New photographic portrait of Professor Philip K. Maini unveiled at the Bodleian
Catalysts is a new portrait series celebrating leading researchers across the University of Oxford. The nineteen individuals photographed were nominated by their peers for driving meaningful change across medicine, education, climate action, social justice and the humanities.
Professor Maini was photographed by Alys Tomlinson. Alys describes the concept for each of her diptychs below:
" I wanted to photograph the subjects away from traditional academic environments and to capture a more intimate and reflective moment. I used black and white film, a large format camera and tripod, which slows down the process and requires thought and precision. Every portrait is paired with a still life image representing the area of research and expertise of the academic. Some are abstract and others symbolic, creating a visual dialogue between the individual and their subject area. After a period of research, I identified objects or details that symbolised the academics’ fields of specialism and then put images together to make pairings. " Alys Tomlinson
Philip K Maini FRS, Professor of Mathematical Biology, photographed in the gardens at St John’s College, Oxford (2025)
As can be seen above, Professor Maini was photographed in the College gardens. He was captured by Alys as he paused to examine a leaf, "lost" as she describes it "both in the moment and in his inquisitive mind".
Reflecting on the commission, Professor Maini said that
" I was very surprised when the Bodleian got in touch with me about the Catalyst project. I have been really lucky in my academic career to have had very supportive and inspirational teachers, tutors and mentors, brilliant colleagues and collaborators, and outstandingly talented students. My achievements are solely due to them and the love and support of my family and friends. I feel deeply honoured to have been chosen for this exhibition, and its permanent nature makes it my lasting contribution to the family name, which means a lot to me. I tend to think of myself as a lifeless ordinary who, through the help of so many people, has had the privilege of leading a life less ordinary. To you all, I am eternally grateful. " Professor Philip K. Maini
The portraits will be displayed in the South Parks Road entrance of the Weston Library in the New Year. Catalysts will also be the focus of a series of accessible public and University events throughout 2026, with details to be announced via the Bodleian website.
Catalysts was funded from a £40,000 gift via the Guy and Elinor Meynell Trust.