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Issue 19
Welcome back to the Oxford Health Biomedical Research Centre (OH BRC) newsletter. After our summer break, we’re delighted to bring you a fresh round-up of recent news, research highlights, and partner updates all in one place. Stay connected with the latest from our research community.
A major discovery by Oxford researchers, funded by Wellcome and supported by our BRC, has identified a new genetic link to chronic pain and a promising drug target. Published in Nature, the study reveals how the SLC45A4 gene helps control pain signals in nerve cells by moving certain molecules called polyamines. Led by Professor David Bennett, OH BRC Pain Co-Theme Lead, the research offers hope for safer, more effective treatments beyond opioids.
60 seconds with… Dr Howard Ryland, Consultant Forensic Psychiatrist
Recently we spoke to Dr Howard Ryland, Consultant Forensic Psychiatrist, OH BRC Data Science Theme researcher, and recent recipient of the NIHR Senior Clinical and Practitioner Research Award. Howard shares how OH BRC has supported his journey into clinical academia, his work implementing risk prediction tools in prisons, and his leadership in shaping forensic mental health research priorities.
£27m Boost for Oxford Youth Mental Health Research
A £27 million gift from The Paul Foundation will establish the Oxford Centre for Emerging Minds Research, focused on improving mental health outcomes for children, young people and families. Led by Professor Cathy Creswell, OH BRC Theme Lead for Mental Health in Development, the centre will build on her pioneering work to accelerate research-driven change and develop effective therapies and approaches for use in homes, schools and communities.
The Flourishing & Wellbeing Summer Newsletter 2025 is now live! This issue explores how nature, culture, and community spaces support mental health and public wellbeing. Highlights include updates on green social prescribing, arts-based research, and upcoming events like Refocus on Recovery 2025. Discover how non-clinical environments are shaping future care.
During the summer, we’ve refreshed the Oxford Health BRC website with new content highlighting our Impact, updated Theme summary pages, and amalgamated information on ways for the public to Get Involved in our research. Discover how our research is making a difference across mental health, pain, and digital innovation.
Lights, Camera, Research!
Oxford Health Clinical Research Facility (OH CRF) has welcomed media crews over the past year on a number of occasions to spotlight ground-breaking studies in mental health. Highlights include national coverage of the PAX-D trial for treatment-resistant depression, the READ-OUT dementia study, and the AI-powered PETRUSHKA tool for personalised antidepressant treatment.
Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust has submitted plans for Warneford Park, a pioneering mental health and medical research campus in Headington. The proposal includes a new hospital, research facilities, and Oxford’s first postgraduate college focused on medical sciences—designed to enhance care, accelerate discovery, and preserve the site’s heritage.
National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) launches UK-wide network to accelerate commercial research
The NIHR has launched a UK-wide Commercial Research Delivery Centre Network, backed by £6.5 million, to accelerate industry-led health research. Hosted by University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, the initiative aims to streamline commercial trial delivery and boost innovation across NHS and academic settings nationwide.
Great Minds, part of Dementias Platform UK (DPUK), is a powerful research register designed to help researchers recruit participants for dementia and brain health studies. With over 12,500 pre-consented volunteers completing regular cognitive and mood assessments, Great Minds enables precise, efficient study matching. Whether you’re running a clinical trial or observational study, this resource can streamline recruitment and boost engagement.
Digital CBTe: A promising digital treatment for binge eating
Digital CBTe, developed by Oxford’s CREDO team, is a promising app-based therapy for binge eating. NHS pilots showed significant reductions in symptoms and improved wellbeing. Delivered with or without guidance, it offers accessible, evidence-based support, especially vital where shame or lack of trained therapists hinder treatment uptake.
OrganOx, an Oxford University spin-out backed by Oxford BRC, is set for a landmark $1.5bn acquisition by Terumo Corporation. Pioneering organ preservation technology, OrganOx has transformed transplantation worldwide. This record-breaking deal marks a major milestone in UK university spin-out history and surgical innovation.
