The inaugural PRU-MNHC Academy: forging connections to maximise the impact of our research

Published on Wednesday, 19 November 2025 Post

On 3 November, we welcomed PRU-MNHC collaborators and stakeholders to Oxford for the inaugural PRU-MNHC Academy. This one-day event gathered PRU researchers, PPPIE partners, policymakers, funders, third-sector stakeholders and clinicians for a day of talks, networking and activities – all based around the theme of “maximising the impact of policy research in maternal and neonatal health and care.”

Attendees heard from Kathryn Oliver who, alongside her research role as a Professor of Evidence and Policy, directs the NIHR Policy Research Programme that funds the PRU. Her talk of the nature and challenges of policy research and pathways to research impact sparked lots of lively discussion about how we can turn evidence into policy and practice quicker and more effectively.

We also heard from Professor Donald Peebles, NHS England's National Clinical Director for Maternity, and Kate Brintworth, Chief Midwifery Officer for England, who took us on a journey through recent initiatives and current priorities in maternity care in England; while Heather O'Mahen, Professor of Perinatal and Clinical Psychology at the University of Exeter and National Clinical Advisor to NHS England's Perinatal Mental Health Team, updated us on progress and challenges in the crucial field of perinatal mental health.

Attendees took a deep dive into research communication, in an activity devised by the PRU PPPIE Task Group to explore how we can share research findings more usefully with a variety of audiences. We also got a sneak preview of findings of three of the projects currently underway at the PRU – watch this space for upcoming publications!

In an increasingly online world, the PRU-MNHC Academy was a great reminder of how worthwhile it can be to get together in person. Attendees commented on how much they valued the opportunity for discussion and networking, as well as finding the talks thought-provoking and useful. We hope that everyone left energised, having forged new connections to drive us on our pathway to impact and learned about some of the great research the PRU is doing to improve the lives of mums, babies and families.

Thank you to everyone who attended, and we hope to see you in Oxford again before too long!