A quick post to say that we have today posted our comments on the NHS White Paper on our website. Our response is the first-listed on the consultations page for 2010 here. If you want to get some idea of the Department of Health perspective on the issues we raise you might like to read … Continue reading AMRC Responds to NHS White Paper 'Equity and Excellence: Liberating the NHS'
party conferences
Science at the Conservative Party conference – curtain down calls an end to well-rehearsed choreography in the nick of time
After three weeks on the road it is only to be expected that the fringe meetings take on the choreography of a well-rehearsed show. It certainly felt that way with tonight's Royal Society fringe. The performances were faultless but there was never any real hope of artistic interpretation. The science minister, David Willetts, sang well from his hymn … Continue reading Science at the Conservative Party conference – curtain down calls an end to well-rehearsed choreography in the nick of time
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
Science at the Conservative Party Conference – it ain't over until it's over
'So we will give priority to spending that supports growth in our economy. That means investment in the transport schemes, the medical research and the communications networks that deliver the greatest economic benefit.' George Osborne, 4 October 2010 Welcome, good, important? Yes. Victory, game over? Of course not. A noticeable frisson went through the room … Continue reading Science at the Conservative Party Conference – it ain't over until it's over
Science at the Conservative Party Conference – avoiding the herd mentality
I read in the Birmingham local press that about 14,000 people are expected at the Conservative Party Conference. It certainly seems busier than the preceding two, even on a Sunday evening. Each conference has its own feel but common to them all is the herd of grey-suited buffalo (including myself I suppose) that migrates from one … Continue reading Science at the Conservative Party Conference – avoiding the herd mentality
Science at the Conservative Party Conference
Two down, one to go. Here's science related 'matter' at the Conservative Party Conference which starts in Birmingham tomorrow. Birmingham University was of course the venue for the Science Minister, David Willett's, first speech after taking office. I am looking forward to being one of the hosts when he joins us for a roundtable breakfast … Continue reading Science at the Conservative Party Conference
Science's reputation will be easily cracked, and will never mend well
Forgive the headline which is a version of Benjamin Franklin's: 'Glass, china, and reputation are easily cracked, and never mended well.' If you haven't seen today's Guardian splash on science cuts then you should really take a look. There is a wealth of detail but the human stories are the most absorbing aspect of the … Continue reading Science's reputation will be easily cracked, and will never mend well
Coming down to earth – regulators, dementia taxes, collaboration and new generation politics
I think it was Simon Carr in the Independent who said that Ed Milliband opened his arms at the beginning of his speech as if welcoming the assembled earthlings to his world. I certainly feel as though I have come back down to earth today. An early train back to London from Manchester to a … Continue reading Coming down to earth – regulators, dementia taxes, collaboration and new generation politics
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
Science at the Labour Party Conference – a Miller's tale
Rumour has it that there is an outbreak of tonsilitis in the north-west at the moment...here's hoping Ed Milliband is being kept in isolation until his leader's speech this afternoon. One thing I forgot to mention from last night's meeting was David Lammy's comment that the coalition government has yet to put together a convincing narrative for … Continue reading Science at the Labour Party Conference – a Miller's tale
Science at Labour Party Conference – Vital Signs
First, a general observation. Less than one day here and I have met four 'Eds' already - more than in the previous ten years travelling the breadth of the UK. Strange that. But perhaps when you are faced by David Willetts you need as many 'Eds' as you can get. I came expecting a muted, … Continue reading Science at Labour Party Conference – Vital Signs
Science at Labour Party conference – pick of a small crop
On the red-eye to Manchester for the Labour Party conference. Those who tend to shut their mind to the world over the weekend will need to know that Labour has put its 'Ed' on the block and that it is now most definitely Milliband country. Pick of the Labour conference fringe this week (with an … Continue reading Science at Labour Party conference – pick of a small crop
Science at the Lib Dem party conference – final thoughts
Back in London, a few final thoughts on the Lib Dem conference in Liverpool this week: My first ever Lib Dem conference was in Torquay twenty years ago. How things change! Busier than I have ever seen it, the party faithful had a different spring in their step even if they seemed a little apprehensive. … Continue reading Science at the Lib Dem party conference – final thoughts
Science at the Lib Dem conference – patients hold their nerve for research
'Hold your nerve' was the message to his party from Nick Clegg yesterday. Well, this evening patients and their carers held their nerve by standing in front of conference delegates to tell their personal stories of fighting disease and the way research has helped, or could help, them. In fact if you happen to be … Continue reading Science at the Lib Dem conference – patients hold their nerve for research
Science at the Lib Dem Conference – Life Sciences Breakfast
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
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
Science at the Lib Dem Conference
I'm at the Lib Dem Party Conference in Liverpool today and tomorrow. The sky is set fair and the sea is calm and so seems the conference mood by and large. I went to a good fring meeting at lunchtime Chaired by Julian Huppert MP and hosted by the British Heart Foundation (BHF), Diabetes UK … Continue reading Science at the Lib Dem Conference
Charity support for 'a single research regulator'
This afternoon we have published our response to the Academy of Medical Sciences' call for evidence on proposals for a single research regulator. You can find the full text if you click on the 'AMRC Statements' tab at the top of the page or here. Our submission is based on a survey of our members and … Continue reading Charity support for 'a single research regulator'
Simon Denegri's Lay Review 