Welcome to the April 2025 issue of the Oxford Health Biomedical Research Centre (OH BRC) newsletter which summarises all recently published news and updates in one place.
To feature in future editions email Oxford Health R&D Comms
Research in the News
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- BBC: NHS billions wasted as bipolar patients left ‘forgotten and failed
- This is Oxfordshire: Oxford study finds epilepsy drug could treat depression
- Oxford Mail: Study explores smoking cessation with mental health care
- Oxford Mail: Oxford research nurse shares his healthcare journey
- Independent: Drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy could slash risk of dementia

Health Research Showcase Event 2025
Join us at the Health Research Showcase 2025 with Oxford BRC on May 29 at Westgate Centre, Oxford. Discover ground-breaking research, interactive stands, and learn how you can contribute to future healthcare advancements. Event opens to the public at 10am. Don’t miss it!
More details: OH BRC Events

Neurodiversity Week 2025 – Celebrating Unique Minds
Neurodiversity Week celebrated the unique strengths of neurodiverse individuals through engaging events. A standout feature was the Inflatable Brain Adventure at Thameside Primary School in Abingdon, captivating young minds and raising awareness about neurodiversity. Andreia Costa, Project Manager for Training & Career Development at our BRC, a driving force behind showcasing this unique resource led these efforts aimed at raising awareness and promoting understanding of neurodiversity. Looking ahead, the OH BRC Neurodiversity Conference in September aims to advance research and foster collaboration.
Read more: OH BRC News

Project Team Wins HSJ Award
The Oxford Health Clinical Research Facility (OH CRF) team has won the HSJ Award for Best NHS Pharmaceutical Partnership. This recognition highlights their exceptional collaboration with the University of Oxford, Dementias Platform UK (DPUK), and Lilly.
Read more: OH CRF Website

New Study Highlights Potential of GLP-1RAs in Treating Dementia
A new study published in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry reveals that GLP-1RAs, medications approved for diabetes and obesity, may also help treat dementia. Researchers from the University of Oxford, Department of Psychiatry, supported by our BRC, reviewed extensive evidence on the neuroprotective mechanisms of GLP-1RAs. The findings suggest these drugs could have disease-modifying properties in dementia, offering new hope for patients.
Read more: OH BRC News
Register and submit your abstract for the first joint NIHR BRC and UKCRF Network conference
Registration is now open for this inaugural event bringing together NIHR Biomedical Research Centres and Clinical Research Facilities from across the UK. Taking place in Birmingham on 14-15 July, this conference will showcase diverse perspectives from researchers, research delivery staff, and members of the public and patient groups. Explore the conference programme and register here. Abstract submission deadline is Monday 28 April.
Read more: OH BRC Events


What happens after a dementia diagnosis?
Jasmine Blane, a DPhil student in the Department of Psychiatry at Oxford Centre for Human Brain Activity (OHBA) and OH BRC Research Coordinator at Oxford Brain Health Centre, discussed her work supporting dementia patients and their families on the Oxford Sparks podcast. Learn about the challenges and pathways after a dementia diagnosis.

Oxford Joint Research Office Seminar – BOB ICB Research Priorities
1 May, 12:30 – 13:30, John Radcliffe Hospital
At the next Joint Research Office Seminar, Dr Nick Broughton and Dr Hannah Iqbal will present the Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West (BOB) Integrated Care Board’s (ICB) research priorities.
Details and registration: OAHP Web
Healthy Minds Happy Hearts: A community gathering for women and children
Join us for “Healthy Minds, Happy Hearts” – a special community gathering for women and children!
April 23, 10:30 – 13:00 at Rose Hill Community Centre, Oxford.
Women and children are warmly invited to our next get-together to enjoy lunch and spend time with friends.
As well as fun things to do for children, there will be information and activities related to our work, and useful resources to take away.
Read more: OH BRC Events


New international guidelines for the treatment of schizophrenia
New international guidelines for treating schizophrenia emphasize personalized care, integrating pharmacological and psychosocial interventions. These guidelines aim to improve patient outcomes by tailoring treatments to individual needs, promoting recovery, and enhancing quality of life. They represent a significant advancement in the global approach to managing schizophrenia.
Read more: DoP News

Vacancy: Patient and Public Engagement Manager
Reporting to Senior Communications Manager at Oxford Biomedical Research Centre(BRC) , the post-holder will provide effective and professional support for the development and implementation of the BRC’s Events, Marketing and Engagement Strategy. The post-holder will lead on the design and implementation of events, marketing and social media campaigns. Apply before 28.04.25
More information and application: OUH Jobs