Issue 29 – NIHR Biomedical Research Centre: Oxford Health

Welcome to the NIHR Biomedical Research Centre: Oxford Health Newsletter summer edition providing a round up of our latest news.

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

The next edition will be published 15.09.26 for summer break

Our research in the News

Oxford Mail: Health Leader Lucy Chappell tours Oxford research hospitals
Oxford Mail: Oxford Health professionals named as research leaders of NHS
Inspire Magazine: Pain release (page 41)
Science Blog: A constipation drug sharpened memory and attention in people who had recovered from depression
Oxford Mail: Warneford Hospital £750m plan approved at review
Rayo: New Oxford study links brain iron levels to Psychosis
Study Finds: This Common Laxative May Help Improve Memory, Attention
The Telegraph (subscription required): The professor who thinks the shingles vaccine is the key to dementia prevention
Oxford Mail: Oxford Pride 2026
Oxford Mail: CAMHS – Dr Mark Addison
Oxford Mail: Oxford study links fast first recruitment to trial success
Oxford Mail: Oxford clinician and researcher new director of DPUK
Oxford Mail: Oxford Health urges people to learn the facts about PTSD

VR for needle fear

A new University of Oxford-led trial from our Psychological Treatments Theme has shown that an automated virtual reality (VR) therapy can significantly reduce needle fears in adolescents. Guided by a virtual coach, the 2.5-hour programme helps young people gradually build confidence around needles. Developed with input from young people, the treatment could improve access to effective support and increase uptake of important vaccinations and medical procedures.

NIHR Chief Executive Officer Professor Lucy Chappell visits Oxford Health

Professor Lucy Chappell, CEO of the NIHR and Chief Scientific Adviser to the Department of Health and Social Care, visited Oxford Health NHS FT to discuss NIHR priorities, research infrastructure and career development. Hosted by the NIHR BRCs in Oxford and Oxford Health, the visit included meetings with researchers and a tour of research facilities, highlighting collaboration, workforce development and the delivery of complex mental health research within NHS settings.

Salsa classes shown to reduce depressive symptoms in young adults

A University of Oxford and Oxford Health NHS FT-led trial, part funded by an NIHR BRC: Oxford Health Pump Priming Grant, found that an eight-week salsa dance programme significantly reduced depressive symptoms and social anxiety in young adults aged 18-24. Participants also reported increased happiness. The findings suggest social dance could offer an accessible, enjoyable and low-cost addition to existing mental health and wellbeing support.

Oxford Health launches Improving Black Health Outcomes Bioresource

A new research programme dedicated to improving health outcomes for Black communities has launched at Oxford Health NHS FT. The Improving Black Health Outcomes (IBHO) Bioresource aims to address the underrepresentation of Black communities in genetic research, helping to improve understanding of health conditions, prevention strategies and access to healthcare. More than 6,000 volunteers have already joined this national research resource.

Brain iron study offers new insights into schizophrenia

Researchers supported by our BRC have uncovered new clues about the biology of psychosis, including schizophrenia. By analysing data from 27 brain imaging studies, the team found lower iron levels in key brain regions linked to dopamine activity. The findings suggest that changes in how iron is stored in the brain may play an important role in psychosis, opening up potential new avenues for future treatments and research.

Professor Vanessa Raymont appointed Director of Dementias Platform UK

Congratulations to Professor Vanessa Raymont, Oxford Health’s Director of Research and Development, on her appointment as Director of Dementias Platform UK (DPUK), one of the UK’s leading dementia research organisations. Professor Raymont has played a key role in advancing dementia research nationally. Her appointment reflects the growing influence of Oxford-led research and comes at an exciting time for progress in dementia diagnosis, treatment and research.

Mental health and medical research campus development gets green light from Oxford City Council

Plans for Warneford Park, a £750 million mental health and medical research campus in Oxford, have received planning approval from Oxford City Council. The development includes a new mental health hospital, world-class research facilities and a new University of Oxford graduate college. Bringing together clinical care, research and education on one site, the project aims to improve patient care and strengthen mental health and brain research, with construction potentially starting from 2028.

New position statement on inclusive and representative research data

Our BRC has published a new position statement on the use of external datasets, reinforcing its commitment to inclusive, representative and relevant research. While recognising the value of externally sourced datasets and biobanks in advancing health research, the statement highlights the limitations of some widely used datasets and encourages researchers to critically consider issues of inclusion and representativeness when using external data sources.

New Oxford Centre for Women’s Mental Health established

The University of Oxford is launching the Oxford Centre for Women’s Mental Health, bringing together expertise from medicine, biological sciences, social sciences and humanities to address a major gap in women’s mental health research. Led by a newly created position of Professor of Women’s Mental Health, the centre aims to improve understanding, prevention, treatment and care, helping to shape policy and practice nationally and internationally.

AI tool reveals hidden organ damage caused by high blood pressure

Researchers at the University of Oxford have developed an AI tool that could help identify how high blood pressure affects different organs in different people. Using imaging and clinical data from more than 32,000 participants, the team identified distinct patterns of hypertension-related damage and developed a ‘HyperScore’ to assess risk. The findings could support earlier intervention and more personalised treatment approaches in the future.

News