Festival Director
Dr Dane Comerford
Dane has steered the strategic and creative direction of the Oxford science and ideas Festival since 2017. He has developed a strong network of academic and corporate supporters for IF Oxford, and has worked closely with communities of interest and neighbourhood groups to co-produce projects that connect researchers and artists, generating innovative programmes and activities.
Dr Ian Thompson (Chair)
Ian founded Buckingham Technologies to support companies in their research strategy and delivery, leading to the commercialisation of new technologies and products. He was formerly Managing Director Sharp Laboratories of Europe Ltd.
Dr Claire Cockcroft
Claire is Programme Director of the Margaret Thatcher Scholarship Trust at Somerville College, Oxford. She offers consultancy in science communication and public engagement and is a fellow of the Society of Biology and the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust.
Dr Tim Hart
Tim is Director of Warwick Innovations, the technology transfer office for the University of Warwick. Prior to this he spent over 20 years working in the Oxford innovation ecosystem as a technology entrepreneur and innovation management consultant. Tim’s voluntary work includes business mentoring, school governance, and charity work focused on developing enterprise skills within disadvantaged communities.
Professor David Pyle
David is a volcanologist and Professor of Earth Sciences at the University of Oxford. He was appointed the Mathematical, Physical and Life Science Division’s first Academic Champion for Public Engagement with Research in 2017.
Dr Sarah Macnaughton
Sarah is a self-employed consultant, specialising in innovation and the exploitation of Intellectual Property. From 2006, she worked at Oxford University Innovation, moving in 2017 to Oxentia Ltd, as Non-Executive Director.
Samuel Mansell
Samuel Mansell runs Drop All Words Media, a community-centred production house from film industry professionals. Sam creates high-quality video for arts, youth and charity sector organisations, putting inclusivity, diversity and community at the centre his productions. Sam has known Oxford as a child and now as an adult is working to bridge social divides, raise aspiration and stimulate creativity across the city.
Nia John
Nia John is Education and Public Outreach Manager UKAEA. Nia is passionate about science communication and engagement and brings with experience of working with a range of community and scientific organisations. She is particularly interested in working with young women to encourage them to study STEM subjects and take up STEM careers.
For more information on Trustees, visit: https://if-oxford.com/trustee-policy