Cookies on this website

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you click 'Accept all cookies' we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies and you won't see this message again. If you click 'Reject all non-essential cookies' only necessary cookies providing core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility will be enabled. Click 'Find out more' for information on how to change your cookie settings.

Accept all cookies Reject all non-essential cookies Find out more

IRIHS Research Group Annual Report 2025

Highlights

  1. Strong publication output:
    We delivered 93 peer-reviewed journal articles across health services research, digital health, clinical and social science journals.
  2. Fellowships, awards and career progression:
    Team members received multiple national and international recognitions, including RCGP Research Paper of the Year (x2), GTC Nautilus Award, VC Showcase shortlist, and Innovation in Diabetes Programme prize. The team also secured high-profile fellowships (e.g. Mildred Blaxter Fellowship, OPEN Fellowship, Social Sciences Engagement Fellowship) and internal promotions, including advancement to senior research roles.
  3. Extensive keynote and dissemination activity:
    We delivered high-profile keynote lectures, policy briefings, and international conference presentations, including major events on digital health and health inequalities.
  4. Impact and engagement activity:
    The team led initiatives such as the Summer Academy for the Social Science of Health Innovation (SASHI) and stakeholder events on technology-enabled care, engaging global academic, policy, and industry audiences. Researchers contributed to national and global bodies including NHS England, NICE, WHO, and UN Population Fund, alongside appointments such as Chief Scientific Advisor roles. Strengthened collaborations with industry, policymakers, and international partners, including impactful work on digital health, health equity, and system innovation across multiple countries.

Research income

Research income to IRIHS for new research studies awarded in 2025 and other grants secured to start in 2026 included approximately £1.4 million as principal and co-investigators, including a new UKRI grant with Manchester on interdisciplinary systematic review and research theme leadership within the new NIHR Applied Research Collaboration for Thames Valley.  

nihr-applied-research_oxford_thames-valley_logo_rgb_outlined_col.png

Teaching

Our MSc in Translational Health Sciences entered its sixth year in 2025 and we have continued to expand the course with 46 students over 10 modules. We contributed to teaching across multiple Oxford MSc programmes and undergraduate education, whilst our DPhil in Translational Health Sciences is in its fourth year. The IRIHS team also contributes to several Oxford MSc programmes, with staff leading two modules on the MSc in Applied Digital Health.

Doctoral Students

Of our 35 DPhil students hosted in IRIHS during 2025, four passed their final DPhil viva.

We also supervised a further ten doctoral students based elsewhere, with three of these students having passed their final vivas.