How Oxford Medical Sciences is fighting Coronavirus
Researchers from across the Medical Sciences Division are working hard to combat the COVID-19 crises. With particular strengths in infectious diseases and international health, we are well placed to contribute to better understanding and effectively controlling the epidemic. We have a long history of responding to crises, in the UK and around the world and are leaders in emergency vaccine development. During the 2014 Ebola outbreak, our scientists performed the world’s first human Ebola vaccine studies, starting them before any other university or company. Our researchers, in collaboration with partners across the globe, are working to develop an effective vaccine and drugs to target this virus, and have already introduced innovative public health measures and collaborative online tools that are being used in hospitals here and abroad.
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Coronavirus-related news from across the Medical Sciences Division
HCQ with antibiotics to treat COVID-19 could be dangerous for the heart
27 May 2020
Researchers from the Department of Physiology, Anatomy & Genetics (DPAG) have collaborated on an international study that demonstrates a detailed mechanistic understanding of how the anti-malaria drug, Hydroxychloroquine, combined with antibiotics, can cause adverse cardiac side-effects in COVID-19 patients. This gives weight to US Federal advice against using this combined treatment.
The UK prepares for national launch of COVID-19 digital contact tracing app with the help of Oxford Scientists
26 May 2020
The UK’s National Health Service (NHS) is finalising the release of a contact tracing app designed to slow the rate of infection for COVID-19. The tracing app, developed by the digital unit NHSx, is based on the evidence provided by a team of Oxford epidemiologists, mathematical modellers and ethicists in the Nuffield Department of Medicine, based at the Big Data Institute.
How has COVID-19 Impacted on People's Vulnerability to Mental Illness and Depression?
26 May 2020
The Oxford University COSIE study (COvid-19, Social Isolation and Emotion) is an online study which asked people about their experiences during the coronavirus lockdown in late April 2020, while also using objective tests of psychological function to measure vulnerability to mental illness such as depression.
Conspiracy beliefs reduces the following of government coronavirus guidance
22 May 2020
A new study from the University of Oxford shows that people who hold coronavirus conspiracy beliefs are less likely to comply with social distancing guidelines or take-up future vaccines.
Oxford COVID-19 vaccine to begin phase II/III human trials
22 May 2020
University of Oxford researchers have begun recruiting for the next phase in human trials of a COVID-19 vaccine in human volunteers.
High COVID-19 mortality rates among those with liver disease, study finds
21 May 2020
A new international study has found high mortality rates from COVID-19 among people with chronic liver disease and cirrhosis.
Oxford leads on UK trial sites testing potential COVID-19 preventatives
21 May 2020
The Diabetes Trial Unit (DTU) in the Radcliffe Department of Medicine is managing the UK sites for a global study testing if either chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine can prevent COVID-19 in vital frontline healthcare workers.
New Oxford Sparks podcast launched: How tricky is it to make a COVID-19 tracing app?
20 May 2020
In this episode of the Big Questions podcast, Dr Grant Blank (Oxford Internet Institute) gives his thoughts on how tricky it is to make a COVID-19 tracing app.
How to set up a trial in nine days
20 May 2020
Find out how other parts of the University are tackling COVID-19
Researchers across the University of Oxford are at the forefront of global efforts to understand COVID-19 and protect our communities.
Support our Research
Find out how to support Oxford's coronavirus work across a number of key research areas.