In April, we had the opportunity to visit Oxford and take part in the postgraduate conference organized by the British Society for the History of Science. Our panel focused on navigation, and we were there to present the individual research projects we have been working on with RUTTER. The conference showcased exceptional presentations of high quality, and the atmosphere was incredibly welcoming, while maintaining a strong emphasis on academic rigour.
During our leisure time, we received a recommendation to explore the charming city of Oxford, a suggestion that we eagerly embraced! It is a city that captivates with its beauty, and every corner reveals a rich history encapsulated by its walls and imponent buildings. Accompanied by local students, we had the privilege of visiting several colleges, where they regaled us with fascinating tales about the city and vividly depicted the vibrant academic atmosphere that permeates this place.
While walking from Christ Church College to Merton College, we heard an interesting story. As many know, there is an ongoing debate about which college holds the title of “oldest” in Oxford. Merton and Balliol are two contenders in this competition. Merton College puts forth a compelling argument by pointing out that it incorporates one of the ancient city walls of Oxford. This suggests that in the event of an attack on Oxford, Merton students would be called upon to defend the wall. Of course, it's not expected for Merton students, who come to study, to assume the role of soldiers. However, this tradition has endured, meaning that theoretically, Merton students would be tasked with its defence if the wall were under threat. A few years ago, during a snowy day, a student from Balliol initiated an amusing incident by launching snowballs at Merton's wall. In response, Merton students had no choice but to defend the wall, resulting in a lively snowball fight with historical implications.
Through these and other stories, we had the opportunity to acquaint ourselves with the various colleges, libraries, and museums. It provided us with valuable insights into a culture that deeply appreciates history, tradition, and a commitment to academic excellence. [Carmo Lacerda & Inês Bénard]
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