BRCs bring together academics and clinicians to translate scientific breakthroughs into potential new treatments, diagnostics and medical technologies that benefit NHS patients. The Oxford BRC – whose research covers a range of health themes including cancer, genomics, vaccines, diabetes, cardiovascular medicine and microbiology – was one of the five original BRCs created in 2007 and has just celebrated its 15th anniversary.
Cancer-related research features in 9 out of 15 of the Oxford BRC’s research themes, including a dedicated Cancer Theme led by Professors Xin Lu (Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research) and Tim Elliott (Nuffield Department of Medicine) aiming to improve patient outcomes through early detection and earlier intervention with immunotherapy.
In total, the NIHR has awarded nearly £800 million to 20 Biomedical Research Centres across England, following an open and competitive process judged by international experts and members of the public.