{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"Oxford+","title":"Oxford North: The New Innovation District in Oxford","html":"","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":1853,"description":"How do you design a physical space that matches the lightning-fast pace of modern scientific discovery? This episode explores the new paradigm for innovation districts with Professor Dame Kay Davies and Victoria Collett of Thomas White Oxford, the development company of St. John's College. \nThe conversation covers the critical transition from academic lab work, where Professor Davies has spent 30 years researching Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, to the intense, milestone-driven world of biotech spin-outs. Victoria Collett, Development Director for the £1.2  billion Oxford North project, explains how its mixed-use, master-planned environment—complete with flexible lab spaces, public art, and community areas—is specifically engineered to foster the \"serendipitous moments\" crucial for breakthroughs. \nKay and Victoria also discuss the vital importance of connectivity, noting that the UK’s life sciences VC investment has been selective recently, making integrated innovation clusters like Oxford North, which is positioned on the East West Rail corridor, essential for capturing future talent and growth. \n\nProfessor Dame Kay Davies: An acclaimed academic and innovator, she is Emeritus Dr Lee’s Professor of Anatomy at the University of Oxford and a Fellow of Hertford College. Her research group has an international reputation for work on Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, an effort that has driven her journey from the academic lab to founding biotech spin-out companies to deliver effective treatments to patients. Her insights provide a critical 'user perspective' on the needs of a pioneering science ecosystem.\nConnect with Kay on LinkedIn\nVictoria Collett: Development Director at Thomas White Oxford, the development company of St. John’s College, where she led the creation of Oxford North. A chartered surveyor with over 20 years of experience in development and regeneration, Victoria specialises in large-scale mixed-use masterplans, bringing a unique perspective on community,...","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/mcQDwOOa2HsFcbxXZ_fqasOIvG97EZG72pB0OPOXWEY/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9zaG93/LzQ3MTA2LzE3MDA2/NTA0MTEtYXJ0d29y/ay5qcGc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}