Oxford Women in Engineering, Science, and Technology (OxWEST) is a 1,300+ member society at the University of Oxford promoting and supporting women in science, engineering, and technology.
Change of oxWest (oxfest)
We are making a change. The mission of OxFEST has always been to uplift women in engineering, science, and technology. This includes black women, gay women, trans women; this includes every woman. After extensive consultations with our committee members, we changed our name from OxFEST to OxWEST to be more inclusive: Oxford Women in Engineering Science and Technology. This has been reflected in all of our new promotional materials; as we continue with our society and grow, we hope to reflect the diversity of all the women in STEM who inspire and amaze us everyday.
origins of oxWest
Females in Engineering, Science and Technology (FEST) was founded in September 2005. After lengthy coffee breaks discussing the future of our careers and the difficulties we were already encountering, we realised that the University of Oxford needs a strong, visible support network for women in science, engineering and technology (SET). FEST was renamed to Oxford Females in Engineering, Science, and Technology (OxFEST) in 2010. Since 2020, OxFEST has now been renamed to Oxford Women in Engineering, Science, and Technology (OxWEST).
aims of oxWest
OxWEST aims to raise awareness to current issues facing women scientists, provide a support network and networking opportunities for female scientists, increase the visibility of women scientists within the University of Oxford and associated Institutes, and provide information and resources, which may aid women in pursuing their careers.