Kennedy scientists join world-leading researchers in ‘pivotal’ study to help arthritis patients to live drug free
27 January 2026
The prospect of long-lasting drug-free remission for children and adults living with inflammatory arthritis is a step closer to becoming a reality, thanks to a new collaboration.
Rapamycin helps protect immune cells against DNA damage
26 January 2026
New research carried out by Dr Loren Kell at the Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences (NDORMS) has demonstrated for the first time that rapamycin can reduce DNA damage in immune cells, a hallmark of ageing.
Rewiring T cell co-receptors to improve the safety of cancer immunotherapy
20 January 2026
A new study from the Dushek and van der Merwe labs demonstrates a novel strategy to reduce dangerous off-target effects in engineered T cell therapies.
What determines the fate of a T cell?
20 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.
Kennedy researchers contribute to UK-wide AI and bioscience training initiative
18 December 2025
Together with a group of Oxford researchers, Mark Coles, Professor of Immunology at the Kennedy Institute, will co-lead the Enabling Next-generation AI for a Bioscience-Led Economy (ENAIBLE) initiative.
Blood test predicts risk of death in acutely ill children in lower-income countries
9 December 2025
An international study has identified a blood-based indicator of intestinal damage and inflammation that strongly predicts mortality in sick children. The new biomarker could help to identify those children at greatest risk of dying after hospitalisation in parts of the world with limited resources.
A healthier brain may reduce your risk of dementia and early death
26 November 2025
Professor Sarah Blagden shares cutting-edge precision prevention research at Oxford in new Channel 4 Documentary
21 November 2025
Over the past year, Professor Blagden has been filming for Cancer Detectives: Finding the Cures, a new three-part documentary series from Channel 4 which follows three scientists on the front lines of cancer research across the UK.
Oxford and GSK launch Experimental Medicine Collaboration
18 November 2025
GSK invests £10 million over five years to establish the Experimental Medicine Collaboration with the University of Oxford.
World’s first lung cancer prevention vaccine gets £2 million for clinical trial
17 November 2025
People at high risk of lung cancer will soon be able to receive the first-ever experimental vaccine, 'LungVax', designed to prevent the disease, in a world-first clinical trial. The LungVax vaccine carries a series of genetic instructions which train the immune system to recognise tumour antigens on the surface of abnormal lung cells.
Shaping immunity - the secrets behind the shape of neutrophils
14 November 2025
Researchers at the Kennedy Institute have provided the most comprehensive overview to date of how the distinctive segmented nucleus of neutrophils influences their function in health and disease.
Oxford researchers to redefine new human-based research models of pain
13 November 2025
Professor Tonia Vincent is part of an interdisciplinary team from Oxford University leading a major new initiative which aims to redefine human-based research models for greater understanding of disease and the acceleration of new medicines.
Oxford scientists map the cells that drive Crohn’s disease fistulas
12 November 2025
Researchers at the MRC Translational Immune Discovery Unit have identified how rare populations of abnormal cells drive the formation and persistence of fistulas - painful, tunnel-like tracts that develop in around 30% of people with Crohn’s disease - paving the way for targeted treatments.
Dr Ignacio Melero recognised for global contribution to advances in cancer immunotherapy
9 November 2025
The Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) has honoured Dr Ignacio (Nacho) Melero, Professor of Immunotherapy at NDM's Centre for Immuno-Oncology at Oxford, for his pioneering research transforming cancer treatment through immunotherapy.
Oxford scientists capture genome’s structure in unprecedented detail
5 November 2025
Radcliff Department of Medicine scientists have achieved the most detailed view yet of how DNA folds and functions inside living cells, revealing the physical structures that control when and how genes are switched on.
New Microbiome Innovation Network to drive UK Bioscience Research
5 November 2025
Researchers from the Kennedy Institute are part of a UK-wide consortium that has been awarded a £644K BBSRC Network Grant to establish the Microbiome Innovation Network (Microbiome-Net).
Oxford Oncology at ESMO 2025
27 October 2025
Members of the Department of Oncology attended ESMO earlier this month to present their research, chair sessions, and network with collaborators from across Europe and beyond. Read the highlights from our department’s contributions to ESMO 2025.
Podcast: Regulatory T cell therapy in kidney transplants
21 October 2025
A conversation with Fadi Issa about his recent article on regulatory T cell therapy in kidney transplants.
Major investment puts UK universities at the forefront of groundbreaking lymph node research
14 October 2025
Three UK universities have been granted over £1.7m by the Medical Research Council (MRC) to establish a network of lymph node research centres across the UK. The novel LEGACY IIII Network (Lymph nodE single cell Genomics AnCestrY immunity, infection, inflammation and immunisation) will be co-led by the Universities of Oxford, Cardiff and Newcastle and will establish ten specialist lymph node research centres across the country.