Research
Our 30 research groups, based around 18 research themes, work together under a common goal of education and surgical intervention.
Teaching
We offer opportunities for research training for clinical and non-clinical graduates and host two taught master's courses. We are also responsible for delivering the surgical training to Medical School undergraduates.
Engagement
We aim to showcase our research, inspire the younger generation, engage with the local community and raise debate on the impact of science on society.
News
NDS professor awarded international honour for outstanding contribution to paediatric surgery
5 March 2026
The Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences (NDS) is proud to announce that Professor Kokila Lakhoo has been named the 2026 recipient of the Denis Browne Gold Medal by the British Association of Paediatric Surgeons (BAPS), in recognition of her outstanding contributions to paediatric surgery.
Dr Ágata Carreira awarded Marie Curie Postdoctoral Fellowship to pursue research in prostate cancer
19 February 2026
Dr Ágata Carreira, a Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences, has been awarded a two-year Marie Sklodowska Curie Actions (MSCA) Postdoctoral Fellowship by the European Commission to develop her line of research on prostate cancer.
Nature Communications paper from NDS honoured by German Society for Gene Therapy
10 February 2026
A publication from the Translational Research and Immunology Group at the Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences (NDS) has received the Paper of the Quarter Award from the German Society for Gene Therapy (DG-GT).
Study tests whether deep brain stimulation can treat chronic pain
3 February 2026
A research study by Oxford neurosurgeons and engineers is trialling whether deep brain stimulation (DBS) – delivering an electrical pulse into affected areas of the brain – can help to relieve central post-stroke pain (CPSP).
Surgical Grand Rounds
The Surgical Grand Rounds are the key educational meetings for consultants, juniors and medical students. Presentations revolve around clinical cases and are followed by lively, educational discussion.
Resources for Researchers
Explore our collection of resources useful to researchers in all parts of the research process, from experimental techniques to publication and review.
Latest publications
ssociation between deep cervical lymph node dissection and dementia incidence in patients with head and neck cancer: a systematic review
Journal article
Omar M. et al, (2026), European Journal of Plastic Surgery, 49
The functional resonance analysis method in healthcare: How knowledge is produced within and across scientific communities
Journal article
Lounsbury O. et al, (2026), Safety Science, 196
Editorial: Post pregnancy contraception
Journal article
Makins A., (2026), Best Practice and Research Clinical Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 105
Causes of excess non-lymphoma death in 58,000 patients with DLBCL diagnosed during 1997-2020 and followed for up to 25 years.
Journal article
Challenger A. et al, (2026), Blood Adv
TCR T cells targeting IgA- and IgG-expressing multiple myeloma.
Journal article
Douvlataniotis K. et al, (2026), Blood
Reconsidering the 1 mm rule: Contextualising R1 margin status in rectal cancer.
Journal article
Mason JD. et al, (2026), Colorectal Dis, 28
Founded in 1937
Over 170 staff, students and academic visitors
AI at NDS
NDS is at the interface between modern clinical care and cutting-edge data science.
Women in Science
We are making positive changes to the way we support staff, including women scientists, in the department.
Supporting Our Staff
We actively promote the provision of a family friendly working environment, equal opportunities and career development.
Study With Us
Postgraduate and Continuing Professional Development opportunities.
Contact us
The Department's administration team is located in the John Radcliffe Hospital in Headington, Oxford.
Videos
Watch some of our researchers presenting their work.