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Research in our departments

DEPARTMENT OF BIOCHEMISTRY

Biochemistry Building© Tjitske KamphuisThe Department of Biochemistry’s research addresses a wide range of questions relating to the fundamental basis of all cellular life from man to microbes, and aims to explain the structure and function of proteins and nucleic acids in order to better understand the mechanisms of many human diseases. The department’s research themes reflect the broad areas in which they have particular strengths and interests: cell biology, development and genetics, chromosomal and RNA biology, infection and disease processes, microbiology and systems biology, and structural biology and molecular biophysics.

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NUFFIELD DEPARTMENT OF CLINICAL MEDICINE

Nuffield Department of Clinical MedicineThe Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine (NDM) is a large multi-disciplinary department that links high quality clinical research with medical application. The department’s research spans a number of disciplines including: cellular and molecular physiology, structural biology, structural genomics, human genomics, cancer research, experimental medicine, vaccine development, clinical biomanufacturing, epidemiology, clinical trials, and tropical medicine and global health. As well as its Oxford based sub-units, the department operates major research programmes in numerous sites across Asia and Africa. 

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NUFFIELD DEPARTMENT OF CLINICAL NEUROSCIENCES

Nuffield Department of Clinical NeurosciencesScientists and health professionals work together in the Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences (NDCN) to understand how the brain works and develop treatments that directly benefit patients. The department’s research focusses around five areas: neuroimaging, ophthalmology, anaesthetics, neurology, and stroke and dementia. Many of the department’s staff are embedded in clinical units, enabling them to share facilities, expertise, and knowledge, and realise their goal of applying learning to clinical practice.

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DEPARTMENT OF EXPERIMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY 

Experimental Psychology logoResearch in the Department of Experimental Psychology aims to understand the psychological and neural mechanisms relevant to human behaviour, and, where appropriate, translate their findings into evidence-based public benefits in mental health and wellbeing, education, industry, and policy. The department’s key areas of research include: behavioural neuroscience, cognitive neuroscience, developmental psychology, social psychology and psychological disorders. The department has excellent links with a wide variety of special populations, such as older people, mothers and babies, schools, and patients with psychological problems.

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RADCLIFFE DEPARTMENT OF MEDICINE 

Radcliffe Department of Medicine LogoThe Radcliffe Department of Medicine (RDM) is a large, multi-disciplinary department, which aims to tackle some of the world’s biggest health challenges by integrating innovative basic biology with cutting edge clinical research. By ensuring constant dialogue between basic and clinical research, the department aims to improve understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of disease for patient benefit. The department’s research programmes includes; cardiovascular sciences, diabetes and endocrinology, immunology, haematology and pathology.  

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DEPARTMENT OF ONCOLOGY

Scan showing tumour

The Department of Oncology aims to increase cancer cure rates through its programmes of basic, translational and clinical cancer research. It has significant research interests in the response to DNA damage; the tumour microenvironment; tumour metabolism; and immunology and immunotherapy. It is home to the UK’s institute for radiation biology and a large clinical trials unit and has a strong focus on the rapid translation of fundamental research into clinical trials for patient benefit.

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NUFFIELD DEPARTMENT OF ORTHOPAEDICS, RHEUMATOLOGY AND MUSCULOSKELETAL SCIENCES 

NDORMS logo

The Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences (NDORMS) undertakes research in musculoskeletal and inflammatory conditions to deliver new treatments, which improve people's lives. The department’s research areas cover: Immunity and Microbiome, Inflammation Biology, Oncological Conditions, Orthopaedics and Trauma, Rehabilitation and Self-Management, as well as Statistics and Epidemiology. Researchers work alongside clinicians, substantially improving research capability, access to patients, and facilitating interaction between clinicians and scientists, which is essential for successful translational research.

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DEPARTMENT OF PAEDIATRICS 

Department of PaediatricsThe Department of Paediatrics focuses on a wide variety of aspects of children's health research, with the aim of improving chances and quality of life for children all over the world. The department hosts programmes in: gastroenterology, haematology, HIV, immunology, neuroimaging and vaccinology. Their work spans from early proof-of-concept fundamental science all the way up to its application in clinical settings.

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siR WILLIAM DUNN SCHOOL OF PATHOLOGY

Sir William Dunn School of PathologyThe Sir William Dunn School of Pathology aims to discover the molecular and cellular mechanisms that underlie human health and disease.  Scientists at the Dunn School employ a wide range of approaches to address fundamental biological and medical issues. Research spans five main areas: cell biology, development and stem cells, genome stability and cancer, infection and immunity, and RNA and gene expression. The research in many groups spans multiple areas, leading to an interactive environment.

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DEPARTMENT OF PHARMACOLOGY

Department of Pharmacology© Dr Sarah NeweyThe Department of Pharmacology is at the forefront of research into the effects of drugs and other molecules on biological systems, with a view to understanding the mechanisms of the human body. Pre-clinical research in the department aims to examine cellular and molecular pathways in living systems as the first step towards a greater understanding of disease and effective treatment. The department’s research areas include: cardiovascular pharmacology, medicinal chemistry, neuropharmacology and signalling.

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DEPARTMENT OF PHYSIOLOGY, ANATOMY AND GENETICS

DPAG logo.pngScientists at the Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics (DPAG) undertake discovery science at molecular, cellular, tissue and systems levels of organisation. This research underpins translational medicine at the interfaces between the basic physical and life sciences and the clinical environment. The department is the hub for the Oxford Integrative Neuroscience community and is home to the Centre for Neural Circuits and Behaviour (CNCB). DPAG is a major partner in the NIHR Oxford Health Biomedical Research Centre and a leading Centre in basic cardiovascular science and metabolism. Other research strengths include development and cell biology and genomics that map onto our neuroscience and cardiac research centres.

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NUFFIELD DEPARTMENT OF POPULATION HEALTH 

Nuffield Department of Population HealthThe Nuffield Department of Population Health undertakes research and trains scientists to seek answers to some of the most important questions about the causes, prevention and treatment of disease, in order to improve health by reducing disability and premature death in both the developed and developing worlds. The department’s research involves large-scale, observational epidemiological studies, population-based randomised controlled trials and studies that span the globe.  

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NUFFIELD DEPARTMENT OF PRIMARY CARE HEALTH SCIENCES 

Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences

The Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences research covers the broad range of issues that you might expect to consult your GP about including: cardiovascular and metabolic disease, infectious diseases and childhood illness, diet, smoking and alcohol-related issues, and cancer. The department also focuses on understanding and improving the experiences of patients, using big data, developing digital health interventions, working internationally, and studies of health policy and systems. Additionally, researchers in the department have methodological expertise in clinical decision making and diagnostics, clinical epidemiology, medical statistics, modelling, and qualitative research. 

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DEPARTMENT OF PSYCHIATRY 

Department of PsychiatryThe Department of Psychiatry aims to deliver major benefits for people with mental and cognitive health problems – including primary prevention. The department uses clinical and patient observation and experience to motivate and direct basic research, where it is likely to help real life problems. The department has built expertise and extensive networks in a variety of research fields including; adult disorders, ageing and dementia, child and adolescent psychiatry, epidemiology, ethics and society, experimental medicine, neuroimaging, psychological medicine, and psychological therapies. They are a major partner in the NIHR Oxford Health Biomedical Research Centre.

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NUFFIELD DEPARTMENT OF SURGICAL SCIENCES 

Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences logoThe Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences undertakes research that has the potential to improve the quality of life for generations to come, and ultimately save lives. The department’s research includes: a long-established immunology, tolerance and transplantation biology group; well-established groups in bone cancer biology, islet-cell isolation and transplantation; cardiovascular, interventional radiology and functional neurosurgical groups; and high intensity focused ultrasound and urological oncology. 

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NUFFIELD DEPARTMENT OF WOMEN'S & REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH 

Nuffield Department of Obstetrics and GynaecologyThe Nuffield Department of Women's & Reproductive Health encompasses multi-disciplinary research across the full spectrum of women’s health. The department’s research covers four overarching themes; cancer, global health, maternal and fetal health, and reproductive medicine and genetics. They focus on genetic studies, the dissection of molecular, biochemical and cellular mechanisms underlying normal and aberrant reproductive tissue function, clinical studies in women’s health and pregnancy and growth and development across the first 1000 days of life. 

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