A charity which encourages young people to pursue science has appointed a new director of science education and engagement.

The Oxford Trust has welcomed Francesca MacLennan to the role which is the trust's public-facing brand, delivering its science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) education and engagement programmes.

She said: "I am delighted to be joining The Oxford Trust team, whose mission is to encourage the pursuit of science and who play a pivotal role in the Oxfordshire innovation ecosystem.

"Pioneering solutions for future societal challenges will come from the next generations of scientists and engineers.

"Key is creating pathways into STEM careers that are accessible for all.

"Joining a great team who are actively attracting, inspiring and equipping diverse STEM talent is exciting and I look forward to collectively serving the communities of Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire in this quest."

Ms MacLennan joins from the Faraday Institution, which works on the development of electrochemical energy, where she held the post of head of training and talent development for six years.

She was involved in developing talent for the UK battery sector, creating training initiatives for more than 85 STEM ambassadors.

Before the Faraday Institution, she held positions as a specialist primary science teacher, an education officer at the Oxford University Museum of Natural History, and associate facilitator for STEM learning.

She is currently a trustee for the ENTHUSE Charitable Trust, which improves science education for young people.

As a member of The Oxford Trust’s senior leadership team, she will be responsible for shaping, implementing and strengthening the charity’s education and engagement programmes to increase impact of the trust’s work.

Steve Burgess, chief executive officer at The Oxford Trust, said: "We warmly welcome Francesca to our brilliant and thriving team.

"Francesca's background in STEM and her strong understanding of education and innovation made her the perfect candidate.

"This role is vital for the trust to continue ensuring that it meets its charitable objectives to inspire young people about science.

"We have no doubt that Francesca's wealth of experience will be of great benefit to developing our Science Oxford programmes, including the Science Oxford Centre in Headington."

The Oxford Trust’s education and engagement programmes, under Science Oxford, aim to inspire young people about STEM and reaches more than 50,000 people per year across Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire.

The educational programme includes school visits to the Science Oxford Centre, the UK's first indoor-outdoor, hands-on science education centre for early years and primary-aged children.

For secondary school pupils, Science Oxford runs a STEM Careers Programme designed to develop STEM skills and encourage positive choices about STEM pathways.