Overview
The Oxford Health Clinical Research Facility (OH CRF) was established in 2011. It is a dedicated centre for improving mental and cognitive health treatments through clinical research.
In 2021, the OH CRF was awarded over £4 million by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). This significant investment highlights the critical role the OH CRF plays in advancing mental healthcare.
The OH CRF collaborates closely with patients, universities, and the NHS to ensure their research directly benefits those who need it most.
For researchers
- The NIHR OH CRF is the sole NIHR funded CRF dedicated to early-phase experimental medicine in mental and cognitive health.
- We deliver patient-orientated commercial and non-commercial studies, with healthy volunteers and patient cohorts.
- We specialise in dementia, depression, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, and we are always keen to expand our reach into new patient groups.
- The OH CRF has a dedicated study set up team to help navigate R&D governance, finance, IT and laboratory set up, and the delivery service.
- Since 2011 we have developed a flexible and integrated neuroscience service that supports the delivery of early phase experimental medicine research studies.
Excellent
Collaborative Spirit
Being hosted by Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, and partnering with leading institutions like Oxford University, Oxford Brookes University and Oxford University Hospitals allows us to share knowledge and accelerate progress. We collaborate with pharmaceutical companies to explore new medications for areas like treatment-resistant depression and early psychosis.
Real-World Impact
Our work extends beyond mental and cognitive health. During the pandemic, we quickly adapted to contribute to crucial COVID-19 vaccine trials, demonstrating our commitment to public health. We recognise the importance of diversity in research, and we collaborate to ensure our work is relevant and accessible.
Cutting-Edge Research
We explore innovative approaches, like using sleep monitoring technology to understand mental health conditions.
Safe
Patient-Centred
The highly trained team prioritises participant safety and well-being, and ensures participants are well cared for and kept informed throughout their research journey.
Caring
Public and Patient Involvement
We value the experiences and perspectives of patients and the public, to ensure our research addresses real-world needs. Our ENGAGE group (patient and public involvement group) ensures we always include a public voice in our research.
Why is CRF funding important?
Professor Andrea Cipriani
Director of the Oxford OH CRF
“We are delighted to have been awarded this prestigious funding by the NIHR, for a second time, which will enable us to continue to deliver innovative early phase clinical research over the next five years. It is crucial to have dedicated space and dedicated staff for mental health.”
Dr Nick Broughton
Former CEO Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust (Interim CEO of BOB ICB )
“It is a great credit to the achievements of the Oxford Health CRF to receive this significant new funding from NIHR. Research is a key strategic priority for Oxford Health and we are proud to host the CRF and to support its delivery of early translational and experimental medicine research”.
Professor Lucy Chappell
CEO of the NIHR
“NIHR’s CRFs scheme has been a key force in translational research across England, helping to position the nation as internationally competitive in early-stage clinical research. This new funding, a 43% increase [nationally], will allow the CRFs to continue to drive forward innovation in experimental medicine and support translation of exciting discoveries into new treatments for patients.”
Lord Syed Kamall
Minister for Innovation
“Funding more CRFs across the country means we can continue to build on this innovation to transform our health service and ensure the NHS is able to deliver world-class care … I am committed to ensuring the UK remains a world leader in diverse, ground-breaking research.”