Oxford’s Pioneers of Science & Medicine

Learn about the revolutionary contributions of Oxford's scientists and doctors to modern science.

Since the award of the first Doctor of Medicine in the 13th century, Oxford has been a place of medical and scientific inquiry, distinguishing itself in the 17th century when a group of scientists made groundbreaking discoveries about the nature of the human body and the natural world.

You will see where William Harvey, Robert Hooke, Robert Boyle, Thomas Willis and Christopher Wren lived and worked and find out about their importance in medical and scientific history.

The 20th century's medical advances began with William Osler and reached their zenith with the triumph of the penicillin scientists, Florey, Chain and Heatley in 1941.

Meanwhile the refugee physicists, rescued from German in the 1930’s transformed Oxford's Physics department.

In the 21st century, Oxford University has topped the world rankings for the teaching of medicine and scientists, crowned with the development of the Oxford-Astra-Zeneca vaccine.

Heretics and Heroes

Oxford was a 9th century “New Town '' that became a prosperous market town and city.

On the way it acquired a university with a global reputation for both the humanities and science. This “reverse history” tour starts in the 21st century with the latest and largest ever university development north of the old town and winds back the clock, finishing in the city centre at the first home of the University in the historic and magnificent university quarter.

On the way you’ll learn about the development of the university and the town - with a particular focus on medicine and science -discovering Oxford's modern scientific heroes (e.g. Penicillin, Covid Vaccines) and their predecessors, who were often considered eccentrics and heretics.

An optional extension to the tour will take you back along medieval streets to the site of the original Anglo-Saxon settlement, the river and a wonderful view of Oxford’s “Dreaming Spires”.

An introduction to Oxford’s evolution from a place of prayer, to a hub of discovery and invention, it reveals the road that led to the ultimate triumph of Oxford’s scientific achievements on the University curriculum and across the world.

See how Oxford became the scientific powerhouse it is today.

Roger Bacon worked in Oxford in the 13th century. Oxford men including Sir Christopher Wren, Robert Boyle and Edmund Halley revolutionised scientific research in the 17th century with a small Oxford society called ‘invisible’ with thea motto ‘Believe no man’. The 18th century brought the legacy of Dr John Radcliffe. A resistance to science by the University was only overcome in the 19th century. 

Includes introduction to historical and architectural highlights.