The Oxford Trust appoints new Director of Science Education & Engagement

The Oxford Trust has appointed Francesca MacLennan as the new director of science education & engagement to lead Science Oxford, the Trust’s public-facing brand which delivers the charity’s STEM education and engagement programmes.

Francesca has joined from the Faraday Institution, the UK’s independent institute for electrochemical energy storage research, skills development, market analysis, and early-stage commercialisation, where she worked for six years. As head of training and talent development, she successfully developed talent for the UK battery sector at a critical time when pioneering solutions are sought to the challenges faced in transitioning to a fully sustainable future. She created the Faraday Institution Training Programme initiatives focusing on researcher professional development, a bespoke PhD training programme, undergraduate attraction and STEM outreach, training more than 85 STEM Ambassadors.

With a career dedicated to the STEM sector and raising STEM career aspirations, previous roles include working as a specialist primary science teacher, education officer at the Oxford University Museum of Natural History, and CPD presenter and associate facilitator for STEM Learning.

Formerly an Advisory Board Member for the PRISM Network (Professional Research and Investment Strategy Managers), Francesca is currently a trustee for the ENTHUSE Charitable Trust, which improves science education for young people. She is a Fellow of the Primary Science Teaching Trust (PSTT) and has worked closely with the Oxfordshire Science Learning Partnership and set-up the Primary Science Hub to create a network for science teachers.

The Trust’s education and engagement programmes, under Science Oxford, aim to inspire young people about science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) and reaches over fifty thousand people per year across Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire.

Our programmes give children the opportunity to develop STEM understanding and skills through the excitement of investigation, exploration, experimentation and discovery. The aim is to show children that science is something they can all enjoy and succeed in.

The education programme includes school visits to the Science Oxford Centre, the UK’s first indoor-outdoor hands-on science education centre for early years and primary-aged children and a STEM-focussed outreach programme with science shows, workshops, CPD and kit loan, all linked to the primary curriculum. For secondary students, Science Oxford runs a STEM Careers Programme to develop STEM skills and encourage positive choices about STEM pathways.

Science Oxford’s engagement programme includes a vibrant schedule of year-round events, including Family Days and STEM-themed after school and Saturday clubs, both at the Science Oxford Centre as well as in partnership with communities across Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire.

As a member of the Trust’s senior leadership team, Francesca will be responsible for shaping, implementing and strengthening the charity’s education and engagement programmes to increase impact of the Trust’s work.

Steve Burgess, Chief Executive Officer, The Oxford Trust said: “We warmly welcome Francesca to our brilliant and thriving team. Francesca’s background in STEM and her strong understanding of education and innovation made her the perfect candidate.

“This role is vital for the Trust to continue ensuring that it meets its charitable objectives to inspire young people about science.

“We have no doubt that Francesca’s wealth of experience will be of great benefit to developing our Science Oxford programmes, including the Science Oxford Centre in Headington.”

Francesca MacLennan, Director of Science Education & Engagement at The Oxford Trust added: “I am delighted to be joining The Oxford Trust team, whose mission is to encourage the pursuit of science and who play a pivotal role in the Oxfordshire innovation ecosystem.

“Pioneering solutions for future societal challenges will come from the next generations of scientists and engineers. Key is creating pathways into STEM careers that are accessible for all.  Joining a great team who are actively attracting, inspiring and equipping diverse STEM talent is exciting and I look forward to collectively serving the communities of Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire in this quest.”

 

Feature image: Francesca MacLennan has joined The Oxford Trust as its new Director of Science Education & Engagement