Health Research Southampton

29/04/2026

👀 First glimpse of a pioneering new medical institute

Design images have been unveiled of a major new research and innovation facility set to be based at University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust’s Southampton General Hospital.

The images show plans for the University of Southampton’s new Institute for Medical Innovation (IMI). This £100m state-of-the-art building at will help researchers tackle some of the world’s most devastating diseases.

Professor Paul Elkington, Director of the IMI, said: “The IMI will get life-changing treatments to patients faster. We know families are waiting and, while technology is advancing at pace, medical science must keep up.”

The building aims to be fully operational by 2030. A planning application is due to be submitted later this year.

Learn more: https://research.uhs.nhs.uk/news/first-glimpse-of-pioneering-new-medical-institute

23/04/2026

Researchers have launched a new pivotal trial to protect people against potential influenza pandemics such as avian flu, also known as bird flu 💉

Bird flu is currently transmitted between affected birds and various mammals. Whilst the virus does not easily spread to humans, and transmission between people is very rare, there is a risk that the virus could adapt and become more transmissible to or between humans.

Ongoing research aims to better understand potential risks and preparedness needs. Acting quickly will be key to bringing any outbreaks under control and protecting at-risk individuals.

Prof Saul Faust, from and , said: “By launching this bird flu vaccine trial, we are strengthening the resilience of the NHS in our region, and our national and international readiness.”

The study is being delivered at various community clinics across England and Scotland.

Clare (pictured) is taking part at the Southampton Research Hub in Shirley.

For more information, visit the Be Part of Research service.

22/04/2026

The jab targets the H5N1 flu strain which has caused devastating infections in bird populations worldwide, but has yet to spread between humans.

22/04/2026

21/04/2026

Working together to grow our lung research 🫁

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a group of conditions that cause inflammation and scarring in the lungs, making it harder to breathe.

The most common form has a life expectancy of three to five years from diagnosis, with limited treatment options.

Dr Sophie Fletcher at University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust has dedicated her research career towards improving care for these patients.

However, she’s aware that she cannot do this alone.

Discover how she’s using her UHS Research Leaders Programme award to mentor and support others, as well as develop new collaborations.

“It’s all about collaborative work to find a solution,” she says.

Read more: https://research.uhs.nhs.uk/news/working-together-to-grow-our-lung-research

17/04/2026

Cancers of the upper digestive tract are inherently resistant to treatment.

Dr Luke Hill from University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust and the University of Southampton is striving to find new treatments through research 💙

These efforts could help more patients with cancers of the oesophagus, stomach and liver to survive.

Watch him explain more in just 30 seconds ⏱️

13/04/2026

What are the deeper causes of muscle loss in later life?

Researchers, including Dr Mark Burton and Dr Emma Garratt, have revealed new insights into age-related muscle loss.

They've also found potential contributors to a statin-associated side effect on muscle 👇
https://research.uhs.nhs.uk/news/deeper-causes-of-muscle-loss-in-older-people-revealed-by-research-studies

09/04/2026

🥕🍎 Can supermarket layouts help us eat more healthily?

Placing fruit and vegetables near store entrances improves sales and diet quality, new research shows.

“The food industry and the public are trapped in a ‘junk food cycle’, where unhealthy foods are cheap to make, profitable to market, appealing to eat and affordable to buy,” lead author Christina Vogel said.

“To counter this, our study shows that placing fruit and vegetables at the entrances of discount supermarkets increased fresh fruit and vegetable sales.”

Christina's research forms part of our NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre 👇
https://southamptonbrc.nihr.ac.uk/post/front-of-store-fruit-and-veg-boosts-sales-and-healthier-diets

08/04/2026

03/04/2026

Great to see Southampton's Professor Jon Swann appear on ITV Tonight, helping answer the question "Can you eat yourself happy?" 📺 🩵

Lara Lewington investigated what experts say we should really be eating to improve our mood.

Jon is part of our NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre and director of the UK Gut-Immune-Brain Axis Network+.

Watch here: https://www.itv.com/watch/tonight/1a2803/1a2803a9454

Image courtesy of University of Southampton

27/03/2026

👨‍🍼 How important is men’s health before pregnancy for the next generation?

Brilliant to see this piece in The Conversation UK by Southampton’s Keith Godfrey and Danielle Schoenaker.

They explain why the health and wellbeing of both parents before pregnancy matters for their future children. They also offer suggestions for what men can do.

“Our review makes one message clear: the health of the next generation does not begin with pregnancy – it begins much earlier, in the early lives and wellbeing of both parents.”

Read more:

Growing evidence shows that men’s health also plays a vitally important role in pregnancy and child development.

25/03/2026

Clinical Research Fellows play a vital role in the design, delivery and management of clinical studies 💙

Meet Pamela Jump from University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust. She is supporting research to prevent infectious diseases and enable better health for future generations.

In her 60-second interview, she shares why she decided to join the NIHR Southampton Clinical Research Facility and what she loves about her role.