A new Bodleian Libraries and British Journal of Photography portrait series, Catalysts, has been launched to celebrate Oxford researchers whose work is shaping lives and environments across the world.
Among those recognised are three members of the Africa Oxford Initiative (AfOx) Leadership Team. Professor Kevin Marsh- Director of AfOx, Dr Anne Makena- Strategic Senior Adviser of AfOx and Professor Shadreck Chirikure- Steering Committee Member of AfOx.
Professor Kevin Marsh and Dr Anne Makena Portrait
Caption: Dr Anne Makena and Professor Kevin Marsh of the Africa Oxford Initiative, photographed in the Clarendon Building © Francis Augusto 2025
Professor Kevin Marsh and Dr Anne Makena’s photograph and narration describe how their partnership began in 2015, when each was approaching Oxford–Africa engagement from different vantage points. Kevin was returning to Oxford after 25 years leading research in Kenya. Anne, completing her DPhil, had firsthand experience of the structural barriers African scholars often face at the University.
Both recognised the need to bring visibility, coherence and shared purpose to collaborations that were active across Oxford but largely disconnected. Rather than establishing a traditional top-down programme, they designed AfOx as an enabling platform. Anne often describes it as providing “a floor and a roof”, a space where existing work could be seen, strengthened and connected. Even the name was intentional, ‘AfOx’ not ‘OxAfrica’, acknowledging that Africa is somewhat bigger than Oxford.
Their approach catalysed rapid growth. The Fellowship Programme expanded from three participating colleges to 16 and then to more than 24, as the benefits became clear across the University. New regionally focused initiatives, India Oxford, Caribbean Oxford and Pakistan Oxford initiatives are now emerging from the same ethos of reciprocity and co-creation.
Kevins and Anne’s portrait was taken in the warm light of the Clarendon Building, capturing the ease of a partnership shaped by nearly a decade of working side by side. It also reflects their shared commitment to rebalancing power within global knowledge ecosystems.
Professor Shadreck Chirikure Portrait
Caption: Shadreck Chirikure FBA, Professor of Archaeological Science, photographed at New College, Oxford (2025) © Alys Tomlinson
Professor Shadreck Chirikure, Professor of Archaeological Science and Fellow of the British Academy, was also featured in the Catalysts series. Photographed in the gardens and cloisters of New College, Professor Chirikure is surrounded by reminders of his research practice. His office contains striking material from archaeological sites, including iron-production remains from Togo preserved in resin for analysis. These tangible pieces of history speak to his work on ancient technologies, heritage futures and the longstanding scientific ingenuity of African societies.
About the Catalysts Portraits Series
The Catalysts portraits honour researchers whose work makes change possible far beyond Oxford. The project brings 19 new photographic portraits into the Bodleian’s permanent collection. It expands the visual record of the University while highlighting the wide-ranging global influence of its research community.
Created by photographers Alys Tomlinson, Francis Augusto and Leia Morrison, the series features individuals nominated by colleagues for driving significant advances in fields spanning health, education, climate, social justice and the humanities. The portraits respond to the theme Catalysts by illuminating decisive ideas and actions that continue to generate far-reaching impact.
AfOx is proud to have its leadership recognised among those shaping a more connected, inclusive and impactful global research landscape.
Additional Information
New ‘Catalysts’ portrait commission profiles Oxford researchers making global impact