NDPCHS hosts first Annual Showcase and Lecture at the Oxford Union

The event opened with a showcase highlighting the breadth of world-leading research, education and innovation across the Department. Colleagues presented posters, stalls and demonstrations spanning a wide range of work from research on weight regain following GLP-1 medication and global health initiatives, to rapid diagnostic tools for urinary tract infections, early detection of heart failure, and the Department’s undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.  

Proceedings then moved to the Union’s historic Debating Chamber, where Professor Sir Aziz Sheikh, OBE, Head of Department, welcomed guests. He reflected on the Department’s development and recent achievements, including the designation of two WHO Collaborating Centres and a major philanthropic gift from Fondation Docteur Sadok Besrour. He also outlined the Department’s ambitious 2025–2030 strategy, Improving health, transforming lives, which sets out a vision for strengthening primary health care - locally, nationally and globally.  

Speaking of the Department’s new strategy, Professor Sheikh said:
‘We want primary health care to be at the centre of health systems, not only in the UK but globally. That is what we’re driving to do; that is our vision. And that needs to be based on robust evidence. Our mission is based around absolutely robust research, innovation and our outstanding teaching.’  

Short presentations from Professor Trish Greenhalgh, Professor Ly-Mee Yu, Professor Chris Griffiths and Professor Anthony Harnden showcased research addressing some of the most pressing challenges facing health systems today: from delivering high-quality remote care, to advancing platform trials, understanding the health impacts of air pollution, and strengthening pharmacovigilance.  

Professor Irene Tracey, CBE, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Oxford, then introduced Lord Vallance. In her remarks, she highlighted the significance of the Oxford–Cambridge Growth Corridor and the responsibility of universities to ensure that research and innovation deliver benefits beyond academia: into the NHS, into communities across the UK, and into health systems globally.  

Speaking of the work of the Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences and the Showcase and Lecture, Professor Tracey said: 
‘This is Oxford at its best. Academically superb, of course, but also always anchored, particularly in a department like this, into the realities and the pressures of the people that we are here to serve.’  

In his keynote lecture, Science for Health and Wealth, Lord Vallance explored the relationship between health and economic prosperity. He highlighted how innovation within the NHS can both improve patient outcomes and drive economic growth, and discussed the role of the UK’s life sciences sector, alongside national strategies such as the NHS 10-year plan and the Life Sciences Sector Plan.

Closing remarks were delivered by Lord Hague, Chancellor of the University of Oxford, who commented:
'[Listening to the excellent research talks today] demonstrated how research connects to real world challenges and that academic departments such as this are vital in ensuring that such work is thoughtful, rigorous and scalable. Prosperity can't be secured by short term measures alone, it rests on institutions, credibility, knowledge and a willingness to invest in the long term.' who reflected on the Department’s strategic ambitions and its role in contributing to the wider health system and society.'  

The event was attended by guests across our Collegiate University, alumni, health and research leaders across the UK, and international guests. Conversations continued long into the evening, with guests describing the event as ‘excellent’, ‘wonderful’ and ‘a triumph’, and commenting on ‘the ambition’, ‘breadth and depth of expertise’, ‘extraordinary convening power’ and ‘joy of meeting with friends and colleagues’. As one guest summarised: ‘Lord Vallance was a brilliant speaker. He was erudite, enthusiastic and engaging.'

This reflected a wider sense of optimism and engagement shared by many at the Oxford Union.  

Reflecting on the Showcase and Lecture, Professor Sir Aziz Sheikh shared:
‘Today highlights the strength, ambition and collective commitment of our community, bringing together research, education, innovation and partnership with a shared purpose. The challenges facing health systems are significant, but so is the opportunity. By placing primary care at the heart of prevention, early intervention and long-term management, and by working in partnership across disciplines and borders, we can move beyond incremental change towards meaningful, lasting transformation in how care is delivered and experienced.'

A full recording of the lecture is available to watch on the Department’s YouTube channel.