Category: BBC

What next for the BBC: ‘Science in Need?’ #BBC #sciencefunding

Yes, wouldn't it be great if the BBC did indeed launch 'Science in Need?' Then, for the first time in history, we could have a public broadcaster encouraging us to 'SIN' and be SINNERS with our donation to science. There is something rather beautiful but perhaps also tendentious about the juxtaposition of yesterday's launch of the BBC's new … Continue reading What next for the BBC: ‘Science in Need?’ #BBC #sciencefunding →

NHS reforms to face a tough round of Peer review this autumn

We are a nation that no longer knows when to put its rubbish bins out. So I reflected, as I dragged our two overflowing wheelie bins back to their usual place. To be fair to Bromley Council, it's not that they fail to pick-up our rubbish; just that no one can quite predict what sort … Continue reading NHS reforms to face a tough round of Peer review this autumn →

Getting touchy over the information revolution

Over the holidays I caught a BBC Radio 4 item about the days of the touch typist.  It was one of those gems of broadcasting which looked through a narrow lens to tell the listener much about how the world has changed.  It also brought back many memories of my time as a messenger at the old … Continue reading Getting touchy over the information revolution →

An evening of industry – how the pharma business model is changing

So it's 10pm and I'm busy here putting the final touches to the AMRC/INVOLVE report of the workshop we held in November which drew together patient views on health research regulation.  This was at the invitation of the Academy of Medical Sciences as part of their review of regulation and governance but - and all … Continue reading An evening of industry – how the pharma business model is changing →

Science at the Conservative Party Conference – notes from a large fringe

Stumbling half-asleep across my hotel room this morning I overheard a spokesman from the Birmingham Symphony Orchestra on the TV saying that every £1 invested in arts in the city generated a further £29 in economic activity. Or something along those lines. As Orwellian visions filled my mind of a day to come where every … Continue reading Science at the Conservative Party Conference – notes from a large fringe →

Brain drain in science story

You may have heard the news headlines this morning about the House of Lords Science & Technology Committee letter to the Science Minister, David Willetts, expressing fears about a brain drain of scientists from the UK to other countries.   Reasons include people's growing concern over possible cuts in science funding and what it could mean for … Continue reading Brain drain in science story →

Andrew Lansley Speeches, Office for Life Sciences etc

For those just joining us....there is a brief report on Lansley's speech on the BMA conference website.  The headline is 'Lansley promises NHS power to doctors' and I feel almost compelled to put 'Discuss' after it.  The BMA piece details Lansley's 5 Ps or priorities for the NHS. Another piece running on the Press Association … Continue reading Andrew Lansley Speeches, Office for Life Sciences etc →

NICE announcement on anti-TNF therapy

Today's guidelines by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) to widen access to anti-TNF drugs for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis has been widely welcomed by patient groups and medical research charities such as Arthritis Research UK. Those digging further into the story may be interested to know that it was researchers … Continue reading NICE announcement on anti-TNF therapy →

Science and the Budget 2010

When I first started working in Westminster I seem to remember having to go and collect the Budget papers from HM Treasury.  These days you can download them after the Chancellow has spoken.  But such is the interest on the day, that it might still be quicker if you walk. So, while you are waiting … Continue reading Science and the Budget 2010 →