Number 1 for the 15th consecutive year
22 January 2026
The University of Oxford has been ranked first in the world by Times Higher Education (THE) Subject Rankings for Medicine and Health, making it the 15th consecutive year for Oxford to lead in the medical sciences.
Oxford launches AI Cancer Scientist to accelerate cancer vaccine discovery
20 January 2026
The University of Oxford has launched the AI Cancer Scientist, a first-of-its-kind research project exploring whether a closed loop system using artificial intelligence and automation can significantly speed up the early stages of cancer vaccine discovery, supported by funding from the Advanced Research and Invention Agency (ARIA).
Study suggests blood pressure care after giving birth could protect brain health
19 January 2026
Women who develop high blood pressure during pregnancy may be able to protect their long term brain health through better blood pressure management soon after giving birth, according to a new study by Oxford researchers.
New study highlights global impact of Oxford’s graduate global surgery course
15 January 2026
Oxford University Global Surgery Group has published a new paper in Global Surgical Education (Springer Nature), showcasing the impact and global reach of its Global Surgery Short Course. Titled ‘Perspectives and impact of a graduate global surgery course’, the paper offers valuable insights into the course’s role in shaping careers and advancing surgical care worldwide.
What determines the fate of a T cell?
14 January 2026
Research led by Dr Mariana Borsa at the Kennedy Institute has found that a cellular housekeeping mechanism called autophagy plays a major role in ensuring that T cells generate diverse progenies upon cell division. The findings, published in Nature Cell Biology, could help boost vaccine response in older adults.
Oxford licenses Rift Valley fever vaccine candidate amid West Africa outbreak
13 January 2026
The University of Oxford has licensed an investigational Rift Valley fever vaccine candidate to the Serum Institute of India (SII) as outbreaks of the disease continue in parts of West Africa.
New animation explains 5 principles of good sleep health
13 January 2026
A short animation based on research by Professor Colin Espie, explores how ‘better sleep’ can fundamentally improve our health and wellbeing
Night-time changes in metabolism may be driving common liver disease
12 January 2026
Researchers at the University of Oxford have discovered that the most common liver disease follows a strong day-night pattern, and the metabolic changes that drive the disease are most pronounced overnight, when the body is least able to process sugar and fat.
Student story: From refugee camps to Oxford
12 January 2026
Sami Barkal is a 5th year medical student at Oxford's Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology and is a visiting student from Witten/Herdecke University in Germany. In this student story, Sami details his journey from his home of Syria to Germany as a refugee, to where he is today studying for his medical degree.
NIHR Oxford Senior Research Fellows named
9 January 2026
Several Medical Sciences mid-career researchers identified as having the potential to become future translational research leaders have been appointed as the next cohort of NIHR Oxford Senior Research Fellows.
Honorary degree recipients for the Chancellor’s ceremony announced
8 January 2026
The Chancellor will honour distinguished individuals at the Sheldonian Theatre in February.
Stopping weight-loss drugs linked to faster regain than ending diet programmes finds new review
8 January 2026
People tend to regain weight rapidly after stopping weight-loss drugs – and faster than after ending behavioural weight loss programmes – according to a new systematic review and meta-analysis from department researchers published in The BMJ today.
Maternal death rates in the UK 20% higher in 2022-24 than 2009-11
8 January 2026
The latest set of data presented by the Mothers and Babies: Reducing Risk through Audits and Confidential Enquiries across the UK (MBRRACE-UK) Collaboration investigation into maternal deaths in the UK shows that the mortality rate for women who died during or soon after pregnancy between 2022 and 2024 was 20% higher than the maternal death rate between 2009 and 2011, when the UK government set an ambition to halve the rate of maternal deaths in England by 2025.
2025 Highlights: Head of Department
6 January 2026
Professor Belinda Lennox reflects on the past year in the Department of Psychiatry.
Primary Care Medical Education team awarded Beacon Site Status
6 January 2026
The Primary Care Medical Education team within the Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences has received international recognition for its leadership in sustainable medical education, achieving Sustainable Quality Improvement Beacon Site Status from the Centre for Sustainable Healthcare.
Oxford recruits first participant in Europe for heart inflammation treatment study
6 January 2026
FORTIFY is an international clinical trial to test a potential treatment for people with coronary inflammation. The first patient in Europe has been recruited by the team at the Acute Multidisciplinary Imaging and Interventional Centre (AMIIC). AMIIC is a state-of-the art facility in the Radcliffe Department of Medicine linking interventional, non-invasive imaging and artificial intelligence/big data capabilities.
New Year Honours 2026
5 January 2026
The King’s New Year Honours 2026 have been announced, marking the achievements and service of extraordinary people across the UK, including members of the University of Oxford.
Oxford researchers introduce a new biomarker of intravascular haemolysis and a rapid, urine-based test for accessible diagnostics
5 January 2026
Working with Camtech Innovations, the licensee of Oxford’s technology, researchers in the Department of Physiology, Anatomy & Genetics (DPAG) have developed and tested a lateral flow device for detecting the biomarker.
New study estimates NHS England spends 3% of its primary and secondary care budget on the health impacts of temperature
24 December 2025
A new University of Oxford-led study, published in The Lancet Planetary Health, is the first to link daily temperature data to health-care use and costs across primary and secondary care in England. Analysis of 4.37 million patient records in England has found resources asymmetrically impacted by winter cold and summer heat, with about 64% linked to common cold days while very hot days drive sharp same-day demand surges.
What is super flu? And other questions answered
18 December 2025
The NHS is facing severe pressure this winter as flu cases surge earlier than usual, with some calling it “super flu”. Here’s what you need to know about this year’s flu season and how to protect yourself.