Researchers from the University of Surrey visited Oxford on recently for the Oxford–Surrey Neuroimaging & Sleep Research Exchange, a collaborative event designed to showcase Oxford’s neuroimaging expertise and strengthen opportunities for joint research. The visit built on Oxford researchers’ earlier trip to University of Surrey’s Sleep Research Facilities, creating space for continued dialogue and new ideas across neuroimaging, sleep and translational neuroscience.
Opening the day, our BRC Pain Theme Co Lead Professor Ben Seymour reflected on the strength of the growing partnership and the potential for future collaboration. He said: “This was a terrific opportunity to showcase our Oxford capabilities. We identified multiple potential opportunities to develop new research possibilities with the Oxford Sleep Clinic, and several of our NHS patients attended the day to meet the researchers and talk about their own lived experience. We also welcomed the Surrey team to our research laboratories in the Engineering Department, where we have built state-of-the-art facilities for studying human behaviour in naturalistic contexts.”
A keynote from Professor Nicole Tang (University of Warwick) explored the development of cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) for people with fibromyalgia, prompting discussion on interdisciplinary research opportunities. Across the day, activities spanned the Oxford Centre for Human Brain Activity (OHBA), the Oxford Institute of Biomedical Engineering (IBME) and the University of Oxford’s Department of Psychiatry, with demonstrations of OPM-MEG technology (Optically Pumped Magnetometers – Magnetoencephalography), MRI capabilities and advanced imaging approaches, alongside insights into the Brain Health Clinic.
Delegates valued the opportunity to engage directly with these facilities. One participant commented: “It was great to get a hands-on feel for the capabilities at OHBA and understand the practicalities of collecting data using the MRI suite and the OPM/MEG.” Another added: “Seeing (and experiencing) the VR set up was fun – fortunately it was not so realistic that I had nightmares from the zombies.”
In the afternoon, attention turned to patient-centred research. During an interactive diagnostic challenge led by Oxford University Hospital’s Consultant Neurologist Dr Luca Ratti, participants met individuals living with narcolepsy and Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep behaviour disorder. Reflecting on this, one attendee said: “Talking to the patients was very interesting. Their individual journeys really highlighted how little training on sleep GPs receive. Also, given that we are working on the theoretical end of modelling deep brain stimulation it was invaluable to meet someone with a Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) implant.”
Colleagues from Surrey praised both the science and the collaborative spirit of the day. University of Surrey’s Professor Simon Archer noted: “The Surrey team really enjoyed the Oxford-Surrey Neuroimaging & Sleep Research Exchange Day at the OHBA. The day highlighted the cutting-edge technology available at the OHBA and also included a really thought-provoking Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) workshop session with patients with sleep disorders who shared their lived experience with us.” Another participant reflected: “The Oxford-Surrey Neuroimaging & Sleep Research Exchange Day was a really important opportunity to strengthen collaboration between our teams. The patient-facing workshop and World Café discussion were also a highlight, as they brought the scientific and clinical aims of the collaboration back to what matters most to patients.”
With enthusiasm from both Oxford and Surrey, the exchange supports the development of continued partnership and new collaborative research opportunities.
