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Logos for studies and groups: our guidance

In short:

  • Research groups, themes and units should not create their own logos. Your logo is the Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences (NDPCHS) logo.
  • Individual studies may have a study-specific logo where it helps participants and external audiences recognise study materials quickly.

Why this matters

  • One department, one story. Multiple group logos fragment recognition and dilute the department’s reputation at a time when we need a coherent external narrative about our work and strategy.
  • Brand consistency. University branding exists so our communications look and read consistently; the University Style Guide explicitly aims for consistent presentation across all communications as part of the branding toolkit.
  • Accessibility and clarity. Consistent visuals and house style make content easier to scan and understand across channels.
  • Good use of funds. Commissioning separate group logos adds cost, creates duplication, and introduces approval and usage risks.

Why studies are different

Study identities can be useful because they are time-bound, audience-specific (often patient/participant facing), and sit alongside sponsor/NHS partner branding.

A simple, distinctive study mark can help participants spot official materials at a glance without undermining the department’s identity.

You can download this document for further guidance on producing study logos.

What’s allowed (and what isn’t)

  • Groups/themes/units:
    • Not permitted: bespoke group logos or symbols.
    • Do instead: use the approved department logo with a clear typeset group name (“lock-up”) and our templates for slides, posters, reports and social graphics.
  • Studies/trials:
    • Permitted with comms approval: a simple study logo, designed to work with, not instead of, the Oxford/NDPCHS logo; follow accessibility and file-format standards; supply alt text.
  • Exceptions:
    • Large, formally constituted centres or institutes hosted by the department may have their own logos. These are rare and require case-by-case approval and alignment with University branding rules.


If in doubt, please email: communications@phc.ox.ac.uk.