The Oxford Trust News
Browse news and stories about The Oxford Trust – an independent charitable trust set up by Sir Martin and Lady Audrey Wood, which support more than 40 science-based start-ups and SMEs with laboratories, office space, technical workspace and business support in its two innovation centres – the Oxford Centre for Innovation in central Oxford and its sister site, the Wood Centre for Innovation in Headington.
-
The Oxford Trust announces Matt Francis as its next chief executive officer
The Oxford Trust has announced the appointment of Matt Francis as its next chief executive officer, succeeding Steve Burgess after a transition period in September 2026.
-
The Oxford Trust appoints two new trustees to its board
The Oxford Trust appoints two new trustees, bringing expertise in entrepreneurship, healthcare, and science education to support innovation and engagement.
-
The Oxford Trust tops out Aspen Building in major step for Oxford science hub
The Oxford Trust has topped out its £7m Aspen Building in Headington, adding 17,000 sq ft of lab and innovation space ahead of completion in July 2026, strengthening Oxford’s science and tech ecosystem.
-
The Oxford Trust appoints Michelle Webb as associate director of operations
The Oxford Trust has appointed Michelle Webb as associate director of operations, strengthening leadership across its innovation programme and two Oxford centres as expansion continues at the Wood Centre for Innovation.
-
The Oxford Trust celebrates 40 years of science at Rhodes House
The Oxford Trust marked 40 years of supporting science and innovation with a celebration at Rhodes House, Oxford, bringing together 200 guests from across Oxfordshire. The event honoured its legacy of inspiring STEM learning and nurturing start-ups through its innovation centres.
-
Construction begins on Aspen Building at Wood Centre for Innovation in Headington
The Oxford Trust has broken ground on its Aspen Building at the Wood Centre for Innovation. The new facility will provide laboratory and office space, boost jobs, and expand Science Oxford’s STEM outreach when it opens in summer 2026.
-
The Oxford Trust appoints three new trustees to strengthen the board
The Oxford Trust has appointed three new trustees to its Board: David Llewellyn, co-founder of DJS Antibodies; Tatiana Grudskaya, VP at Immunocore; and David Carr, an experienced CFO. Their combined expertise in science, finance, and innovation will support the Trust’s mission to champion science education and entrepreneurship in Oxfordshire.
-
Green light for The Oxford Trust’s Aspen Building to boost start-up laboratory space in Headington
Plans for The Oxford Trust’s Aspen Building, to be built at the Wood Centre for Innovation in Headington, have been resolved to be approved by Oxford City Council’s planning committee to provide science and tech companies with additional start-up and grow-on laboratory and office space.
-
Oxfordshire innovators attend Exit Right 2024 as top investors share funding insights
150 science and technology start-ups, spin-outs and SMEs in Oxfordshire gathered at Oxford University’s prestigious Natural History Museum for the Exit Right 2024 funding matrix event.
-
The Oxford Trust launches Accessing Science Fund to support young people into STEM
The Oxford Trust has launched the Accessing Science Fund to improve science learning for children and young people who are less likely to have access to STEM activities and resources in schools and community groups across Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire.
-
The Oxford Trust appoints new Director of Innovation and Operations
Nicki Campling joins The Oxford Trust as Director of Innovation and Operations for the Trust’s two innovation centres: the Oxford Centre for Innovation in the city centre and the Wood Centre for Innovation in Headington
-
Helio Display Materials expand into further R&D lab space at the Wood Centre for Innovation
Helio Display Materials has expanded its R&D laboratory space at The Oxford Trust’s Wood Centre for Innovation in Headington to accommodate rapid company growth.
-
Samsara Therapeutics expands into new R&D space at Wood Centre for Innovation
The early-stage drug discovery company with operations in Oxford and Boston is looking to increase its drug discovery and validation capabilities in key neuro disease areas.
-
Oxford STEM Fest by Science Oxford
Oxford STEM Fest is a unique opportunity to nurture interest in STEM at a critical moment in a young person’s education.
-
Nine businesses take space in The Oxford Trust’s innovation centres
The early-stage science and technology start-up businesses have taken space, as Oxford continues to see strong demand from businesses needing R&D labs, technical workspace and flexible office space.
-
Oxford-based CardMedic signs agreement with Air Ambulance Kent Surrey Sussex
The free web and mobile app for healthcare staff to help break down communication barriers with patients at the point of care, went from concept to launch in just 72 hours.