This substantial investment will enable the Institute to continue its world-leading research into the fundamental causes of inflammatory and musculoskeletal diseases, while accelerating the development of new and improved therapies.

The funding will underpin KIR’s distinctive discovery-to-translation pipeline, an approach that integrates fundamental scientific discovery with clinical application. This unique model enables researchers to translate insights from basic biology into innovative treatments for conditions including arthritis, fibrosis and inflammatory bowel disease.

Over the next five years, the funding will support KIR’s core research programmes, early-career researchers and students, as well as its research culture initiatives, industry partnerships, and academic events.

The Kennedy Trust for Rheumatology Research is a charitable organisation dedicated to advancing basic and translational research into musculoskeletal and related inflammatory diseases. Since 2011, it has provided more than £100 million in continuous core funding to the KIR, enabling sustained scientific progress and long-term innovation.

Professor Dame Fiona Powrie, Director of the Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, said: ‘We are immensely grateful to the Kennedy Trust for their continued flexible support. This investment enables us to pursue ambitious, curiosity-driven science while maintaining a clear focus on patient impact. It strengthens our ability to attract exceptional talent, harness cutting-edge technologies, and foster a collaborative research culture. The successes of the KIR over recent years, and indeed decades, could not have been achieved without our strategic partnership with the KTRR.’

The long-term ambition of the KTRR is to drive meaningful progress towards cures and preventative treatments for these conditions. In addition to its support for the KIR, the Trust funds leading researchers across the UK, including in Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh and Glasgow.

Professor Michael Patton, Chair of the Board of Trustees at the KTRR, emphasised the importance of the relationship, saying that: ‘It is over a decade since the Institute moved from London to Oxford and the Kennedy Trustees are proud to support the world-class science and dedicated teams that have thrived in this new environment. The Trust’s latest award comes at an important stage in the Institute’s journey, as it builds on excellence in discovery research and sets the next phase in the translation of its research for the benefit of those suffering from rheumatic and related disorders.’

Professor Gavin Screaton, Head of the Medical Sciences Division at the University of Oxford, added: ‘This continued commitment from the Kennedy Trust is a powerful endorsement of the Kennedy Institute’s outstanding scientific leadership and ambition. At a time when inflammatory and musculoskeletal diseases affect millions worldwide, this partnership ensures that Oxford remains at the forefront of translating fundamental discoveries into the next generation of therapies.’

The Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology and the University of Oxford are deeply grateful to the Kennedy Trust for Rheumatology Research for its continued and transformative support.

New research from Go.Compare Car Insurance revealed most motorists are unaware that many everyday driving habits could get you in trouble with the law.

A staggering 90% of drivers surveyed did not realise that hanging an air freshener from the rear-view mirror could be an offence in certain circumstances.

This is because anything that obstructs your view of the road, such as items hanging from a rear window, can be seen as an offence.

Factors that affect car insurance cost

Under the UK Highway Code it states all windows, including the rear windscreen, must be kept free from obstruction to ensure clear visibility.

Obstructions include dirt, ice, snow, stickers or excessive luggage and failing to clear them can result in penalty points, fines and can also cause you to fail your MOT.

This offence can carry between three and nine points and a fine and it could cause your own-damage car insurance claim to be refused if it results in an accident.

Tom Banks, expert at Go.Compare Car Insurance said if a driver is unfortunately in an accident while performing one of these ‘minor’ actions, it could void your insurance damage claim.

Tom said: “The driving laws we have in place are designed to keep everyone safe on the roads, so it is worrying that so many people do not know what is and isn’t allowed. 

“What many drivers don’t realise is that if you are involved in an accident while performing one of these ‘minor’ actions, your insurer could argue you weren’t in full control of the vehicle.

“If you’re found to be driving without due care and attention, you could face points and a fine – and your claim for damage to your own car may be refused. 

“It’s important to stay clued-in on the Highway Code. If you’re unsure about a rule, take five minutes to check before you drive.

“To stay safe and avoid insurance issues: keep your phone in a cradle or put it away, ensure the windscreen and number plate are clear, and avoid anything that distracts you from driving.”

A proposed £3 million heritage conservation project for the 184-year-old building has taken a step forward, after the National Lottery Heritage Fund accepted the town’s ‘Expression of Interest’.

The Town Hall Restoration Group – a committee of town councillors and volunteers with expertise in architecture, sustainability, and heritage – now has 12 months to develop detailed plans for a full ‘round one’ funding application.

Tom Festa, chairman of the group and a member of Chipping Norton Town Council, said: “The Town Hall is an exceptional heritage landmark.

“Our vision is to secure its future as a restored, welcoming, adaptable, and sustainable civic hub.

“We aim to conserve and showcase the building’s original architectural character while introducing energy-efficient heating, insulation and lighting, guided by a full energy audit and upgrade strategy.

“This will reduce both the carbon footprint and running costs, in line with local and national climate goals.”

A public engagement exercise will be one of the first steps in the process, gathering input from residents on how the hall could better serve the community.

Technical studies will also be carried out during this time.

The restoration group has identified several urgent issues, including ongoing damp, roof leaks, ceiling damage, dry rot, and poor insulation.

Chipping Norton Town Hall is a key part of the town’s identity, serving as the seat of local government and a venue for public assemblies, festivals, exhibitions, faith gatherings, and private celebrations.