Oxford University Local Engagement

09/10/2025

09/10/2025

Vice-Chancellor Prof Irene Tracey has delivered her Oration to the University.

In her speech, she covers the following and more:

- Keeping people and their stories at the heart of Oxford
- Oxford’s leadership in AI and innovation
- Oxford’s renewed commitment to the humanities
- Progress on climate and sustainability
- Progress on access and education

Read the full oration ⬇️
https://www.ox.ac.uk/news/2025-10-07-vice-chancellors-oration-2025

31/07/2025

Strengthening Local Connections: Professor Alexander Betts appointed Pro-Vice-Chancellor for External Engagement, Sport and Community

We’re pleased to share that Professor Alexander Betts has been appointed to a new University leadership role, with a strong focus on building partnerships that benefit communities across Oxford and Oxfordshire.

As Pro-Vice-Chancellor for External Engagement, Sport and Community, Professor Betts will lead the University’s work on local, national, and global engagement – but it’s the local dimension that sits at the heart of much of his ambition.

He has already played a key role in reshaping how the University partners with local organisations, schools, and communities to address social inequality and improve access to opportunities. From deepening school partnerships to expanding access to cultural and sporting facilities, the focus is on inclusion and collaboration.

Professor Betts describes the new role as “an opportunity to strengthen the many ways in which the University collaborates to address major societal challenges locally, nationally, and globally.”

As he takes forward the University’s new ‘Leading through Partnership’ strategy, local engagement will remain a central pillar.

Read more about the University’s local engagement approach in our latest report: Beyond Town and Gown: Towards a More Inclusive Oxford.

https://www.ox.ac.uk/sites/files/oxford/Local_engagement_report_2025.pdf

28/05/2025

🎽 Team MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre Takes on the Oxford Town & Gown 10k! 🧡

On Sunday 11 May, researchers and volunteers from the MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre (based at the Institute of Developmental & Regenerative Medicine) joined 6,000+ runners in the iconic Bidwells Oxford Town & Gown 10k – raising an incredible £1,300 in support of Muscular Dystrophy UK! 💪

Led by Programme Manager Chelsea Larabee, the team fundraised through a quiz night, bake sale, raffle and more — showing just how powerful community spirit can be.

🏃‍♂️ Dr Thomas Roberts, group leader at the Centre, said:
“It’s always a pleasure to participate in this event, which raises awareness and funds for vital neuromuscular research. The turnout was fantastic!”

🙌 Volunteers like Amarjit Bhomra were instrumental on race day, sharing:
“Taking part was fun and fulfilling — knowing our efforts support MDUK’s work made it all worthwhile.”

This year’s Town & Gown raised a record-breaking £300,000 for MDUK! 🎉 The race was officially started by PhD student Tristan Boedts, who lives with limb girdle muscular dystrophy and walked the entire 10k — an inspiring reminder of why we run.

👏 Thank you to everyone who ran, donated, volunteered, or cheered us on!

18/03/2025

🏃‍♂️ The Bannister Community Mile: Now an Annual Celebration of Sport and Community! 🏃‍♀️

Last year, thousands of runners took to the streets of Oxford to celebrate 70 years since Sir Roger Bannister’s legendary sub-four-minute mile at Iffley Road. The event brought together children, students, elite athletes, and the wider Oxford community in a shared celebration of sport, history, and perseverance.

Now, we’re excited to announce that the Bannister Community Mile is here to stay! 🎉

Each May, runners of all abilities will continue to follow in Bannister’s footsteps, making their way through Oxford’s iconic streets and finishing at the historic track. This annual event strengthens the bond between the University of Oxford and the local community, ensuring that Bannister’s legacy continues to inspire new generations.

📅 Next race: 5 May 2025—who’s ready to be part of history in the making?

A huge thank you to everyone who has made this event such a success. Here’s to many more years of running, breaking barriers, and celebrating the power of sport! 🚀



Photo credit:
©Will Palmer
©The Telegraph

13/03/2025

The Return of Town v Gown – A Night to Remember!

🔥 Town v Gown Football is Back – And What a Night it Was! 🔥

Oxford’s historic Town v Gown football fixture returned in spectacular fashion, bringing together Oxford City FC and the University of Oxford in an unforgettable evening of sport, tradition, and community spirit at The MGroup Stadium.

For the first time in the 130-year history of this fixture, the event featured both Men’s and Women’s matches, marking an important milestone in the evolution of this cultural tradition. Many fans joined us in the stands and many more online, proving that the spirit of Town v Gown is well and truly alive!

⚽ Match Highlights:
🏆 Women’s Match: A thrilling 2-1 victory for Oxford City Women in the first-ever official Town v Gown Women’s match. The University struck first, but City came from behind to claim the win in a fiercely contested game.
🏆 Men’s Match: Oxford City Men showcased their experience with an 8-0 victory, but the University side battled hard, showing resilience and determination against a strong City squad.

But tonight wasn’t just about the final score. It was about unity, celebration, and a shared love for football. This event rekindled a long-standing tradition, proving that sport remains a powerful force in bringing together the University and the local Oxford community.

🔵 Professor Alex Betts, Local and Global Engagement Officer at the University of Oxford, summed it up perfectly:
"It's exciting to revive a fixture with so much history and to bring the whole community together through football. Our partnership with Oxford City FC has so many aspects, and these matches are a great way of showcasing that."

💬 Oxford City Chairman, Andy Sinnott, reflected on the match’s significance:
"It used to be a game we all looked forward to. It’s great to have it back, and also to see the women’s game generating just as much interest. Hopefully, this event continues to grow."

A huge thank you to all the players, coaches, staff, fans, and our charity partners for making this such a special occasion. This is just the beginning—bring on Town v Gown 2026! 💙⚽

12/03/2025

Oxford’s Young Sport Leaders Programme is Doubling in Size!

More than 70 local school pupils from six Oxford secondary schools will have the opportunity to experience university life through sport and education!

After a successful pilot, the Oxford Young Sport Leaders Programme is expanding, bringing students together for four weeks of hands-on sports sessions with University athletes and engaging educational workshops led by Oxford academics.

This year’s highlights include:
✅ Flag football sessions with the Oxford Lancers 🏈
✅ A ‘Bannister Mile’ relay at Iffley Road 🏃‍♀️
✅ Inspiring teamwork workshops with Dr. Martha Newson 👥

With the support of Christ Church, Trinity, and St Hilda’s Colleges, plus Oxford’s top sports teams and academic experts, this programme is creating life-changing opportunities for local students.



Image credit: Andy Bailey

Read more about this incredible initiative here:

A programme that combines sport and education to inspire and create opportunities for young people in the city is doubling in size this year, with more than 70 pupils from six local secondary schools coming to the University to take part.

27/02/2025

📢 Welcome to Oxford University’s Local Engagement Office! 🏡✨

Oxford and Oxfordshire have grown together for over 800 years, and our success is deeply tied to the wider community. We are committed to strengthening partnerships across the city and county—ensuring that Oxford’s opportunities, resources, and impact are shared by all.

🤝 What we do:
✅ Collaborate with local businesses, schools & government
✅ Support job creation & economic growth across Oxfordshire
✅ Make University spaces & cultural assets more accessible
✅ Address inequalities in education, health & opportunity
✅ Break down barriers between ‘town and gown’

We want Oxford to be a welcoming and inclusive place for everyone in the community. Follow us to stay updated and get involved! 💡

27/02/2025

📢 Connecting Oxford University & Our Community 🏡

Oxford has been part of the city and county for 800+ years, and we’re committed to strengthening our local ties. Our success is linked to the wider community—through jobs, education, culture, and innovation—but we know there’s more to do.

We’re working to break down barriers and make Oxford more inclusive and accessible for everyone. Whether through local partnerships, supporting schools, opening up our museums and spaces, or tackling inequalities, we want to ensure that people across Oxfordshire feel connected to the University.

We’re here to listen, collaborate, and create opportunities—because when Oxford and its community work together, we can achieve amazing things.

Follow us to stay updated & get involved! 💡✨