Recently, the Oxford Health Biomedical Research Centre (OH BRC) held its Mid-Term Review in Oxford with our International Advisory Board members, who play a crucial role at OH BRC.
The objective of the event was to evaluate OH BRC’s progress, identify any challenges and suggest contingencies, to ensure the BRC’s objectives are being met. It offered the opportunity to take stock of activities to date, celebrate successes and identify priorities for the second half of the funding cycle.
The event, was a resounding success, highlighting the diverse array of impactful work being undertaken by OH BRC research Themes, alongside presentations from the core activities of Health Economics, Academic Career Development, Patient and Public Involvement Engagement and Participation (PPIEP), Equality Diversity and Inclusion (EDI), and Business Development.
The day began with an introduction from OH BRC Director Professor Rachel Upthegrove (MBE, MBBS, FRCPsych, PhD) who told us:
“It was a fantastic event, showcasing work across the BRC’s full breadth and reach. Theme presentations provided a unique spotlight on the research work and achievements to date. Objectives for the second half of our BRC are ambitious, impacting patient care as reflected in our discussions across the full pipeline. The interaction with the International Advisory Board provided valuable insights and guidance. Much work has been done and there is much to do, with tremendous energy and drive from all colleagues, I look forward to working with all the BRC academics and partners to deliver the second half of our BRC.”
The International Advisory Board (IAB) plays a crucial role in guiding the scientific direction of OH BRC, essentially acting as critical friends to the Director. It is made up of senior international experts, meets annually and reports to the BRC Management Committee, offering advice to the BRC Director when required. IAB inputs ensure that research conducted aligns with global standards and embraces key scientific and methodological challenges, particularly helping to ensure emerging research areas are not forgotten. The IAB is instrumental in shaping the BRC’s research priorities and fostering collaborations with other leading research institutions worldwide.
The distinguished board members in attendance included:
- Professor Trevor Young – University of Toronto
- Professor Stephen Lawrie – University of Edinburgh
- Professor Marion Leboyer – Paris, France
- Professor Andrew McIntosh – University of Edinburgh
Two IAB members were unable to attend in person but contributed to the pre-meeting discussion and provided detailed written feedback
- Professor Judit Simons – Medical University of Vienna
- Professor Simon Lovestone – Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, Belgium
IAB board member Professor Andrew McIntosh shared his reflections of the event:
“It is inspiring to see all of the cutting edge clinical research going on within the Oxford Health BRC. This is clearly a highly vibrant, productive and collaborative research community working towards better brain health for the many patients affected by, or at risk of, mental illness”
Email OH BRC with any enquiries: ohbrcenquiries@oxfordhealth.nhs.uk
