Lord William Hague, Chancellor of the University of Oxford, visited the Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences (NDPCHS) on Thursday 24 July to hear how researchers are helping to address major health challenges in the UK and globally.
During the visit, Professor Sir Aziz Sheikh, NDPCHS Head of Department, shared the new NDPCHS strategic plan and introduced presentations from senior academics on key opportunities for research and impact. Professor Susan Jebb spoke about tackling the challenge of obesity, Professor Trudie Lang – a guest speaker from the Nuffield Department of Medicine – discussed catalysing global primary care, and Professor Ben Goldacre presented on using health data to drive innovation.
The Chancellor also heard about current pressures on space and facilities, and the Department’s ambitions for future development to support continued growth. As the world’s largest academic centre for primary care research and teaching, the Department’s work was recognised by the Chancellor as critical to the future of community-based health.
Lord Hague commented on the importance of providing evidence, knowledge and practical experience to government, and said:
'It was a real pleasure to visit the Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences and to hear about the breadth and impact of the education and research taking place. The way researchers here are using evidence and data to tackle major health challenges – from obesity to global primary care – is both impressive and critical. Supporting research that delivers practical benefits to society is one of the University’s great strengths, and this Department is a clear example of that. I look forward to supporting its ambitions for growth and global influence in the years ahead.'
Professor Sir Aziz Sheikh, said:
‘We were delighted to welcome the Chancellor, Lord Hague, and other guests, to hear first-hand about our work. The visit was a valuable opportunity to highlight the contribution of primary care research to the health of populations in the UK and globally - and to hear the thoughts and advice of Lord Hague. Aligning with the wider University is a key part of building our strategic direction and sharing our ambitious plans for expansion and global influence.’