Congratulations to the OxCIN Ambassadors Programme for a well-deserved Vice-Chancellor's Award in the Research Culture category! This is a fantastic recognition of our commitment to creating positive culture both within our Centre and the wider community.
The Vice-Chancellor's Awards recognise the achievements and celebrate success across the University – from academics and researchers to professional, technical and support staff, whether they are in colleges, divisions, departments, central services, libraries, museums or elsewhere. There were 160 award entries across the 11 categories this year, with 1,300 individuals included in the nominations.
The Vice-Chancellor Professor Irene Tracey, CBE FRS FMedSci presented the awards at a special ceremony at the Sheldonian Theatre on 15 May 2025. OxCIN members were involved in two of the winning projects:
Our Ambassadors Programme started seven years ago, when we set up a Public Engagement Ambassador Scheme to encourage, train and support our research and core staff to engage the public with our neuroimaging research. The programme has since expanded to train Open Science Ambassadors, EDI Ambassadors, and PE ambassadors across other departments and Oxford University Sport. The programmes have had a huge impact on the Centre and are a great example of how we strive to implement our values of inclusivity, engagement and Open Science.
Many congratulations to Carinne Piekema, Hanna Smyth, Stuart Clare, Holly Bridge, Bernd Taschler, Karla Miller, Sana Suri, Louise Auckland, Andrew Taylor and Jacqueline Pumphrey, all the ambassadors, and everyone else who contributed over the years!
OxCIN members Stuart Clare, Carinne Piekema, Hanna Smyth, Holly Bridge, Heidi Johansen-Berg, Malte Kaller, Morgan Mitchell, Saad Jbabdi, and Louise Auckland were also recognised for their role in the Oxford Young Sports Leaders Programme, which was awarded the Local Community Engagement Vice-Chancellor's Award to recognise the positive difference it makes to the lives of individuals and communities in Oxfordshire.
The programme, run by the Oxford SDG Impact Lab, connects local schools with the University through sport and education. Featuring inclusive sports, workshops led by academics, access to University facilities, and mentoring by University students, OYSLP fosters belonging, develops skills, and builds bridges between the University and local communities. Congratulations to everyone who contributed!
©John Cairns Photography