An Oxfordshire MP has said she is ‘delighted’ that two Oxford-based research groups have been shortlisted for an award after nominating them earlier in the year.

Oxford Vaccine Group and Jenner Institute could win the Excellence in Healthcare Award at the NHS Parliamentary Awards.

Layla Moran, Lib Dem MP for Oxford West and Abingdon nominated the groups in September alongside seven individuals and teams of local heroes for different awards.

This was followed by a judging process to whittle down the almost 700 nominees into a shortlist, of which the Oxford Vaccine Group and Jenner Institute were chosen.

The awards are an annual opportunity to recognise the very best about our local healthcare service.

This year Ms Moran’s nominations focused on the adaptability, innovation and hard work that many Oxfordshire teams have shown throughout the coronavirus pandemic.

The MP said: “I’m absolutely delighted. There were nearly 700 nominations by MPs this year, so to be shortlisted is a huge achievement – the vaccine team really deserve it.