The Oxford Trust appoints director of science education and engagement

The Oxford Trust, an independent charitable trust which aims to encourage the pursuit of science, has appointed Francesca MacLennan as its new director of science education and engagement.

Francesca joins following six years at the Faraday Institution, where she served as head of training and talent development.

There, she fostered talent for the UK battery sector at a critical time when pioneering solutions are sought in the transition to a fully sustainable future.

Francesca created training programme initiatives focused 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 raising STEM career aspirations, she’s previously worked 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, Francesca is currently a trustee for the ENTHUSE Charitable Trust, which improves science education for young people.

She’s a fellow of the Primary Science Teaching Trust (PSTT) and has worked closely with the Oxfordshire Science Learning Partnership, setting up the Primary Science Hub to create a network for science teachers.

The Oxford Trust’s education and engagement programmes, under Science Oxford, aim to inspire young people about STEM and reaches over 50,000 people a year 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.

CEO Steve Burgess 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 added: “I’m 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.”