We are currently involved in mentoring a group of fifteen scientists in a project funded by EPSRC and co-ordinated by Ecsite-UK. The Scientists have spent two days at Science Oxford where they were given training in communication and current ideas about public engagement with science. Following this each was paired with a mentor from The Trust who will work with them to create an event. We hope to fearure the majority of these at Science Oxford in the next few months. For more information contact Mike Dennis.

We are currently carrying out a research project into the demand for business support for technology companies in Oxfordshire. This involves gathering views of what businesses need at various stages of their growth, and whether this is available in the county. This practical information, and an understanding of the trends, will help to identify opportunities for further improvement in the county's business support environment for technology firms. To find out more, please contact Rob Eyre or call 01865 728953.

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Designs for Life is a unique art/science collaboration that will produce a giant fabric-based quilt that represents the ideas, concerns and issues of groups of women about the biosciences relating to the Diamond Light Source, a synchrotron research facility. Groups from the Womens Institute are currently working with scientists and artists to design and construct pieces of artwork in response to discussion and debate about the study of diseases, drug development and environmental health.

Designs for Life is a Wellcome Trust funded project, co-ordinated by The Oxford Trust, in collaboration with Diamond Light Source, Oxfordshire Womens Institute and artists from Oxford and Cherwell Valley College. For further details click here or contact Claire Dimond or call 01865 728953.

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There has been much work that Science and Engineering Ambassadors (SEAs) in the region have been doing over the last 3 years to support the teaching of STEM subjects in local schools. Many help Oxford Trust staff to run workshops, give classroom talks or help out at Science Days organised by a school. The new Regional Director of SETPOINTS in the South East will be here to say a big thank you to our star SEAs and we hope all will have an enjoyable and memorable evening, sharing ideas and anecdotes at this informal event. For further information please contact Jo Hodges or call 01865 728953.

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The Trust, in its role as SETPOINT for Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Milton Keynes, is active in all three counties running workshops and presenting shows to Primary and Secondary schools. We also run the Science and Engineering Ambassadors scheme for the region, which provides curriculum support from scientists. For further details on the activties we run for schools please visit our schools activities section of the website.

For further information about SETPOINT click here.

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