Prof Steven Cowley, President of Corpus Christi College, University of Oxford is interviewed by Prof William James from the University’s Dunn School of Pathology. They discuss how Oxford’s international outlook is under threat from growing xenophobic tendencies in the UK and across the world, as well as how the joy of discovery rather than utility is the key driver of academic interest. Prof Cowley also reminisces about his time spent as an undergraduate at Corpus Christi College, and his pleasure in returning to his alma mater as President.