Cookies on this website

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you click 'Accept all cookies' we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies and you won't see this message again. If you click 'Reject all non-essential cookies' only necessary cookies providing core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility will be enabled. Click 'Find out more' for information on how to change your cookie settings.

The TORCH Medical Humanities Research Hub (MedHum) has been shortlisted for the University of Oxford's Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Research Culture, with Professor Ashok Handa recognised as part of the nomination.

Vice-Chancellor's Awards 2025 banner

This award celebrates those who have contributed to a positive, inclusive and equitable research culture. 

The Oxford Centre for the Humanities (TORCH)’s Medical Humanities Research Hub (MedHum) supports the Humanities Division and social science based research on health and medicine. It highlights the contribution of the humanities to a proper understanding of health, disease, and medicine. MedHum challenges the assumption that cutting-edge medical research and innovation in healthcare are solely the domain of physicians and laboratories.  

MBBS, MA, FRCS (Eng), FRCS(Ed) Ashok Handa - Professor of Vascular Surgery and Director of Teaching in SurgeryAshok Handa, Professor of Vascular Surgery and Director of Teaching in Surgery at the Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences, serves as the only surgeon on the Medical Humanities Steering Group with expertise in values-based practice and shared decision making.

This year there were 160 award entries across the 11 categories, with 1,300 individuals included in the nominations. The winners and highly commended nominees will be announced at a special ceremony hosted by the Vice-Chancellor at the Sheldonian Theatre on Thursday 15 May.  

Alongside the awards ceremony, there will be a showcase of award entries in Blackwell Hall in the Weston Library on Tuesday 13 May 2025, where shortlisted nominees will have an opportunity to demonstrate and discuss their work. The showcase will be open to all staff as well as members of the public.

Read the full shortlist announcement on the Vice-Chancellor's Awards page.