Matt Francis has returned to The Oxford Trust as its chief executive, succeeding Steve Burgess after 13 years at the helm of the Oxford-based organisation.
Francis formally took up the role on 25 September, following a short transition period after joining the Trust from Oxford Innovation Space, where he was head of science and technology.
His appointment comes as The Oxford Trust enters a new phase of development, following the opening of the Aspen Building at the Wood Centre for Innovation in Headington and the relocation of the Oxford Centre for Innovation to new premises in central Oxford in May 2025.
Francis previously spent almost a decade with The Oxford Trust, including five years in senior leadership roles as project director and director of operations and enterprise. He led the delivery of the £13 million Wood Centre for Innovation and Science Oxford Centre development, which opened in 2019.
The Trust’s Wood Centre has since expanded with the addition of the Aspen Building, which opened in July 2026. The new facility provides laboratory, technical workspace and offices for science and technology start-ups and growing companies on the Trust’s 18-acre Headington site.
The organisation also operates the Oxford Centre for Innovation in the city centre. Its two innovation centres provide office, laboratory, technical and co-working space for science and technology businesses, with income from the centres supporting its science education and engagement work through Science Oxford.
The Trust currently says its innovation centres support 350 employees in the science and technology sector, while its education and engagement programmes reach children, young people and members of the public across the region.
John Boyle, chair of trustees at The Oxford Trust, said Francis brought leadership experience and knowledge of Oxford’s science and innovation community.
Francis said returning to the organisation was a privilege and that he wanted to help more science and technology companies develop while expanding opportunities for young people to engage with science.
His predecessor, Steve Burgess, retires after 13 years as chief executive. During his tenure, the Trust expanded its innovation activities, developed the Wood Centre and Science Oxford Centre, and added the Aspen Building to its Headington campus.
The Oxford Trust was established in 1985 by Sir Martin and Lady Audrey Wood, co-founders of Oxford Instruments. Its work combines support for science and technology businesses with education and public engagement through Science Oxford.
