New study maps immune cells fuelling harmful inflammation in tuberculous meningitis
Tuberculous meningitis harms not only through infection, but also through the body’s own overactive immune response. Using single-cell RNA sequencing, OUCRU scientists have identified specific immune cells in the brain that may be driving this harmful inflammation. Their study established a cutting-edge cellular method to identify new therapeutic targets for host-directed therapy, aimed at improving survival and reducing immune-mediated brain injury in TBM patients.
OUCRU scientists awarded professorship by University of Oxford
Three senior researchers at OUCRU Vietnam, Lê Văn Tấn, C. Louise Thwaites, and Timothy Walker, have been conferred the title of full Professor by the University of Oxford. This recognition reflects their exceptional contributions to global health research and their leadership within OUCRU and beyond.
What I learned as a UK clinical intern at OUCRU Vietnam: infectious diseases and the realities of vaccine inequality
Hello, I’m Nandita Shenolikar and I am a final-year medical student from the UK. If you’ve been around OUCRU Ho Chi Minh City in the last few months, you’ve probably seen me and some other British medical students in the building.
Policy in action: A Princeton student’s internship at OUCRU Vietnam
Hello! My name is Alayshja Bable and I am a rising senior at Princeton University. This summer, I joined OUCRU Vietnam’s Policy Engagement team in Ho Chi Minh City, where I explored how health research connects with people and policy on the ground.
15 emerging Asian global health researchers selected to join MODRA
The MORU – OUCRU Discovery Research Academy (MODRA) announces its 2025 cohort of emerging researchers in global health and infectious diseases.
EQUIPSEA
WHO delegation visits OUCRU to strengthen collaboration on infectious disease research and surveillance
Oxford University Clinical Research Unit (OUCRU) and the Hospital for Tropical Diseases (HTD) in Ho Chi Minh City recently welcomed a delegation from the World Health Organisation (WHO) as part of efforts to strengthen technical collaboration in infectious disease preparedness and response.
Dr Ho Quang Chanh appointed Head of Dengue Research Group at OUCRU
We are pleased to announce the appointment of Dr Ho Quang Chanh as the new Head of the Dengue Research Group at the Oxford University Clinical Research Unit.
AI and big data in clinical care for infectious diseases in Vietnam
Oxford University Clinical Research Unit (OUCRU) and the Hospital for Tropical Diseases in Ho Chi Minh City recently hosted a scientific conference titled “Applying Artificial Intelligence and Big Data in Clinical Practice for Infectious Diseases.”
OUCRU and partners chart a “Roadmap to the Future of Clinical Trials in Vietnam”
OUCRU, Pharma Group, and KPMG have jointly launched the “Roadmap to the Future of Clinical Trials in Vietnam” report.
Celebrating OUCRU’s PhD graduates and welcoming new scholars
Each year, OUCRU celebrates the achievements of its PhD graduates and welcomes a new cohort of scholars embarking on impactful research in infectious diseases and public health.
Innovative study identifies more effective and affordable treatment strategies for Hepatitis C
The Oxford University Clinical Research Unit (OUCRU) announced promising results from the VIETNARMS trial, a years-long multi-arm clinical trial conducted in Vietnam. The results offer important insights into new treatment regimens for Hepatitis C, potentially reducing treatment durations and halving treatment costs.
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.