefit from the inspiring and encouraging environment of the University, and our studies have resulted in important discoveries in rare diseases, signalling pathways that represent targets for new treatments.”

The project is generously funded by the Guy and Elinor Meynell Trust, a longstanding supporter of the Bodleian Libraries, whose £40,000 gift enables the creation and preservation of new photographic works.