As Somerville prepares for the final of University Challenge, due to be aired on Monday 7 April at 8pm on BBC2, we thought it was worth telling you a little about the team.

First of all, we’d like to mention the contribution of Hasneen Karbalai, who was crucial to the team’s success in the early rounds of this academic year’s competition. Although the competition’s rules meant he was only eligible for the first half of the contest, his answers were one of the reasons Somerville was able to progress quite so far. The team also has a loyal reserve in Olivia Arigho-Stiles, who has accompanied the team for previous rounds and provided excellent moral support. The College is grateful for the commitment of both these contestants.

On Monday, however, there can only be four. Here, then, is a short insight into the Somerville team.

Further reading?

Student Stories: Sana Shah and ‘A stillness that consoles’

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24 June 2026
Student Stories: Sana Shah and ‘A stillness that consoles’

Research Highlight: Focal Pricing Constraints and Pass-Through of Input Cost Changes

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24 June 2026
Research Highlight: Focal Pricing Constraints and Pass-Through of Input Cost Changes

From Most Vulnerable to Most Valuable: Elevating Children in the Climate and Health Agenda

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22 June 2026
From Most Vulnerable to Most Valuable: Elevating Children in the Climate and Health Agenda