US ambassador praises the city on tour of innovative project
Source: Callum Keown
THE US Ambassador praised Oxford during a visit to discover more about the city’s innovation and charity work.
Matthew W Barzun spent time at Oxford Brookes’ Headington campus, Oxford University’s Said Business School and with learning disability charity Yellow Submarine during his visit.
The ambassador was given a demonstration of Brookes’ new Formula Student car, which was unveiled in June with the help of the 1964 Formula 1 World Champion John Surtees OBE.
He then moved on to speak to staff and students at the Said Business School.
Mr Barzun, who was appointed US ambassador to the UK in 2013, said: “This was a wonderful opportunity to hear more about what is happening here in the city. I was impressed with the use of the brand of Oxford and all of its history.
“This is happening while being inspired by the past rather than imprisoned by it.”
The ambassador began his trip at Oxford Brookes University where he met Artie, an artificial intelligence robot from the university’s department of computing and communication technologies, and spent time with the university’s Formula Student Car racing team.
Mr Barzun also visited Oxbotica �C a spin-out from Oxford University’s Mobile Robotics Group.
Oxford University Vice-Chancellor Prof Andrew Hamilton said: “Innovation is a key priority for the university and we were delighted to have the chance to show some of our groundbreaking research to the ambassador, including Oxbotica.”
Mr Barzun’s trip also included a visit to Yellow Submarine charity’s Park End Street headquarters to talk about its innovative approach which provides training and employment for people with autism and learning disabilities.
Oxford City Council leader Bob Price said: “The city council is pleased to have the opportunity to showcase the economic dynamism of Oxford and the surrounding area.
“I’m sure that the ambassador could not fail to be impressed by the most innovative city in Britain.”
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He added: “We hope he will encourage US-based companies to invest in our area, along the ‘knowledge spine’ from Bicester to Harwell.”
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