Building Better Vaccines: Dr Thitinan Kitisin Explores Tonsil Organoids Models in Thailand
Years of groundwork have led Assistant Professor Dr Thitinan Kitisin to his first major step: leading an advanced vaccine research project in Thailand. With support from MODRA, he’s now developing one of the first tonsil organoid models in the country, a small but important step toward improving how vaccines are tested. Along the way, he’s also passing on practical research skills to the next generation of Thai scientists.
Dr Sulochana Manandhar: Tackling newborn infection risks in Nepal
At OUCRU Nepal, microbiologist Sulochana Manandhar spent much of her early career at the lab bench, examining bacteria, fine-tuning methods, and chasing answers to scientific questions. Now, with support from the MODRA programme, she’s leading her first hospital-based study, bringing new attention to neonatal health risks in Nepal.
Dr Duong Thi Hue Kien: From post-PhD uncertainty to leading international research
Finding My Path After PhD “After finishing my PhD, I felt isolated and uncertain about the future,” recalls Dr Kien. For four years, her research was focused entirely on understanding how the Dengue virus evolves inside mosquitoes. “When that chapter ended, stepping into the broader scientific community felt overwhelming.” Adding to the challenges, Dr Kien […]
Breaking Barriers: Celebrating the International Day of Women and Girls in Science
The International Day of Women and Girls in Science, observed on February 11, serves as a reminder of the gender disparities that persist in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields.
OUCRU workshop bridges research and clinical practice on Pneumococcal infections
On November 22, 2024, the Zoonoses research group at OUCRU, in collaboration with Children’s Hospital 2, Ho Chi Minh City, successfully organised a scientific workshop: “Community-acquired pneumonia: Update on pneumococcal infection with vaccines, drug resistance and multiple infections”.
The workshop attracted nearly 70 experts, including doctors, nurses, medical students, and technicians.
Improving antibiotic stewardship in resource-limited areas: A success story from Phu Tho, Vietnam
OUCRU and the Phu Tho Department of Health have partnered to improve antibiotic stewardship and microbiology capabilities in underserved districts of the province. A recent semi-final meeting was held to review the project’s progress and celebrate its achievements.
MODRA Workshop 2: Putting research ideas into action
The MORU-OUCRU Discovery Research Academy (MODRA) Workshop 2 was recently held in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
OUCRU hosts BactiVac Network Meeting to drive global vaccine development
The 5th Annual BactiVac Network Meeting, co-hosted by the Oxford University Clinical Research Unit (OUCRU) and the Bacterial Vaccines Network, took place from 4-7 November 2024 in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
Researcher Explores End-of-Life Care in Vietnam
Luu Phuoc An, a PhD student at OUCRU, is dedicated to improving end-of-life care in Vietnam. Her research explores the complex cultural, emotional, and medical aspects of death and dying in hospital settings.
MODRA Workshop 1: Empowering early-career scientists to secure competitive research grants
The MORU-OUCRU Discovery Research Academy (MODRA) recently concluded its inaugural workshop in Bangkok. This intensive five-day programme equipped 15 promising postdoctoral researchers with the skills required to complete a high-quality seed proposal.
Tuberculosis in Ho Chi Minh City: Who’s at Risk?
A recent study identified key factors contributing to the tuberculosis burden in Ho Chi Minh City. It was conducted by researchers from the University of Oxford, the Oxford University Clinical Research Unit in Vietnam (OUCRU), and Pham Ngoc Thach Hospital.
The MORU – OUCRU Discovery Research Academy Announces its First Cohort
The MORU – OUCRU Discovery Research Academy (MODRA) is thrilled to announce the selection of its first cohort of the programme.
OUCRU Hosts “Agent-based Modelling (ABM) with GAMA” Course: Potential Application in Health Sciences
In June 2024, OUCRU organised a training course “Agent-based Modelling (ABM) with GAMA” in Ho Chi Minh City. Participants from multiple countries explored the practical application of ABM in health science through theoretical lectures, practical sections, and collaborative group projects.
New Study: Existing Interventions Proven Effective to Reduce Burden of Antimicrobial Resistance in Low-Income and Middle-Income Countries
In a new study published in The Lancet, a team of international researchers has highlighted the urgent need for action to address the growing threat of antibiotic resistance.
RECOVERY Meeting Drives Global Collaboration for Future Research
The RECOVERY International Collaborators’ Meeting, held from 16-18 April 2024 in Kathmandu, Nepal, marked a significant step forward in global health collaboration.
OUCRU 2024 Prize Studentship
Congratulations to the recipients of this year’s OUCRU-SOVICO Prize Studentships! These excellent candidates will join the OUCRU PhD family and enrol at the University of Oxford’s Nuffield Department of Medicine. Dr Tran Bang Huyen, supervised by Assoc Prof Sophie Yacoub, Head of Dengue Group at OUCRU. Ms Nguyen Pham Nhu Quynh, supervised by Dr Pham […]
Wellcome Trust’s New CEO Visits OUCRU in Indonesia and Vietnam: Strengthening a Decades-long Partnership in Health Research
The recently appointed CEO of the Wellcome Trust, Dr John-Arne Røttingen, visited OUCRU in Indonesia and Vietnam, reinforcing a long-standing partnership between the UK-based foundation and OUCRU.
2023 Three-Minute Thesis and MORU-OUCRU Student Conference
MORU and OUCRU unite annually to enhance postgraduate learning, improving academic ecosystems, fostering student-supervisor connections, excelling in mentorship, and championing effective science communication. Building on the success of previous years, we have once again organised the highly anticipated Three-Minute Thesis competition and the impactful MORU-OUCRU Student Conference.
OUCRU Tuberculosis Group Reported at the “Congress of Vietnam respiratory society – French-Vietnamese Association of Pulmonology 2023”
Out of the 30 presentations delivered at the Research Report Session of the congress, OUCRU team was awarded the first prize for the presentation of Dr Dang Thi Thanh Thao, and the second prize for Dr Nguyen Hoang Van.
New Study: Adjunctive Dexamethasone for Tuberculous Meningitis in HIV-Positive Adults
VIETNAM, HO CHI MINH CITY – On 12 October 2023, the results of the ACT HIV trial – Adjunctive Dexamethasone for Tuberculous Meningitis in HIV-positive Adults – were published in the New England Journal of Medicine. Tuberculosis, caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis, kills around 1.5 million people each year. Tuberculous meningitis is the most […]