What was Einstein doing in Oxford?

Wednesday 25th Feb 2026, 12.30pm

If you’ve had the chance to visit Oxford’s History of Science Museum, you may have found yourself gazing upon a rather special blackboard. Featuring equations that connect the age, size and density of the Universe, the penmanship is that of Albert Einstein himself, who used the blackboard during a lecture on 16th May 1931. But what was Einstein doing in Oxford, and how did he spend his time there? We chat to Dr JC Niala, Head of Research, Teaching and Collections at the History of Science Museum, to find out more about the man (and musician!) behind the genius.

Dr JC Niala also hosts her own brilliant podcast, alongside Dr Johanna Zetterstrom-Sharp, called ‘Milk on the Move’. You can listen to an episode (‘Purity and Danger’) right here on our playlist, or find out more at milkingit.org.