The EU economy might be splintering apart. But, meanwhile, a number of patient/public/private organisations are 'euro-zoning' in on the task of providing better information for patients on medicines development. The new initiative - which was launched on 1st February - is called the European Patients Academy on Therapeutic Innovation or EUPATI for short. Thank goodness they did … Continue reading EU initiative to boost information for patients on medicines development
European Union
European patient group directory has some way to go before showing full story on pharma funding
My good colleagues at Cancer52 (the rare cancers coalition) sent me this, the third edition of the Burson-Marsteller directory of patient groups. On a purely practical level this tome is vital in helping to find your way round the various patient groups working on the European stage. Note the introduction by the EU Health Commissioner, … Continue reading European patient group directory has some way to go before showing full story on pharma funding
EU plants green shoots of recovery
I mentioned yesterday about the EU Commission's plans to radically overhaul its approach to funding research and innovation. As expected these were launched in the form of a green paper today which is now open for public consultation until 20 May 2011. Quick summary as follows ( eGov also has quite a good overview). The … Continue reading EU plants green shoots of recovery
The NHS reforms and patients…and EU research shake-up?
Science fear not. Those of you disappointed that the EU summit on 4th Feb only got round to the subject of 'innovation' at a late hour and to little discussion should take heart from the fact that patients have been used to being at the end of a conference/meeting agenda etc for most of the … Continue reading The NHS reforms and patients…and EU research shake-up?
Pfizer…and innovation emergencies
The news that Pfizer is to close its R&D facility in Sandwich in Kent has shaken us from our sleepy winter hollows. I've been watching the reactions and comments come over the wires as I am sure you have. This is clearly a company going through considerable transition as it tries to change with the … Continue reading Pfizer…and innovation emergencies
Making the EU work better for research charities
On the face of it you might think this a very Friday afternoon sort of article. But, as a discussion of how European foundations operate in a research funding context, it is is extremely interesting. The news peg for it is that plans are afoot by the European Commission to present a regulation for a European Foundation … Continue reading Making the EU work better for research charities
Science at the Labour Party Conference – Ed captures hearts but not science
In my potter around the conference exhibition this afternoon, I stumbled upon a stand for the 'People's Museum' here in Manchester which charts the struggles of the working class and houses the Labour Party's official archives. I wish I had time to pop along if only to check whether my knowledge of political history is … Continue reading Science at the Labour Party Conference – Ed captures hearts but not science
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
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
Vince Cable on Science: a home-spun piece from afar
They say that if you want to see your hometown or nation in a different light you should walk with a stranger who is seeing and experiencing it for the first time. I probably learnt more about England during my spells living abroad than I have in the years before or since. So I was … Continue reading Vince Cable on Science: a home-spun piece from afar
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
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
A new regulator for UK medical research
MPs will break up tomorrow for the summer holidays. The last days of term have always been busy ones for Government for as long as I can remember with their slew of announcements and a general clearing of the decks. So it was today. We saw a further two follow-up papers to the Health White Paper published … Continue reading A new regulator for UK medical research
Willetts wants to cut loose science and go for growth
The Science Minister, David Willetts, was in thoughtful rather than visionary mode at the Royal Institution this morning I felt. The old hands among you will know by now that a Ministerial speech headlined as 'a vision' rarely lives up to its billing. But let's not mark him down on this. On science as in … Continue reading Willetts wants to cut loose science and go for growth
Willetts to speak this Friday on Government's vision for Science in the UK
The Science Minister, David Willetts, will be making his first speech setting out the Government's vision for science in the UK this Friday 9th July at the Royal Institution at 11am. Tickets are free and can be booked through the Ri
Cap on Non-EU Economic Migrants: implications for science
You may have heard about the Home Secretary, Teresa May's, announcement of a cap on non-EU economic migrant workers on the news and in the newspapers. Many of the reports I have seen have made reference to the concerns expressed by the science community about the impact of such a cap on attracting international researchers. The … Continue reading Cap on Non-EU Economic Migrants: implications for science
Eurobarometer on science and technology (England 1 Latvia 0)
For those of you who feel despondent about science's chances following yesterday's Budget think of it this way. We are through the group stages, have conceded little and are now through to the knockout stages where we have everything to play for. We just need to take our chances. Those of you thinking of an … Continue reading Eurobarometer on science and technology (England 1 Latvia 0)
Simon Denegri's Lay Review 