Empowering science,
inspiring futures
40 years of encouraging the pursuit of science
The Oxford Trust is an independent charitable trust set up in 1985 by Sir Martin and Lady Audrey Wood, co-founders of the University of Oxford’s first spinout, Oxford Instruments. Our mission is simple: to encourage the pursuit of science.
For the last 40 years, we’ve been at the forefront of innovation in Oxfordshire. Our innovation centres serve as hubs for cutting-edge research and development, offering science and tech start-ups the space and support they need to grow and succeed.
We are proud to reinvest the income from these centres into our STEM education and engagement programmes, which aim to build the foundations of science learning and inspire the next generation of scientists and entrepreneurs.
Our innovation centres
Our two innovation centres – the Oxford Centre for Innovation in the city centre and the Wood Centre for Innovation in Headington – offer cost-effective and flexible office space, R&D labs, co-working, virtual offices, meeting facilities as well as on-site admin support for science and tech start-ups. In our centres, we aim to create a thriving community of science and tech companies by offering informal networking opportunities, a busy events programme and tailored business support. We want companies that join our centres to succeed and grow.
Blue Boar Court
9 Alfred Street, Oxford, OX1 4EH
Linden Building
Aspen Building
Quarry Road, Headington, Oxford, OX3 8SB
Our impact
Our innovation, education and engagement programmes have a wide reach and impact across our region. For more information, read our Annual Review for 2024.
671
employees in the science and technology sector supported in our innovation centres.
20k
children and young people reached through our education programme.
12k
members of the public reached through our engagement programme.
Our education & engagement programmes
Delivered by Science Oxford, our STEM education and engagement programmes aim to foster curiosity, cultivate a positive attitude towards science, lay the foundations of science learning and build science capital. We want to show young people that science is something they can all enjoy and succeed in.
Science Oxford Centre
Our Science Oxford Centre is the UK’s first indoor-outdoor science education centre. It offers a hands-on experience of exciting science exploration and discovery for early years and primary-aged children, their teachers, families, and local communities.
Primary School Programme
Our primary school programme supports STEM teaching and learning for primary schools across Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire, with school visits to our Science Oxford Centre, and STEM-focused shows and workshops presented in schools.
Family Programme
We run a vibrant programme of events, including Family Days and STEM Clubs at the Science Oxford Centre, as well as events in partnership with communities across Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire.
Community engagement
We are dedicated to engaging local community groups in STEM learning and run a programme of bespoke activity days at the Science Oxford Centre and in communities. In addition, during the winter we run Starry Night events and during the summer we tour Oxfordshire libraries. STEM Clubs are delivered throughout the year.
STEM Careers Programme
We are actively reimagining our approach to inspiring and empowering the next generation of scientists, engineers and innovators. Watch this space for a fresh and impactful programme that aligns with the evolving landscape of STEM education and careers.
Teacher professional development
The Science Oxford team are regional experts in STEM-focused professional development for primary teachers. We offer a range of training opportunities, online and face-to-face, for teachers to learn about the latest best practice and effective techniques for teaching science in the classroom. All courses are based on the Thinking, Doing, Talking Science approach.
Explore. Discover. Play.
To find out more and book the wide range of activities we run for primary and secondary schools and public events for families, including our Family Days and STEM Clubs at the Science Oxford Centre, visit Science Oxford.
News from The Oxford Trust
Young scientists shine at the Big Science Event
Oxfordshire Business Awards shine a light on innovation
The Oxford Trust welcomes three new Board trustees in its 40th anniversary year
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