The NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) is improving people's health and resilience throughout life.

This week, researchers and partners from across the region gathered at St Mary’s Stadium for the biggest BRC event of the year.

Over 500 people signed up to hear how researchers are advancing experimental medicine from ‘Discovery to Impact’.

The programme featured presentations from each BRC theme and valuable networking opportunities. For the first time, attendees could also explore technologies being pioneered in Southampton in a new ‘innovation cave’.

The full video of presentations from the event will be made available in the coming days.

Here are five key takeaways:

1. Collaboration is key for research

The first keynote speech of the day was delivered by Professor Marian Knight, NIHR Scientific Director for Research Infrastructure. She highlighted the important role of collaboration in research.

Working together, Professor Knight said, can help ensure that promising research doesn’t fall through the gaps. She highlighted the huge scope for collaboration across NIHR infrastructure in Southampton.

Professor Knight also emphasised the importance of aligning research with the government’s strategic priorities. This is one way NIHR infrastructure can demonstrate that they are helping to create an NHS fit for the future.

2. Research is growing in the region

One of the day’s highlights was discovering more about the NIHR Wessex Experimental Medicine Network (WEMN). It is an exciting collaboration between the NIHR Southampton BRC and Wessex Health Partners. Project Manager Ruth Challis explained how the network is promoting regional collaboration in experimental medicine.

WEMN has provided seed funding for 22 projects since its launch. The audience heard from three of them:

Dr Harjeet Singh Virk, Consultant Microbiologist and Infectious Diseases Specialist at Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust
Anna-Maria Holt, Senior Dietitian at Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Dr Phil Hyde, an Intensive Care Consultant at University Hospital Southampton

Click here to find out more about WEMN.

3. There is new hope for people with food allergies

Nadim and Tanya Ednan-Laperouse shared how the tragic death of their daughter, Natasha, is beginning to change the world for people with food allergies.

The inspirational campaigners have a close relationship with researchers in Southampton. They told of how grateful they are for the progress they’re making together.

The Natasha Trial, led by the University of Southampton, is now running at nine hospitals across the UK. It uses daily doses of everyday food products, taken under medical supervision. If successful, the trial will provide evidence for this cost-effective treatment to be made available on the NHS.

Nadim and Tanya also highlighted the importance of education and training in improving allergy care.

Professor Mike Grocott pictured with Nadim and Tanya Ednan-Laperouse

4. The future is bright for Southampton research

Ten early career researchers from across the university-hospital partnership were selected to showcase their work at the BRC Open Day. They all delivered fantastic presentations. The future of Southampton research is bright!

Congratulations to the prize winners:

1^st place – Dr Joseph Larvin
2^nd place – Dr Jonathan Ong
3^rd place – Ms Morgan Mason

Dr Larvin was awarded the top prize for his presentation on a children’s surgery study. It investigated the long-term effects of anaesthesia.

Dr Larvin is congratulated by Professor Grocott

5. Resilience may be needed to pursue new ideas

The final session of the day saw Professor Keith Godfrey share insights from his research journey. He leads the NIHR Southampton BRC’s Nutrition, Lifestyle and Metabolism theme.

Professor Godfrey explained how studies like NiPPeR have shown that preconception - the time before pregnancy - is a ‘special opportunity’ for intervention. His work has shown that it can have lasting benefits for the child. These findings are now paving the way for national policies to support preparation for pregnancy and parenthood.

Professor Godfrey reflected on the personal resilience needed to pursue new ideas. He also praised the BRC’s reverse mentoring scheme as a brilliant way to support early career researchers.

Save the date

The next BRC Open Day will take place on 5th May 2026. It will feature ‘Operation Ouch!’ presenter Chris Van Tulleken and Dr Esther Mukuka, NIHR Director of Research Inclusion.

Stay tuned for more details in the coming months.