At Oxford Health, we understand the impact that mental ill health has on patients, their families and carers. That’s why our research organisations are working together to transform evidence into meaningful change for patients, families and communities.

Across our research organisations, the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Oxford Health Biomedical Research Centre (OH BRC), the NIHR Mental Health Translational Research Collaboration (MH-TRC) Mission, and the NIHR Oxford Health Clinical Research Facility (OH CRF), we are translating discoveries into new treatments, diagnostics and technologies. Our work spans a number of Themes, from better sleep to digital therapies, dementia to depression and more, with a shared ambition: to accelerate breakthroughs into clinical practice and improve the lives of patients and people who may be facing mental ill health.

Recent impact stories show this ambition in action. The Early Intervention Mission is aiming to improve early identification, monitoring, and personalised care for people with a first episode of psychosis. In dementia research, the Read-Out study combining blood biomarkers with other diagnostic metrics is enhancing earlier detection of Alzheimer’s Disease. Meanwhile, digital therapies for PTSD, psychosis and social anxiety developed by Oxford researchers are being implemented across NHS services.

Our commitment to children and young people is equally strong. The AnDY Research Clinic is accelerating psychological interventions for anxiety and depression, while the WISDOM Schools Network has partnered with over 1,000 schools to improve mental health support nationwide.

Oxford Health’s dedication goes beyond research delivery, it’s about inclusion, co-design and  relevance, evidenced with the Oxford Brain Health Clinic’s impressive rate of over 90% of those attending the clinic consenting to taking part in research, including data sharing, additional assessments, and future study invitations.  Getting involved in research across our organisations has never been easier.

Dr Batty

Head of R&D at OHFT Dr Martin Batty comments: “Mental health research is not just about understanding illness, it’s about creating solutions that reach people when they need them most. At Oxford Health, we’re committed to turning scientific insight into practical care, whether that’s through digital therapies, early diagnostics, or co-designed interventions. Our ambition is to lead research that doesn’t just inform policy, it transforms lives.”

Mental health research matters because it changes lives. It helps us understand distress, develop better treatments, and create systems of care and potential treatments that are compassionate, effective and inclusive. As we mark World Mental Health Day, we celebrate the researchers, clinicians, patients and partners who make this possible. Together, we’re reshaping the future of mental health care.

Email our research team: research@oxfordhealth.nhs.uk