Research Themes

Study sheds new light on how ketamine may act rapidly in the human brain

15th September 2026

Researchers have identified a brain mechanism that could help explain ketamine’s unusually rapid antidepressant effects, providing new clues for the development of faster and potentially more targeted treatments for depression….

New initiatives launched to support research inclusion

10th September 2026

The NIHR Biomedical Research Centre (BRC): Oxford Health Themes Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Network is pleased to launch two new initiatives designed to promote inclusive research practices and provide opportunities for colleagues to engage with EDI topics. Research Inclusion Drop-ins A new…

Baszucki Group visits Oxford to strengthen collaboration in metabolic psychiatry

8th September 2026

Researchers from the NIHR Biomedical Research Centre (BRC): Oxford Health and the University of Oxford’s Department of Psychiatry recently welcomed representatives from the Baszucki Group for a visit focused on advancing collaboration in metabolic…

AIM Digital Community launches to support better psychological treatments for young people

4th September 2026

Our Biomedical Research Centre’s (BRC) Mental Health in Development Theme colleagues were delighted to welcome researchers, clinicians, students, and colleagues from across the UK to the launch of the AIM…

60 Seconds With…Professor Clare Mackay

2nd September 2026

Body-focused repetitive behaviours (BFRBs) such as hair pulling, skin picking and chronic nail biting affect millions of people, yet they remain widely misunderstood and often hidden from view. In this…

New shingles vaccine linked to lower risk of coronary heart disease, stroke and heart failure – major study indicates

26th August 2026

The shingles vaccine currently in use, called ‘Shingrix’, is associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular events – including heart attacks, heart failure and stroke – compared to the previous…

Semaglutide linked to fewer memory and thinking problems in people with mental illness

25th August 2026

A medicine widely used to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity has been linked to fewer memory and thinking problems in people with psychiatric disorders. The study, led by researchers…

Could sleep patterns help personalise care for people with psychosis?

18th August 2026

Researchers from Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust and the University of Oxford’s Department of Psychiatry and Population Health, with colleagues at Harvard Medical School, have published a study in JAMA…

Serotonin-targeting drug shows promise as potential new treatment for depression

3rd August 2026

Researchers from NIHR Biomedical Research Centre (BRC): Oxford Health Depression Therapeutics Theme have published new study findings that could help pave the way for a new generation of treatments for…

Five new projects launched through Depression Therapeutics Pump Priming award

29th July 2026

Five innovative research projects have been launched following the latest NIHR Biomedical Research Centre (BRC): Oxford Health Depression Therapeutics Theme Pump Priming funding call. The Pump Priming awards provide up…

Oxford study reveals how an ‘allergy’ chemical influences memory and learning from setbacks

28th July 2026

The chemical histamine – widely associated with the body’s allergy response – shapes how the brain forms memories and handles negative experiences, according to a new University of Oxford study….

60 seconds with… Dr Graham Blackman, Senior Clinical Researcher and Consultant Psychiatrist

27th July 2026

In the latest of our 60 second interview series, we spoke with Dr Graham Blackman, Senior Clinical Researcher in the University of Oxford’s Department of Psychiatry and Consultant Psychiatrist at Oxford…

Find out more about Count Me In

22nd July 2026

Count Me In is an Oxford Health and BRC: Oxford Health supported initiative that gives patients the choice to hear about research opportunities they may be eligible for, so they…

Infections linked to higher risk of brain and mental health conditions for up to two years

17th July 2026

A large study of more than 1 million matched patient pairs finds that serious infections across the body are followed by increased risks of psychiatric and neurological diagnoses, especially in…

Breakthrough success for first automated virtual reality psychological therapy for needle phobia

16th July 2026

A ground-breaking new study, led by the University of Oxford and funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), suggests that needle phobia can be successfully treated…

Salsa classes shown to reduce depressive symptoms in young adults

15th July 2026

Could salsa dancing help young adults experiencing depressive symptoms feel better? A new randomised controlled trial led by researchers at the University of Oxford’s Department of Psychiatry and Oxford Health…

Celebrating the people who shape our research

5th July 2026

Research does not happen in isolation. For Research Appreciation Day 2026, we are recognising the importance of co-production and celebrating the patients, carers and members of the public who help…

NIHR Chief Executive Officer Professor Lucy Chappell visits Oxford Health

17th June 2026

Recently, Professor Lucy Chappell, Chief Scientific Adviser to the Department of Health and Social Care and Chief Executive Officer of the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), visited…

Laxative drug could improve depression-related memory and attention issues

16th June 2026

Targeted serotonin receptor drug used in chronic constipation increased executive function and short- and long-term memory after seven to ten-day course. People with depression who find that it affects their…

Brain iron study offers new insights into schizophrenia

11th June 2026

A new study has deepened understanding of how iron is stored in the brain in people with psychosis, including schizophrenia. The findings offer important clues about the biology of the…

News

Research Themes

Footer

Improving brain health: the future in mind

Follow us