Policy-making is not immune to trends. The latest seems to be the 'roundtable' meeting. I blame King Arthur myself (well, they say that trends do come round). But I bet he didn't meet his knights at 9 or 8am. This morning AMRC, the BioIndustry Association, Association of British Healthcare Industries and Association of the British … Continue reading Science at the Lib Dem Conference – Life Sciences Breakfast
collaborations
Science at Lib Dem Conference – Vince Cable @ Royal Society fringe
People often ask what the point of attending the party conferences is. There are many. But perhaps one of the most important is the opportunity to see, hear and talk to politicians in 'conversational' rather than 'messaging mode.' I thought one of those moments came this evening when Vince Cable addressed the Royal Society's reception. Indeed, … Continue reading Science at Lib Dem Conference – Vince Cable @ Royal Society fringe
Venture capitalists weigh in on science funding debate
I spoke at an interesting event last week organised by OneNucleus, a membership organisation which brings together international life science and healthcare companies. The audience was packed with representatives of both large and small companies including many biotechs. It was the day before Vince Cable's speech and much concern about what he would or would not … Continue reading Venture capitalists weigh in on science funding debate
Science in a near miss with Cable but flies on…to Birmingham and China perhaps
I feel I must dedicate this blog to the gentleman who posted an online comment in response to my letter in The Times yesterday, saying it caused him 'metaphor indigestion.' I could almost hear the indefatigable voice of my English teacher, the late Brian Mitchell, behind every word.* So....like the Red Arrows at one of … Continue reading Science in a near miss with Cable but flies on…to Birmingham and China perhaps
Cable and Willetts in show of dual support
I did warn you that things would really get going this week....and with two speeches in as many days you can be forgiven if you feel as if you have taken a left hook and then a right hook in quick succession. Science Minister, David Willetts, was on the stump at a Universities UK conference today. He used … Continue reading Cable and Willetts in show of dual support
Cable reveals his basic instincts on science
Well, I think we can safely say that Vince Cable put the cat amongst the pigeons this morning. Doesn't matter that we all knew the cat was coming, the reaction has been instinctive. And there has been some uncharacteristically unacademic language in response to his blunt message. In fact that is the first thing that struck … Continue reading Cable reveals his basic instincts on science
Caps-off to non-EU talent, says AMRC
With parliament returning tomorrow for a two week spell ahead of the party conferences, it would seem that things are springing into life again after a month of self-sedation. Today, we publish our responses to the UK Border Agency and Migration Advisory Committee consultations regarding the proposed cap on non-EU migrants. See here for more. Or … Continue reading Caps-off to non-EU talent, says AMRC
Age research, ART, and AMRC science communication awards
I rather liked this piece from today's Press and Journal in Scotland about how the results of an IQ test taken by Aberdeen residents 60 years ago is helping medical research today. It also gives me the opportunity to plug the forthcoming UK Age Research Forum (UKARF) conference taking place in London on 29th September … Continue reading Age research, ART, and AMRC science communication awards
JK Rowling and Donation to Multiple Sclerosis research
There has been blanket coverage of JK Rowling's £10 million donation to set-up a new research clinic at the Edinburgh Centre for Translational Research and quite right too. The Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic, named after her mother who had MS, will investigate treatments to slow the progression, and ultimately reverse, the symptoms of MS but will also undertake … Continue reading JK Rowling and Donation to Multiple Sclerosis research
Evan Harris and cuts to science funding
You may be interested in this call to arms by Evan Harris on The Guardian blog today. His essential point is that scientists and their supporters need to focus their attention on HM Treasury from this point onwards. Geoff Brumfiel makes a similar call in his article today also in The Guardian. That is certainly … Continue reading Evan Harris and cuts to science funding
Sunshine, stem cells and policy hypochondria over the NHS
It has been a busy 24 hours in medical research. Beginning with the sunnier side of things, I am sure few of you will have esacaped the wall-to-wall coverage of the study published yesterday showing Vitamin D exerts an influence over certain genes associated with diseases like multiple sclerosis and arthritis. The research is notable for its … Continue reading Sunshine, stem cells and policy hypochondria over the NHS
Charities in the recession (2+2 ≠ 4)
My ten minute stint on the Mark O'Donnell Show on BBC Radio Wiltshire this morning to discuss charitable giving in the recession, evolved into a wide-ranging chat about all things charitable as these opportunities can fortunately become. Collaboration between charities was one of the many questions we covered so it was good to be able … Continue reading Charities in the recession (2+2 ≠ 4)
The 'new' philanthropy and medical research
Last night I was contemplating how to make the remaining half of my net-worth last for the rest of the month, when thoughts inevitably turned to the announcement by 30 US billionaires last week that they intend to give at least half their wealth to charitable causes. The charge of the billionaires is being led … Continue reading The 'new' philanthropy and medical research
Research and democracy
The best kept secret in London during August is London itself. With what seems like millions of Londoners and commuters away on holiday, the streets are clear, the buses and trains are sitting-room only, and you can find a parking space with relative ease. The city becomes just that little bit more civilised for four … Continue reading Research and democracy
A new research regulator – Academy calls for evidence
On the train home tonight when an email came through announcing a second call for evidence by the Academy of Medical Sciences as part of its independent review of medical research regulation. This call for evidence focuses on the Department of Health review of arms-length bodies and particularly the pros and cons of a new research … Continue reading A new research regulator – Academy calls for evidence
Vince Cable on regulatory reform..and more on that single regulator for research idea
You can find the Business Secretary, Vince Cable's, announcement today on regulation on the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills website here. Given the ongoing review of the EU Clinical Trials Directive which I have mentioned a number of times on this blog, many of our members will be pleased with the following statement he … Continue reading Vince Cable on regulatory reform..and more on that single regulator for research idea
Root and branch research
It felt as if my summer started early this year. Two weeks ago in fact. With a short trip to Harpenden in Hertfordshire. Muggy sunshine mixed with heavy, sheet-metal-like rain showers as I took the train ride north of London. It felt good to be leaving the city for a change. The reason for my … Continue reading Root and branch research
NIHR summer reading
For those of you at a complete loss about what to take on the beach with you in terms of reading matter, can I suggest the NIHR Annual Report which came out last week? Note the very strong message on public and patient involvement in research in the Minister, Earl Howe's, foreword which is then carried … Continue reading NIHR summer reading
Science besieges the castle with evidence: to what impact?
Global warming was not high on the Victorians' agenda as anyone who attends a summer event in parliament will attest. But the heat is usually a good sign that your event is packed and the conversation flowing. So it was with yesterday's excellent All-Party Parliamentary Group on Medical Research summer reception. The show of strength … Continue reading Science besieges the castle with evidence: to what impact?
Resources on public engagement and research funding
A lull in the general hurly burly allows me to post a few resources that might be of interest. Research Information Network (RIN) have published a useful introduction to Government and research policy in the UK including a natty little chart showing all the links and relationships between different parts of the system. Research Councils … Continue reading Resources on public engagement and research funding
Simon Denegri's Lay Review 