Igniting Ambition: The OIC Fusion Internship Programme

Oxford International College is proud to announce the launch of OIC Fusion, our brand-new internal internship programme designed to empower ambitious students with the chance to tackle real-world challenges alongside leading academics and industry experts.

At our online launch assembly, we were delighted to invite the OICB community to share in the excitement of this unique new venture, which is open to all students ready to take their curiosity and problem-solving skills to the next level.

Academic Collaboration at Its Heart

Fusion is more than just an internship. It represents a dynamic collaboration between OIC students and PhD researchers at institutions such as Oxford and Teesside Universities. Together, they will work on pioneering projects in fields ranging from biomedical science and sustainable engineering to artificial intelligence and clean energy.

These projects are funded and supported by organisations such as UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), ensuring that students’ contributions are not only academically rigorous but also relevant to current industry needs. The programme challenges students to engage in the same level of research and innovation expected of graduate-level teams — an extraordinary opportunity for pre-university learners.

Real-World Impact for Ambitious Students

Through OIC Fusion, students will join teams working on live projects designed to deliver real-world solutions for industry. They will gain exposure to specialist tools, advanced data analysis, and cutting-edge methodologies. Importantly, this isn’t research for research’s sake — every project has the potential to make a meaningful contribution to society, whether through improving medical technology, advancing sustainability, or enhancing digital innovation.

Inspiration from Our Pilot

Last year, here at OIC we ran a pilot programme, and the results exceeded even our high expectations. One of our brilliant students, Ramtin Khajeh Shahzanian, excelled in his project to such a degree that his research was published in the Oxford University Press — an incredible accolade for someone so young, and a first in OIC’s history!

His success is both a testament to the power of OIC Fusion and an inspiration to the next generation of pioneers. It shows what is possible when our students are given the chance to push boundaries, collaborate with experts, and apply their learning to real-world contexts.

Leadership and Thanks

This programme would not have been possible without the support of Parisa Nejad, who supported students last year through its pilot. Together with Professor Foad Faraji, they have connected the students, academics and industry in a way that embodies OIC’s mission to nurture talent and ambition.

We are immensely grateful for their dedication, and proud to see this work shaping the future of student opportunity at OIC.

Looking Ahead

OIC Fusion embodies our mission to support ambitious students in becoming future leaders, innovators, and changemakers. With opportunities to publish, present, and deliver research with impact, this initiative sets OIC apart as a hub for academic excellence and forward-thinking collaboration.

As we launch OIC Fusion formally, we look forward to celebrating many more student success stories — and to seeing our students leave their mark on the world long before they graduate.

OIC Fusion: where ambition meets innovation.