Issue 25 – NIHR Oxford Health Biomedical Research Centre

Welcome to the Oxford Health BRC Newsletter, full of ideas, impact, and innovation.

To feature in future editions email Oxford Health R&D Comms.

Our research in the News

Twisted Sifter: Treatment-resistant depression trials
Oxford Mail: Oxford study shows ketogenic diet may treat depression
BBC News: AI tool helps doctors prescribe antidepressants
This is Oxfordshire: Oxford study shows ketogenic diet may treat depression
Rayo: Community clinic in Oxfordshire boosts access to schizophrenia treatment
Lad Bible: Study makes surprise finding about smoking cannabis and cognitive decline

Trial finds that AI tool could transform antidepressant prescribing

A major OH BRC‑supported trial shows a new digital tool can personalise antidepressant treatment for people with depression. By helping clinicians match patients to the most effective medication earlier, the tool significantly improves outcomes and could reduce trial‑and‑error prescribing in routine mental health care. It is the first time ever a mental health clinical prediction tool has been demonstrated as effective.

Targeted TUNE‑UP service boosts access to clozapine for patients across Oxfordshire

A new BJPsych Open study supported by our BRC shows Oxford Health’s TUNE‑UP clinic dramatically increases safe community initiation of clozapine. The clinic reduces delays by avoiding inpatient admission, improving access to the only pharmacological treatment for people with treatment‑resistant schizophrenia.

New study finds a ketogenic diet may help some with severe depression

An OH BRC‑funded study suggests a ketogenic diet may offer short‑term benefits for treatment‑resistant depression. Participants showed rapid symptom improvement within two weeks, with benefits maintained at 12 weeks. However, adherence proved challenging, and while the diet was safe, long‑term sustainability remains uncertain.

Strengthening the foundations of research at Oxford Health

Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust has secured over £500,000 in NIHR capital funding to strengthen research infrastructure across mental and brain health. The investment supports targeted equipment across the research infrastructures including our BRC , enhancing capability in sleep science, imaging, biomarkers, depression therapeutics and more, aligned to ongoing studies.

Public Talk: Can electrodes in the brain treat chronic pain?

ICYMI: watch this recording of our recent engaging public talk by leading Professors in Neurology at the University of Oxford, Professor Ben Seymour and Professor Alexander Green on the use of Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) for chronic pain.

You Tube: Can electrodes in the brain treat chronic pain?

Public Talk: Can electrodes in the brain treat chronic pain?

New hope for bipolar disorder: the evidence you need now

Join this online webinar on Monday 30 March (11:00–12:30) for World Bipolar Day. This evidence‑based webinar, hosted by the Mental Elf with the NIHR MH‑TRC Mood Disorder Network, explores bipolar disorder, current treatment challenges and system‑level barriers, and how research can improve diagnosis, care and long‑term outcomes.

More information including registration: Eventbrite

Vacancy: Senior Research Nurse Alzheimer’s Society UKDTN

Based at the Oxford Health Clinical Research Facility (OH CRF)

Full‑time Band 7 role (£47,810–£54,710)

OH CRF seek an experienced research nurse delivering early‑phase dementia trials. Working through the Alzheimer’s Society–funded UK Dementia Trials Network (UKDTN), the role combines hands-on research delivery with visible clinical leadership. You will lead and support a specialist research nursing team, work closely with investigators and sponsors, and ensure complex studies are delivered safely, ethically and to the highest standards.

All details including how to apply: OHFT Vacancies

Neurodiversity Wellbeing Webinar

ICYMI: Colleagues from across our BRC presented recently in the Neurodiversity Wellbeing Webinar, part of the Mental Wellness Seminar series from the University of Oxford’s Department of Experimental Psychology. The webinar explored what neurodiversity is and its relevance to mental health with a focus on autism and ADHD. Presenters challenged common myths and highlighted how better understanding can support wellbeing for individuals and those around them.

Watch now: You Tube

Oxford to advance mental health research through £1.5 million gift

A £1.5 million donation from Bukhman Philanthropies will support the OxWell School Compass project at the University of Oxford. Building on the OxWell Student Survey led by Professor Mina Fazel, the initiative will help schools use high‑quality wellbeing data to improve young people’s mental health and wellbeing, including belonging, bullying, sleep and mental health support.

Drugs identified that could help prevent delirium after surgery

A new BMJ study supported by the Oxford BRC found several drugs can reduce delirium after surgery in older people. Analysing 158 trials involving over 41,000 participants, researchers showed dexmedetomidine halved delirium rates across most surgeries, with other medicines effective in specific settings.

Oxford Health BRC Newsletters