Oxford News
New Oxford-led initiative launches to train future leaders in transformative technologies for pharmaceutical research
The UK Pharmaceutical Sector lies at the heart of the life sciences ecosystem, providing one of the key growth engines in the UK economy. In 2022, the £9 billion of pharmaceutical R&D accounted for 18% of all R&D performed by all UK businesses – the highest of any product area (UK Government). GSK has invested heavily in data-driven approaches to pharmaceutical R&D that are both informed by and provide new insight into biological processes. The goal is simple: make R&D more productive by reducing drug failure rates and speeding up time to adoption. However, for these advances to transform our understanding of biology and health, a parallel shift in the way that we train future industrial and academic research leaders is needed.
GSK together with the Universities of Oxford, Cambridge and Southampton are delighted to announce that the BBSRC has awarded funding to launch a new doctoral programme to train the next generation of leaders in pharmaceutical science. The BBSRC Industrial Landscape Award in Transformative Technologies for Pharmaceutical Science (TTPS) will fund three cohorts of eight doctoral students each year from 2026 to 2028.
Students will be trained in cutting-edge, data-centred, mathematical and computational modelling approaches and commercial skills necessary to lead this new approach to pharmaceutical R&D, becoming future research leaders across this vitally important sector of the UK economy, and ultimately supporting the Government’s vision of the UK as a global hub for the Life Sciences. Students will gain the communication, business and social skills necessary to forge new partnerships and to create interdisciplinary teams that can tackle global challenges.
Professor Brian Marsden, Professor of Practice in Data Management & Research Informatics at Oxford’s Centre for Medicines Discovery, and TTPS Director, said: ‘Data-driven technologies are increasingly at the heart of cutting-edge biological research. It’s crucial that we enable the next generation of highly skilled researchers to deliver this. We are excited to be working with GSK to drive this imperative in the context of transformative technological approaches to pharmaceutical sciences.’
Students will apply to and be admitted by one of the three partner universities, but all students will receive intensive doctoral training in their first and second terms of their first year at the Doctoral Training Centre at the University of Oxford, then two short, rotation research projects at Oxford, Cambridge, and/or Southampton in collaboration with scientists at GSK. Each student chooses one of their short rotation projects to continue for their main doctoral research in their remaining three years.
Dr Kaivan Khavandi, Senior Vice President, Global Head, Respiratory, Immunology & Inflammation, Research & Development, GSK, said: ‘The transformative power of cutting-edge technologies is revolutionising how we discover, develop and deliver medicines and vaccines to patients. To ensure GSK continues to lead this innovation, we recognise the critical need to develop the next generation of talent. Our partnerships with the Universities of Oxford, Cambridge and Southampton is key to this, enabling us to grow leaders equipped with the essential skills at the intersection of science and tech.’
These future research leaders will be the driving force translating basic scientific research and biological understanding into novel technologies, vaccines, therapies and drugs that will accelerate progress in academic research and within the industrial research and development pipeline.
Professor Mark Cragg of the University of Southampton, said: ‘The University of Southampton is delighted to be part of such an exciting new programme, bringing Pharma and academia together to develop the next generation of researchers with the skills to accelerate drug development and provide new medicines.’
Professor Kathryn Lilley of the University of Cambridge, said: ‘Bringing together the strengths of UK academia with GSK, a global leader in the pharmaceutical industry, this programme will train a new generation of scientists to understand how to transform ideas into medicines.’
The incident took place on Tuesday (June 9) in the car park of The Beacon in Wantage.
A 34-year-old man was arrested, charged, and remanded for possession with intent to supply, and his vehicle was seized.
This was after 32 wraps of Class A drugs and a “significant amount of cash” were found on him.
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Thames Valley Police posted an update on their South Oxon and Vale of White Horse Facebook page this morning (Monday, June 15).
The statement said: “On June 9, 2026, our team was out looking for a vehicle that had recently piqued our interest. We located it in the car park of The Beacon.
“Now, he might have been there to pick up tickets for the open mic night, Rory Bremner, or even Noasis (who are there next week and apparently very good), but it was far more likely he was there to deal.
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“A search confirmed our suspicions: 32 wraps of Class A and a significant amount of cash were found on him.
“Thanks to previous chases, we blocked him in early and ensured he was safely detained.
“A 34‑year‑old male from outside the area was arrested, charged, and remanded for Possession With Intent to Supply. The vehicle was seized.”
The incident occurred at around 2pm yesterday (June 13), a white and blue BMW motorcycle and a grey Audi A3 were involved in a collision.
This was near the junction of B480 Watlington Road and Pettiwell, and Thames Valley Police officers attended the scene.
There was a large emergency response with the South-Central Ambulance Service and the “Helicopter Emergency Medical Service” also present.
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Police say that the rider of the motorcycle was a man in his 40s and that he sustained serious life-threatening injuries.
He remains in hospital receiving treatment at this current time, Thames Valley Police informs.
The driver of the grey Audi A3 has been arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving and driving whilst over the specified limit for drugs.
From Wallingford, the 51-year-old man has been released under investigation whilst enquiries continue.
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Thames Valley Police is now appealing for witnesses following the serious road traffic collision in Garsington.
Investigating officer, PC Kerrie Ingham of the Roads Policing Unit said: “Firstly, I would like to thank the members of the public and the medical staff who stopped to assist.
“We are carrying out a thorough investigation into the circumstances of this collision, with a man being arrested at the scene shortly after police arrived, in attendance with paramedics from SCAS and HEMS.
“I would particularly like to hear from anyone who witnessed the grey Audi A3 driving northbound to the junction of B480 Watlington Road and Pettiwell prior to the collision.
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“I would also like to hear from anyone who witnessed the white and blue BMW motorcycle driving southbound towards the junction of the B480 Watlington Road and Pettiwell prior to the collision.
“If you saw either of these vehicles prior to the collision, or have dash-cam footage at around the time of the incident, please come forward.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Thames Valley Police by calling 101 or submitting a report via the website, quoting reference number 43260296300.
Alternatively, you can report this anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Nestled just off Burford’s sloping High Street, The Angel at Burford stands on Witney Street in a 17th-century stone building that has welcomed locals and travellers for generations.
Records and local guides trace the inn back to around 1652, and much of that period charm remains in place today, with low ceilings, original oak beams and thick stone walls creating an intimate atmosphere inside.
Open fireplaces, polished brass and traditional pub furnishings add to the sense of history, giving drinkers and diners an authentic coaching-inn feel in the heart of the market town.
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Over recent years, the pub has developed into an award-winning gastropub with rooms, picking up plaudits while still functioning as a relaxed local for residents.
With a proud Hook Norton Brewery sign outside, the bar within features a line-up of the Oxfordshire brewer’s cask ales.
Separate dining areas offer a mix of cosy corners and larger tables, allowing the kitchen to serve seasonal menus that focus on classic pub dishes, Cotswold produce and modern gastropub favourites.
Beyond the interior, one of the standout attractions is the outdoor space, which is easy to miss from the street.
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From the front bar, customers head along a corridor towards the rear of the building before emerging into a surprisingly spacious beer garden hidden behind the main frontage.
A high stone wall and surrounding buildings shelter this area, creating a secluded, almost secret walled garden that feels far removed from the bustle of Burford’s busy centre.
Landscaping has introduced planting, stone paving and plenty of wooden tables, so there is ample room for larger groups as well as quieter spots for couples and families.
Because the garden is fully enclosed and set back from the High Street, traffic noise quickly fades, so people can sit and chat in relative quiet while still being only a short walk from the centre of Burford.
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On a warm Cotswolds afternoon, the garden becomes a suntrap, with visitors able to sit among the greenery and enjoy a pint of Hooky or a meal in the open air.
Many first-time guests comment on the contrast between the modest street view and the generous outdoor space tucked away at the back, making the garden a particular draw in spring and summer.
Accommodation above the pub provides a small number of letting rooms, giving people the chance to stay overnight in Burford, often described as the “Gateway to the Cotswolds”.
Combining centuries of history, traditional interiors, brewery links and a picturesque hidden beer garden, The Angel continues to serve as a popular stop-off for both local drinkers and tourists exploring this part of Oxfordshire.
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