News in 2026

Applications open for 2027 GP Academic Clinical Fellowships*

7 October 2026

The Centre for Academic Primary Care (CAPC) at the University of Bristol in association with the Severn Postgraduate Medical Education (PGME) GP training scheme, has four-year Academic Clinical Fellowship (ACF) programmes in general practice available, funded either by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), or locally funded (but will receive NIHR recognition). Applicants for GP specialty training who would like to pursue an academic career attached to a very successful academic centre are invited to apply for these fellowships.

#NIHR20 - Celebrating 20 years of health and care research in the South West

30 September 2026

Researchers from National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) institutions across the South West gathered with partners and public contributors at Bristol Beacon on 22 September to celebrate 20 years of NIHR-funded research in the region.

People want AI skin cancer checks to be safe, accurate and work for all skin tones, study finds

30 September 2026

People are open to artificial intelligence (AI) being used to help detect skin cancer, but only if it is highly accurate, does not miss skin cancer, and works well for people of all skin tones, according to new research published in the British Journal of Cancer.

Pioneering community-led HIV programme Common Ambition Bristol recognised in NIHR Impact Awards

25 September 2026

A pioneering community-led programme that has transformed HIV awareness, testing and prevention among African and Caribbean heritage communities in Bristol has been commended in recognition of inclusion in this year’s NIHR (National Institute for Health and Care Research) Impact Awards.

Weston Festival returns to help communities navigate death, dying, and grief

16 September 2026

Good Grief Weston returns to locations across North Somerset from 15-18 October 2026 opening up conversations about death, dying, and bereavement. Through a range of free and low-cost events, the festival aims to help people talk openly and compassionately about loss by blending art, performance, and community gatherings.

CAPC film launched

16 September 2026

The Centre for Academic Primary Care (CAPC) has launched a short new film introducing the work of the Centre.

Celebrating Excellence in Public and Community Involvement: SPCR Award Recipients Announced

15 September 2026

The NIHR School for Primary Care Research (SPCR) has announced the recipients of their Outstanding Contribution to Public and Community Involvement Awards, recognising the individuals, groups and project teams that have made exceptional contributions to public and community involvement across SPCR research.

Rachel Johnson and Jessica Watson take on CAPC leadership role

10 September 2026

Dr Rachel Johnson, GP and Associate Professor in Primary Care, and Dr Jessica Watson, GP and Consultant Senior Lecturer, have been appointed co-leads of the Centre for Academic Primary Care (CAPC) at the University of Bristol. They take on the role from Professor Katrina Turner, who has been appointed Deputy Head of Population Health Sciences and Head of Section for Applied Health Research in Bristol Medical School.

When parents adopt healthier habits to lose weight, their children may benefit too, new study suggests

8 September 2026

New independent research published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) Paediatrics Open found that many parents attending weight management groups reported positive changes in their children’s health behaviours, including increased physical activity and eating healthier food.

CAPC academics win prestigious NIHR Research Leaders Prize

21 August 2026

Two academics, Dr Ashley Hammond and Dr Sam Creavin, from the Centre for Academic Primary Care (CAPC), University of Bristol have been recognised with a prestigious National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) national research leadership prize.

GPs working in ambulance services can help free up ambulances for most serious cases, study finds

20 August 2026

GPs working alongside ambulance services can help ensure patients get the most appropriate care while freeing up emergency ambulances for the most serious cases, according to new research from the University of Bristol.

Novel delivery of therapist-led online CBT helps people with depression, major trial finds

19 August 2026

A new way of delivering therapist-led online cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) can reduce symptoms of depression and improve function, according to new University of Bristol-led research published in The Lancet Primary Care.

Portable air filters don't cut infection rates in care homes

27 July 2026

Portable air filters made no difference to rates of respiratory and other infections in older people’s care homes, a University of Bristol-led trial, published in JAMA Internal Medicine today [27 July] has found. The study’s authors advise care homes to continue with standard infection control measures, including vaccines.

Marie Curie announces research projects to improve end-of-life care in, and upon discharge from, hospital

15 July 2026

Bristol study one of six projects funded

New study finds digital end of life planning system is not delivering expected benefits

7 July 2026

A new study led by researchers at the University of Bristol has found that a key NHS digital system designed to improve care for people nearing the end of life is not being widely used as intended, raising questions about its effectiveness.

Top 10 priorities to shape the future of UK childhood food allergy research published

6 July 2026

Patients, carers, health professionals and researchers have come together to identify the top 10 priorities for childhood food allergy research in the UK. The priorities will be used to shape future research in line with what matters most to children and young people and those who care for them.

GPs give advice on when to seek further help in around two-thirds of telephone consultations, but some patients struggle to remember it

16 June 2026

GPs give patients advice about when, why, and how to seek further medical help in around two-thirds of telephone consultations – similar to the rate for face-to-face consultations - according to new University of Bristol research. However, this advice is not always documented in patients’ notes, given in writing, or recalled by patients afterwards. This type of advice, known as ‘safety-netting advice’, is an important part of helping patients know what to do if their symptoms change, worsen, or fail to improve.

Help shape future research priorities for care for people with multiple long-term conditions

20 May 2026

A survey has been launched to get people’s views on how to improve care for people with more than one long-term health condition. The survey is open to anyone with relevant lived or professional experience. All responses will help shape future research priorities.

Insights into experiences of people with skin of colour living with common skin conditions

19 May 2026

New research has revealed key insights into the experiences of people with skin of colour living with common skin conditions. The findings from the SOCX study, led by researchers from the Centre for Applied Excellence in Skin and Allergy Research at the University of Bristol, are published in the British Journal of General Practice today [19 May 2026].

Study questions usefulness of rapid microbiological point-of-care respiratory test

18 May 2026

A rapid microbiological point-of-care test designed to help GPs identify whether a respiratory infection is caused by a virus did not lead to an expected overall reduction in same-day antibiotic prescribing, a University of Bristol-led study has found.

Applications open for NIHR funded Commercial Research Delivery Fellows

7 May 2026

An exciting opportunity has arisen for National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Commercial Research Delivery Fellows within the South West Central Research Delivery Network (SWC RRDN) region.

New study launched to understand young people’s experiences of safety in public spaces

29 April 2026

A new study to better understand how young people experience safety in public spaces and what trusted adults - including teachers, youth workers, police and doctors - can do to help prevent serious youth violence has been launched by researchers at the University of Bristol, University of West England, and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.

Most COVID-19 cases linked to general practices during the pandemic were among staff, new study finds

20 April 2026

Challenges in infection control highlight need for tailored guidance and improved infrastructure in future pandemics.

Applications open for NIHR School for Primary Care Research funded Nursing Commercial Research Fellowships

2 April 2026

As members of the NIHR School for Primary Care Research (SPCR), we are pleased to offer one of 11 SPCR-funded Nursing Commercial Research Fellowships for 2026.

Online consultation tools should not be a mandatory first step to access primary mental healthcare

12 March 2026

Online consultation tools are increasingly used by patients seeking support for common mental health conditions in primary care. New University of Bristol led research published in BMC Primary Care has found that significant concerns remain about their suitability, accessibility and impact on continuity of care.

10 key insights to better support families through care proceedings

11 March 2026

Insights to better support families at risk of having children taken into care are part of a newly published report, funded by the NIHR Three Schools Prevention Programme.

Bristol part of new £50m consortium tackling one of UK’s biggest killers

3 March 2026

NIHR launches £50m Inequalities Challenge Consortium to tackle inequalities in cardiovascular disease

Applications open for NIHR School for Primary Care Research-funded undergraduate summer internships 2026

18 February 2026

We have two exciting summer internship opportunities for UK undergraduates, irrespective of degree discipline, who are interested in primary care research. These are a fantastic opportunity to get hands-on experience conducting primary care research with experts in the field.

Applications open for NIHR School for Primary Care Research PhD Studentship in Primary Care 2026

18 February 2026

Applications are invited from individuals with a strong academic record who wish to develop a career in primary care research. Applicants must have a first degree in a discipline relevant to primary care research and will be expected to complete a Phd/DPhil during the award period.

Applications open for NIHR School for Primary Care Research Primary Care Clinical Fellowships

3 February 2026

Applications are open for the National Institute for Health and Care Research School for Primary Care Research (NIHR SPCR) Primary Care Clinical Fellowships 2026.

New research highlights gaps and opportunities in physical health checks for people with severe mental illness

28 January 2026

People living with severe mental illness (SMI) face a much higher risk of poor physical health and early death than the general population, often from preventable conditions. Physical health checks can play a vital role in catching problems early, but too few people with SMI receive them. A new study published in the British Journal of General Practice has examined what works to improve uptake of these important checks.

Applications open for NIHR School for Primary Care Research post-doctoral fellowships

27 January 2026

Applications are open for The National Institute for Health and Care Research School for Primary Care Research (NIHR SPCR) post-doctoral fellowships to start in October 2026.  These awards provide funding to cover the costs of a 24-month fellowship at one of the nine SPCR member institutions. Applicants should have a strong academic record and wish to develop a career in primary care research.

Connecting communities and researchers to build lasting relationships for better health

15 January 2026

Community drop-in events dates announced.