Oxford University has been at the forefront of the effort to produce an effective vaccine against Covid-19. In partnership with pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca, teams of scientists at Oxford have developed a successful Coronavirus vaccine that is a reflection of Oxford University’s commitment to scientific breakthroughs. Discover more about the Oxford team and scientific research at the world-leading university. 

How Does the Oxford AstraZeneca Vaccine Work?

The Oxford team, in collaboration with AstraZeneca, developed a vaccine that prepares the immune system to fight coronavirus. The vaccine uses an altered version of a common cold virus found in chimpanzees. In essence, the harmless part of this virus is injected into patients. Once injected, the body produces an immune response. 

The Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine offers 79% protection against symptomatic illness, making it an essential weapon in the fight against Covid-19. While side effects have been reported, scientific consensus suggests that it is safe. What’s more, the vaccine is easily transported and can be kept at fridge temperature. 

The Oxford University Vaccine Team 

Oxford University has over 100 researchers working on Covid-19. Much of the work on the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine took place at the University of Oxford’s Jenner Institute, located in the east of Oxford, near Churchill Hospital. 

Professor Sarah Gilbert is the Saïd Professor of Vaccinology. She is the leader of the Jenner Institute’s influenza vaccine programme and the project leader on the Oxford AstraZenenca vaccine programme. She previously has worked on vaccine trials for Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (Mers), which is caused by a virus similar to the one that causes Covid-19. She started work on Covid-19 back in January 2020, when it first emerged in Wuhan, China. 

Professor Andrew J Pollard is Director of the Oxford Vaccine Group and Chief Investigator of the Oxford Vaccine Trial. He’s also a paediatrician and an expert on running vaccine trials on a large scale. Pollard and Gilbert hadn’t worked together before, but the scale of the pandemic meant that they quickly teamed up to carry out vaccine research together. 

Other members of the large team include Professor Teresa Lambe, an immunologist, and Professor Katie Ewer, who has previously worked on Ebola vaccine trials. A wide range of disciplines came together to work on the Oxford AstraZenenca vaccine. 

Covid-19 Research at Oxford University 

Oxford University isn’t just researching Coronavirus vaccines - its research into Covid-19 is extensive. Alongside the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine, the university has been developing new drugs to treat Coronavirus, as well as carrying out trials to investigate whether any existing medical treatments can effectively treat the illness. For instance, Oxford University’s Professor Peter Horby headed a trial into the use of a rheumatoid arthritis drug, called tocilizumab, as a treatment for coronavirus. The team’s research found that the drug reduced mortality rates among Covid-19 patients in intensive care, and also aided faster recovery. 

Oxford researchers have also recently developed a fast, affordable Covid-19 antibody test. The test works by using blood from a finger prick and could help identify how many people have developed antibodies against coronavirus. 

Oxford University researchers have also been examining the wider impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. They’re researching the effect of lockdown measures on mental health. The Oxford Vaccine Group is also running the Vaccine Knowledge Project, which aims to increase public understanding and awareness of vaccines and infectious diseases. 

Oxford University’s Scientific Research 

Groundbreaking scientific research is nothing new at the University of Oxford. Oxford has the infrastructure and funding to undertake a wide variety of scientific research - it’s world-leading in terms of its contributions to science. 

Innovative scientific projects at Oxford University include: 

• Monitoring penguins in Antarctica using computing technology. 

• A life-saving malaria treatment.

• Mini chemical reactors which convert gas waste into liquid fuels.

• The development of lithium-rich battery cathodes, which could make electric cars even more efficient.

• Improving healthcare with AI.

Want to be a part of the scientific community at the University of Oxford? Our team of Oxbridge experts are on hand to help you with your Oxford application. We have specialists across a range of STEM subjects - including biochemistry, medicine, and physics - who can offer a plethora of advice. Find out more here.