NIHR Clinical Research Facility: Southampton

06/08/2026

Scientists have kept vaccines stable at room temperature for a year, which could transform global vaccination.

06/08/2026

Did you know that up to half of vaccines are wasted globally each year? 🌍

A groundbreaking vaccine trial at University Hospital Southampton could help make vaccines available to millions more people worldwide.

The new vaccine, which protects against tetanus and diphtheria, can be stored without a fridge for at least two years while still working effectively. That means it could be much easier to deliver to remote areas, reduce vaccine waste, and lower the environmental impact of keeping vaccines cold.

The world-first trial was led by Professor Saul Faust from UHS and the University of Southampton, who is director of the NIHR Clinical Research Facility: Southampton.

Watch for this research in the media today, including on BBC News and Sky News.

Health and Social Care Minister Diana Johnson said: “This pioneering research demonstrates how British innovation is helping to tackle some of the biggest challenges in global healthcare, and providing life-saving breakthroughs for use around the world.”

🔗 Read more: https://www.uhs.nhs.uk/whats-new/press-releases/fridge-free-vaccine-shows-promise-for-reaching-millions-more-people-worldwide

29/07/2026

27/07/2026

Congratulations the GRACE trial team at University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust 👏

The study is investigating whether wearing compression stockings alongside taking blood thinners after high-risk surgery can prevent blood clots forming that block patients’ veins.

It is estimated that as many as 60% of all cases of blood clot blockages in veins are hospital related.

The UHS team, led by Zaed Hamady, have recruited 245 participants to the study, including a first participant just nine days after opening.

Priya Mathew, senior research sister, said: “This achievement reflects outstanding hard work and leadership of the trust wide surgical research team, working collaboratively with clinical staff, the Southampton Emerging Therapies and Technologies Centre and the UHS Ultrasound Department.

“We would also like to extend our sincere thanks to all participants for their valuable contribution to this important research.”

22/07/2026

💙 Thank you to the thousands of people helping change lives through research in Southampton

Newly released figures show that 15,357 people took part in 387 studies last year managed by University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust (UHS).

The data is part of a wider report published by the National Institute for Health and Care Research.

Karen Underwood, Director of Research and Development at UHS, said:

“We are incredibly grateful to every person who volunteers to take part in health and care research. Every study relies on people willing to get involved, and their contribution is making a real difference to the future health of our communities.”

Read more: https://research.uhs.nhs.uk/news/thousands-thanked-for-taking-part-in-life-changing-research

16/07/2026

09/07/2026

👋 Meet the team: Neurosurgery and Stroke Research at University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust.

This fantastic team works with neurosurgeons, stroke physicians and neurologists to offer new treatments and therapies for patients with a life-changing neurological injury.

They support trials investigating new treatments, devices and therapies. They also enable a range of observational studies helping to improve understanding of conditions such as neurovascular diseases, stroke, traumatic brain injury and epilepsy.

🧠 Thank you for all you do!

18/06/2026

🌍 Driving greener healthcare

"Absolutely everyone has a role to play," explains Dr Thomas Daniels, newly appointed Sustainability Champion at the NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre.

From reducing single-use waste in theatres to investing in greener infrastructure and rethinking clinical practices, staff across University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust are helping to cut carbon while improving patient care and staff experience.

💡 This Clean Air Day, Thom shares why sustainability matters, what he hopes to achieve through his new role, and what we can all do to help.

🔗 Read the full Q&A: https://research.uhs.nhs.uk/news/driving-greener-healthcare-meet-thomas-daniels