Now open: The Jamies 2024

The Department of Materials is joining the Department of Chemistry and Oxford University Innovation (OUI) in seeking students with innovative, game-changing ideas based on their research to take part in the Jamie Ferguson Innovation Awards 2024.  The scheme was launched in 2022 (now affectionately known as 'the Jamies'), hosted by Chemistry and OUI.  Following the great success of the Jamies since then, we are pleased to join the prize scheme and offer the same opportunities to Oxford Materials students.  

What is involved?

The judges are interested in ideas which will help achieve one of the UN's sustainable development goals.   Applicants need to complete the application form, explaining what what problem their ideas aims to resolve, and the potential positive impact if could produce, before sending it before the deadline to communications@materials.ox.ac.uk.  If shortlisted, the next stage will be present a pitch of your entrepreneurial idea to a panel, which will include a Q&A.  From there, the four finalists will be announced, who will each win £500. 

As part of this exciting event, the Department of Chemistry will host a 'Fireside Chat' with Professor Kylie Vincent and Dr Holly Reeve from HydRegen, followed by refreshments.  Place are limited, so read more and secure your place as quickly as possible using this Eventbrite link: 1:45pm - Fireside Chat/The Jamies: 6 March.

How to apply

Anyone currently matriculated as a student in this department is eligible.  The online application process will open on 6 March 2024, with a deadline of 30 April 2024.  The finals will be held on Wednesday 12 June in the Department of Chemistry, followed by a light lunch and soft drinks reception.  The winners will be announced towards the beginning of the lunch period.

Dr Jamie Ferguson

The Jamies were created as a legacy to Dr Jamie Ferguson, who was a very active and popular advisor to both departments, and who tragically died during the pandemic after contracting Covid-19.  These awards keep his enthusiasm for science and innovation alive, providing a platform for entrepreneurial students to create positive change and impact from their work.  During the 2022 Chemistry-only awards, four winners were selected from a field of eight finalists, who each presented a pitch with a Q&A to experts in the fields of Chemistry and innovation, with topics ranging from Materials Science to combatting disease.

Have a look at Chemistry's page to read about those four winners from 2022:  Department of Chemistry/The Jamies.