Founded in 1985 by Oxford entrepreneurs and philanthropists the late Sir Martin and Lady Audrey Wood, The Oxford Trust has spent four decades supporting innovation, inspiring young people in STEM, and connecting science with enterprise.

The evening opened with a warm welcome from Steve Burgess, chief executive officer of The Oxford Trust, followed by keynote speeches from John Boyle, chair of trustees, and Robin Buxton, son of Lady Audrey Wood. A celebratory toast was led by directors Nicki Campling and Francesca MacLennan with magician Jon Allen adding a touch of magic to the occasion.

Reflecting on the occasion Steve Burgess, chief executive officer, The Oxford Trust said: “For 40 years, The Oxford Trust has worked to support hundreds of businesses in our innovation centres shaping our future and hundreds of thousands of children through our Science Oxford programmes to inspire young people about the world of science.

“This anniversary is not just about looking back at our achievements but is a celebration of the people and partnerships that make Oxford such a vibrant place for science. It also gives us a chance to look forward at our future investments such as the Aspen Building at the Wood Centre for Innovation which has recently started construction. We are delighted to mark this milestone with friends, members of the Wood family, partners, trustees, company leaders past and present, and supporters from across Oxfordshire.”

The celebration at Rhodes House honoured the Trust’s legacy while reaffirming its mission to encourage the pursuit of science, support Oxfordshire’s the thriving innovation ecosystem, and inspire the next generation of scientists and entrepreneurs.

As part of its anniversary year, the Trust has appointed an early-career Photographer in Residence, Jason Warner, to document “a year in the life of The Oxford Trust”. His photographs, together with a specially commissioned film by Tom Lucus of Burst Design, were showcased at the celebration.