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Issue 22
Welcome to the Oxford Health BRC Top 10 of 2025
As we wrap up an incredible year, this special edition brings you the Top 10 most viewed news stories of 2025, including the top story from 3 of our partners. From pioneering research and innovative collaborations to inspiring stories and achievements that shaped our journey.
Thank you for being part of this year’s successes. May the festive season bring you rest, joy, and plenty of reasons to celebrate. We look forward to sharing more discoveries and achievements with you in 2026!
MOST POPULAR: New insights into diabetes medications (GLP-1RAs) to treat mental ill health
New research published this week from our BRC and the Department of Psychiatry reveals that GLP-1RAs, used for diabetes and obesity, may benefit mental health. The study explores their potential in treating cognitive and psychiatric conditions.
New research shows afternoon could be the best time to use an inhaler
A study led by Professor David Ray, Better Sleep Theme Co-lead, reveals that taking the ‘brown’ steroid inhaler (Clenil Modulite®) between 3pm and 4pm could improve clinical outcomes. Published in Thorax, this is the first trial to show how aligning inhaled corticosteroid use with the body’s circadian rhythms enhances effectiveness.
New research warns of trillion-pound cost of children and young people’s mental health crisis
Professor Cathy Creswell, OH BRC Mental Health in Development Theme Lead, contributed to a new report highlighting the severe impact of the children and young people’s mental health crisis. The campaign urges Government reform and investment in services, warning of economic losses exceeding £1 trillion.
New study explores cannabidiol’s effects in people with schizophrenia
A new OH BRC-supported trial led by Dr Dominic Oliver and Professor Philip McGuire explored whether cannabidiol (CBD) reduces cannabis-related harm in schizophrenia. Thirty participants received CBD or placebo before inhaling THC-rich cannabis. Results showed CBD did not protect against memory or psychotic effects, in fact, symptoms worsened.
Oxford clinical lecturer awarded the Sir Jules Thorn Award for internationally outstanding research
Dr Maxime Taquet has been awarded the 2024 Sir Jules Thorn Award for Biomedical Research. The Award recognises the outstanding quality of his cutting-edge research. Dr Taquet, NIHR Clinical Lecturer in the Department of Psychiatry, who also works across the OH BRC Molecular Targets Theme and OH BRC Data Science Theme, received the award for his project “Instability Measurement to Predict and Alter Clinical Trajectories of Severe Mental Illness (IMPACT-SMI)” which aims to improve the lives of patients with severe mental illness.
Parkinson’s drug effective in treating persistent depression (PAX-D)
Oxford researchers found that pramipexole, a Parkinson’s drug, significantly reduces symptoms of treatment-resistant depression when added to antidepressants. The year-long NIHR-supported trial showed sustained benefits, despite some side effects. Led by Professor Michael Browning, the study offers hope for patients unresponsive to current treatments and highlights the need for further research. (Featured on ITV Meridian).
MSc in Pain Neurosciences – advancing research and clinical insight
The Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences has introduced a two-year, part-time MSc combining online learning with residential weeks in Oxford. The programme offers a deep dive into pain mechanisms, from neurobiology to clinical application, fostering collaboration among researchers and clinicians.
A new OH BRC-supported study from Oxford’s Department of Psychiatry found that respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and shingles vaccines, both containing the adjuvant AS01, are linked to significantly lower dementia risk. Analysis of 430,000 health records showed a 29% reduction in dementia diagnoses within 18 months of RSV vaccination. Researchers suggest adjuvants may play a key role, offering hope for prevention strategies.
Study evaluates effectiveness of cancer diagnosis pathway
A major UK study, published in Lancet Primary Care, analysed over 4,800 patients referred to Oxfordshire’s SCAN pathway for non-specific symptoms like fatigue or weight loss. Findings show 8.8% were diagnosed with cancer and 10.9% with serious non-cancer conditions, while 19.3% had significant incidental findings. The research highlights SCAN’s vital role in early detection and the need for investment as Rapid Diagnostic Centres expand nationwide.
