The making of PERIODically Podcast

Posted on 27 March 2025 by rachelscanlon

The Radcliffe Science Library (RSL) hosted a special conversation on women’s health and menstrual issues in the workplace on Thursday 6 March 2025. The event took place in the month marking Endometriosis Awareness Month and international women’s day. It was attended by students and staff of the University who enjoyed networking during the lunch provided by the library.

The conversation began with two of the creators of the podcast PERIODically, Josie Sams and Felicity Smith. Josie and Felicity are 4th year chemistry students. They won the Horizon in Education Award from the Royal Society of Chemistry for the podcast series. They shared insights into the making of PERIODically podcasts and explained the importance of breaking the stigma surrounding menstrual issues in the workplace and open discussions on topics such as endometriosis, PCOS, the menopause, miscarriage, and the motherhood penalty. Then, they directed a discussion with a guest panel of members of the university experienced on these issues: Dr Charlotte Hancox, Departmental Lecturer in Practical Chemistry, Dr. Amy Hinks, ED&I Data Analyst and Athena Swan Coordinator, and Pedro Melo, NIHR Academic Clinical Lecturer in Obstetrics and Gynaecology. During the event, they responded to questions on improving individual support, raising awareness of menstruation issues, and expanding local initiatives in the wider university.

Photograph showing a room full of seated people from behind, looking to the front of the room where to young women stand.

The discussion continued beyond the event itself, focussing on long-term improvements for students and staff. It included the desire for all university libraries and departments to follow the example of the Radcliffe Science Library, which provides complimentary period products in all its bathrooms.

Feedback from participants

“It was a great environment to discuss periods in the academic workplace; the podcast hosts made a great presentation and it was nice hearing from diverse perspectives from the panel. The lunch was yummy too!”

“I liked the introduction by the two podcasters and the panel discussion. It was a good mix of guests who were able to speak both from the medical and the EDI perspective on the issue. I also liked that we had time to get to know other women attending the event. Thank you for organising it.”

“I enjoyed the talk, panel, and lunch! It was all wonderful information and work and amazing to meet everyone.”

For more information about Josie, Felicity and their PERIODIcally podcast project, read their story.

Photograph showing the backs of several rows of people looking at 5 people seated at the front of the room.

Wellbeing Week in the Radcliffe Science Library

Posted on 24 February 2025 by rachelscanlon

Week 5 of Hillary Term is notorious for being a high stress time of year for students and staff. To help our community feel refreshed and rested, the Radcliffe Science Library prepared a range of activities across Week 5 of Hilary Term (17-21 February) as part of a Wellbeing Week.

Highlights from the week

Across the week we had over 230 participants at our events. That encompasses 88 hot chocolates drunk, 56 origami creations folded, countless inkings of 5 different lino print designs and biscuits. So many biscuits!

Collage of photographs of smiling young people some holding cups some holding bags and jeans with prints on them. At the centre is the text Radcliffe Science Library Wellbeing Week.

Craftiness and creativity were in abundance. Many beautiful paper creations were folded into being at our origami sessions and many people upcycled jeans, bags and t-shirts with lucky lino prints. Elizabeth McIntosh, RSL Library Assistant, designed 5 wonderful prints based on the Bodleian Libraries Oracles, Omens and Answers exhibition. Staff and students engaged the artistry and expression by arranging the prints to their own specifications.

Two young women smiling and holding cotton tote bags with lino printed designs.

Student holding up a pair of jeans with lucky you printed on them

A woman sitting at a table holding a stamp against a cotton tote bag

Across the library we have whiteboards asking for feedback. The people have made their voices clear. They asked for hot chocolate and we provided it. We can’t provide it every day, even once in a while is a “morale booster” acccording to one of our students.

Smiling female student holding cup in two hands

Photograph of two male students with hot chocolate smiling.

Female and male student smiling and holding paper cups.

Our nature walk on Thursday was a somewhat damp affair but it was amazing to see the signs of Spring bursting through in University Parks. Nature lovers can continue to boost their wellbeing at the Winter Wonders events in Oxford Botanic Gardens, every Tuesday until 18 March. After origami sessions, Lego Lunches and free coffee the week was closed out with a well attended mindfulness session on Friday.

Photograph of a park with high pine trees and green grass. At the centre is a tall grass like plant with red tips.

Photograph of two young women smiling and half hugging.

Photograph of a Lego peacock, dragon, dinosaur, small piano and tiny space shuttle.

Thanks to all the staff in the Radcliffe Science Library for facilitating and to our great session leaders for hosting such interesting and engaging sessions.

Future Wellbeing events

We have more events coming up this term and over the break, including Craft & Chat on 4 March and the shredding of the Worry Box on 11 March, so remember to check out our Wellbeing Calendar and take a little time for your wellbeing.

If you have any feedback or suggestions for wellbeing events reply here or email rsl-wellbeing@bodleian.ox.ac.uk

Food for Thoughts

Posted on 21 October 2024 by rachelscanlon

DPhil Students – help us to help you! (and get a free lunch…)

Join us for a focus group session to give your thoughts on skills training for finding and using information. Your feedback will inform our future teaching and support for DPhil students.

Each focus group will last an hour and take place in-person at the Radcliffe Science Library. Participants will receive a free pizza lunch and a choice of a £25 Amazon.co.uk or Blackwell’s voucher. To be eligible, you must be a DPhil student in an MPLS Department and be in at least the 2nd year of your DPhil programme.

To register your interest in participating please fill out our online form. If you have any questions, please contact oliver.bridle@bodleian.ox.ac.uk and alessandra.vetrugno@bodleian.ox.ac.uk.

Wellbeing Welcome Lunch

Posted on 8 October 2024 by rachelscanlon

The Radcliffe Science Library (RSL) hosted a marvellous networking lunch for staff who work in the area of Wellbeing from across the University on the 1st of October. The 49 attendees came from all corners of the University including all the divisions, the Students Union and GLAM. The RSL wellbeing lead, Rachel Scanlon, organised the event to meet with other colleagues working in the area of wellbeing, support and mental health for staff and students.

While eating a tasty lunch colleagues chatted about their own wellbeing work. There were great discussions around what could improve staff wellbeing from book clubs to free food to nature walks. We were also able to highlight some of the great activities coming up in the Radcliffe Science Library all available on our Wellbeing Calendar. Many of our events are open to staff and students such as our upcoming Craft and Chat sessions, taking place on the first Tuesday of the month. Keep an eye on our calendar for upcoming events.

Attendees were also impressed with our Wellbeing Room calling it “Just what we need”, “Welcoming” and “Really lovely”. We hope to build deeper relationships with our colleagues working in wellbeing, to learn from them and share our own experiences going forward.

Celebrating Diversity in Science and Medicine – Exhibition and networking event at the Radcliffe Science Library

Posted on 26 June 2024 by thomascorrick

On April 30th, the Radcliffe Science Library hosted an EDI networking event showcasing the “Portraits of Black Female Scientists” exhibition from Cambridge Black Medical Scientific Network. Representatives from local networks, Oxford University Black Medics, OxFemTech, Women in Computing Science were also part of the highlight of the event to promote the support they offer to their peers.

A photograph of a woman looking at an exhibition focused on EDI.

A student inspects the exhibition

The “Portraits of Black Female Scientists” ignited discussions on diversity in science, knowledge sharing and follow-up collaborations.

Attendees enjoyed meeting new people and listening to the guest speakers, Laura Eghobamien, founder of the Cambridge Black Medical Scientific Network (BMSN), and James Bell, the photographer.

Laura Eghobamien networking with a guest

Those who had not visited the library since its renovation took the opportunity to have a tour and view its new inclusive portraiture.

A photo of a woman working in a lab. at a

One of the new portraits on display in the RSL

Laura Eghobamien, James Bell and the Radcliffe Science Library are interested in expanding the exhibit with portraits of black scientists at Oxford.

If you would like to learn more about the exhibit and have photographs taken, please contact BlackMedical and Scientific Network blackmedicalscientificnetwork@gmail.com or karine.barker@bodleian.ox.ac.uk

A photograph of 3 people standing in front of a display

From Left to right: Karine Barker, Laura Eghobamien, James Bell

Feedback from participants:

“It was much more powerful than I expected to see all these beautiful portraits shown together. In principle I’ve always been aware that this kind of representation is important, but such a strong demonstration of the power was really important. Inspiring”

“Thank you for the event, it was really inspiring, I made such amazing connections and got to talk about diversity in medical sciences and diversity.”

Wellbeing in the RSL

Posted on 7 May 2024 by rachelscanlon

We know Trinity Term can be very stressful with deadlines and exams.If you need a break you can always drop in to the Wellbeing Room. It has bean bags comfortable sofas and new nature inspired art. There are also a range of crafts and games available in the room to help you relax and refresh. Sometimes the room is booked for events, see someof the activities we have planned below, but you can drop in whenever the room is free. And it is always free for drop in between 2 and 5pm, weekdays.

Photograph of the RSL Wellbeing room showing a sofa bean bags and cushions.

Relax in our Wellbeing Room

Wellbeing Activities

It can be difficult to take time for yourself especially when you feel under pressure. To help manage your stress and give you something to add to your diary the Radcliffe Science Library has arranged plenty of wellbeing activities during the term.

: Book a place on origami sessions

: Build and create

: Try our Lego Lunch

: Stroll on a Nature Walk

Along with our usual Lego Lunches (Wednesdays 1-2pm) we have also organised some experts to lead sessions for students on yoga on 14 May 09-10am, and origami on 9 May 13.00-14.00 and 23 May 13.00-14.00. Spaces are limited so remember to book your place.

Nature Walks

Due to popular demand we are repeating our bird song nature walk, this time in a morning slot to better hear the birds.Book your place on the walk 9.15-10.15, 30 April. If you prefer a lunch time strioll why not join our walk on 13 May 1-2pm. We’ll be concentrating on bees this time with handouts to help us identify which types are in the parks!

Free Tea& Coffee

Sometimes activities and classes aren’t of interest, and you just want a good tea or coffee. No booking needed just pop into the vending area in the Radcliffe Science Library on Wednesdays from 10am-12pm, during term, and get yourself a cuppa. We’ll be serving complimentary tea and coffee every Wednesday in term. You deserve it!

To see the range of Wellbeing activities we are offering at the RSL check out our Wellbeing calendar. This shows all our activities both drop in and bookable.

Join us for our weekly Lego Lunches!

Posted on 17 April 2024 by lhoward

Every Wednesday lunchtime, we hold Lego Lunches in the Wellbeing Room at the RSL.

Our Lego Lunches offer the perfect opportunity to unwind in the middle of your busy week, unleash your creativity and have some fun while you have your lunch. You bring the lunch, we bring the Lego!

Just drop in – no booking needed.

Every Wednesday, 1pm – 2pm, in the RSL Wellbeing Room, during term and vacation. See you there!

The Wellbeing Room can also be used throughout the week to relax, play games, do a puzzle, read a book or just enjoy some quiet time.

If you would like to find out more about the RSL Wellbeing Room, our Lego Lunches and other wellbeing events in the RSL, please email enquiries.rsl@bodleian.ox.ac.uk.

Students in Wellbeing Room at Radcliffe Science Library, University of Oxford

Photo (c) John Cairns

Discover the wellbeing events and facilities on offer in the Bodleian libraries here.

Reading and Writing Innovation Lab Workshop Series

Posted on 16 April 2024 by lhoward

Smart Ways to Speed up Studying

Reading and note taking are essential academic skills that you develop throughout your studies and research. But did you know that there is a whole range of devices and apps that can help you read and write more efficiently and keep all your notes organised? Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) is also opening exciting possibilities for researching and writing, but understanding the limitations of current AI tech and where it is appropriate to use these tools for academic work is challenging.

Illustration of digital devices including laptop, mobile phones, calculator, plus notebooks and pens

Credit: Image created by AI using DALL.E.-3 on Microsoft Copilot

To help guide you through the landscape of apps, websites, gadgets and gizmos, we are delighted to announce that the Radcliffe Science Library will be hosting the Reading and Writing Innovation Lab Workshop series in Trinity Term. This Workshop series consists of three 90-minute sessions:

Hardware and software for more efficient reading: Choosing e-readers, tablets and reading apps

An exploration of digital reading technologies, covering both hardware and software. Participants will learn about various strategies for effective digital reading and gain hands-on experience with tools. Topics include choosing the right e-reader, understanding e-readers versus tablets, using digital handwriting on devices, and optimising reading and note-taking workflows with tablets and apps.

When: 26^th April, 1pm – 2.30pm
Where: In person, Seminar Room, Radcliffe Science Library
Availability: Free. Booking required. Booking details HERE

Guide to the note-taking revolution: New tools for organising readings and reading notes

An overview of contemporary note-taking tools, including OneNote, Notion and Obsidian. This session offers insights into effective note organisation strategies and workflows. Participants will have the opportunity to familiarise themselves with different note taking applications. This workshop will also delve into the integration of note-taking with planning tools, and the emerging trend of audio note-taking.

When: 3^rd May, 1pm – 2.30pm
Where: In person, Seminar Room, Radcliffe Science Library
Availability: Free. Booking required. Booking details HERE

Integrating AI into your Academic Practice Responsibly

A detailed look at the role of generative AI in academic practice. This workshop covers the process of assessing academic tasks for AI compatibility and choosing the most suitable AI tool. It also discusses the common tasks where AI is widely used in academia and the typical pitfalls to avoid. A useful session for those interested in integrating AI into academic work without compromising integrity.

When: 24^th May, 1pm – 2.30pm
Where: In person, Seminar Room, Radcliffe Science Library
Availability: Free. Booking required. Booking details HERE

These workshops will be presented by Dominik Lukes from the University of Oxford Centre for Teaching and Learning’s Reading and Writing Innovation Lab. The workshops are open to all University members, including undergraduates, postgraduates, academics and researchers.

All these workshops are free, but spaces are limited and pre-booking is essential. To find out more details and look at all the sessions, please visit our booking page.

Credit: Engin Akyurt, Pixabay

Oxford Open Doors 2019

Posted on 12 July 2019 by catherinedockerty

The Radcliffe Science Library will be open to the public as part of Oxford Open Doors (organised by the Oxford Preservation Trust) on Saturday 14 September 2019, 10.30am – 1.30pm.
All welcome – readers are invited to participate and bring along friends.

Details of all Oxford Open Doors events can be found at www.oxfordpreservation.org.uk/content/ood-events.

Please note that we will be open to readers as normal 10am to 2pm.

African Hospital Libraries fundraising cycle challenge, 24 May 2019

Posted on 8 May 2019 by catherinedockerty

Dr Claire Blacklock will cycle between the Oxford Healthcare Libraries on 24 May to raise awareness of lack of up-to-date information for medical staff to provide high quality care to patients, and gather funding to build a resource centre at the Makeni Government Hospital in Sierra Leone.
Read more about her challenge in the Oxford Mail:
https://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/17593680.co-founder-of-african-hospital-libraries-to-help-people-get-better-access-to-medical-books-in-sierra-leone/.
Claire’s fundraising link for the event is at https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/claireblacklock1.
Claire will visit the libraries listed below for 10 to 15 minutes. Please join us at your closest library ready to welcome and cheer Claire – the more, the merrier! And if you are a cyclist, put your helmet on to demonstrate your support.
Claire’s estimated schedule:

Cairns Library – leaving just after 9am
Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre Library – 9.20am
Knowledge Centre (Old Road Campus) – 9.40am
Radcliffe Science Library – 12noon
Cairns Library – returning before 5pm

Science and Medicine

A Bodleian Libraries blog

Category Archives: RSL events