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Issue 17
Welcome to the June 2025 issue of the Oxford Health Biomedical Research Centre (OH BRC) newsletter which summarises all recently published news and updates in one place.
Hundreds of half-term visitors, including a large number of children, were able to find out about the work of researchers looking to improve diagnosis, treatment and care for health conditions as diverse as cancer, depression, dementia, asthma, heart disease, diabetes, sleep problems and genetic diseases. As well as being able to engage with leading researchers, there were also a wide range of fun hands-on activities designed to help visitors understand and be excited about the broad range of research taking place across our area.
Success at Oxford Health Clinical Research Facility Open Afternoon
Recently, Oxford Health Clinical Research Facility (OH CRF) hosted an Open Afternoon at the Warneford Hospital in Oxford for staff, patients, study participants and the public to learn about the ground-breaking research being conducted at the Facility. The event, which offered tours of OH CRF and research information stands, took place on International Clinical Trials Day (20 May), an annual celebration of those who take part in and deliver life-changing clinical trials.
Researchers can now boost study recruitment through the NIHR’s Be Part of Research service—a UK-wide registry of over 590,000 volunteers interested in health and care studies. Researchers can request targeted email outreach based on criteria like age, ethnicity, location, and condition.
The newsletter showcases our BRC Better Sleep Theme’s latest sleep and circadian research. Highlights include new studies on insomnia perception, circadian lighting in care homes and lifestyle patterns linked to dementia risk. Capacity building continues with masterclasses in sleep measurement and CBT for insomnia, supporting NHS staff through scholarships. The newsletter also celebrates collaborative progress and previews upcoming training to expand clinical and research expertise in sleep science.
#Red4Research Day on Friday 20 June 2025 invites everyone to wear red in support of research. It’s a chance to celebrate the achievements, innovations, and impact of research and development—recognising the people who participate in, deliver, and champion health and care research. Like share and comment on our posts across socials on the day!
Research colleagues join Oxford Pride 2025 celebrations
Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust and Oxford Health Clinical Research Facility (OH CRF) joined Oxford Pride 2025 to support the LGBTQIA+ community and raise awareness of mental health research. Staff engaged festivalgoers in conversations about research participation, shared study information, and distributed Pride-themed materials—highlighting the Trust’s commitment to inclusive, community-informed research and engagement.
Learn more about healthcare research at Rose Hill Community Centre event
The public are invited to an informational event at Rose Hill Community Centre, Oxford, Ox4 4HF on Wednesday 25 June from 2.30pm to 4.30pm, to learn more about healthcare research happening in the city and how you could get involved. Free activities for children and refreshments provided. No registration required.
Oxford Joint Research Office Seminar: BOB ICB Research Priorities
What are the research priorities for the Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West (BOB) Integrated Care Board (ICB)?
If you missed the recent Oxford JRO seminar, watch the recording to hear from Dr Nick Broughton and Dr Hannah Iqbal of the BOB ICB. The seminar also features a panel discussion with health research leaders from across Oxford’s University and NHS partners.
Oxford strengthens global mindfulness research with £1 million gift
Oxford’s Mindfulness Centre has received a £1 million donation to advance global mindfulness research. The gift will support innovative studies into mental health, expand training programmes, and strengthen international collaborations. This investment reinforces Oxford’s leadership in evidence-based mindfulness and its application in clinical and community settings.
Possible druggable target in aggressive leukaemia revealed
Oxford researchers have found a new treatment target for a rare, aggressive leukaemia called BP-MPN. They discovered that a gene called DYRK1A helps cancer cells survive. Blocking this gene could stop the disease. The team hopes to test existing DYRK1A inhibitors in future clinical trials.
