Begbroke Science Park
Begbroke Science Park is owned and managed by the University of Oxford. The site is home to a broad range of activities within three inter-related themes:
- Applied and basic science research,
- High tech spin-off and start-up companies;
- Knowledge transfer activities.
Just 5 miles from Oxford city centre; the park is easily accessible by car, bus or bike, with plenty of free parking.
Begbroke History
The Begbroke Science Park was purchased by the University of Oxford in December 1998 to expand the University of Oxfords research activities. Professor Peter Dobson was appointed as the academic director in 2002. Since then the Science Park has doubled in size, hosts more than 30 companies and has more than 20 research groups from 6 different University Departments. A new access road opens April 2012.
Research Groups
There are over 20 research groups on site variously from the Departments of Materials, Engineering Science, and Earth Sciences, with Physics, the OeRC and Business Services and Projects all represented in Oxford Supercomputer machine room. Highlighted areas include:
- Mobile Robotics Group- Dr Paul Newman
- Begbroke Nano- Dr Alison Crossley
- Processing of Advanced Materials Laboratory- Patrick Grant
- The Environmental Biotechnology team- Dr Ian Thompson
- Solar Energy Materials Initiative Research on Solar Cells
- Oxford Materials Electron Microscopy and Micro analysis Group
- Oxford University Supercomputer
Commercial Activities
Begbroke Science Park has over 30 different high tech spin out and start-up companies. On site labs and offices in a variety of different properties ranging from a new purpose built business incubator (The CIE) to small or large facilities in new or period buildings. There is currently a waiting list of companies wishing to be located on the site. The site offers companies the space to start their independent activities close to a reservoir of talent and with access to valuable resources. Numerous networking and technology transfer events take place throughout the year to facilitate interaction.
Conferencing at Begbroke
Offering a wide range of conferencing facilities from board meetings and seminars, to large exhibition areas, Begbroke Science Park is an ideal location for events up to 70 delegates. The expansive grounds provide an opportunity to enjoy relaxing breaks in the landscaped walled garden, which is also great for team building exercises and marquees for larger events.
Knowledge Transfer
Two Knowledge Transfer Network (KTN) units are located on the site:
- Environmental Knowledge Transfer Network (ESKTN)
Works across four subject areas: Water Management, Distributed Renewable Energy, Waste Management and Resource Efficiency and sustainable Land Management and Food Production.
- Materials Knowledge Transfer Network
Provides access to the latest technological knowledge and international discoveries on materials: metals, composites, plastics, ceramics, minerals, technical textiles and smart materials. The team at Begbroke specialise in transport applications.
Outreach
Activities on the site are also reaching into schools. Begbroke believes it is important for Science Parks, companies and Universities alike to integrate fully with the communities in which they are based. Examples of this outreach work is
- Innovation Showcase
- Nano Day
- Oxfordshire Science Festival
