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
public engagement
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
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
Andrew Lansley in No10
Not because he has taken over as PM I hasten to add but because he will be popping over there to do an online Q&A tomorrow, Thursday 22nd Juy, about the Health White Paper. Details on the No10 website here.
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
Comprehensive Spending Review (CSR)
I originally intended this to be a politics free blog for once. But such is life. Today we put in our submission on the Comprehensive Spending Review (CSR) which you can find on our website. I see there was some coverage of the Royal Society's own submission in this morning's papers. Many of the messages … Continue reading Comprehensive Spending Review (CSR)
Vince Cable on universities
The Business Secretary, Vince Cable's, speech on university reform can be found on the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills website. It is always dangerous to take quotes out of context but I noticed this quite interesting bit. 'Of course we must back internationally excellent research. But what we can’t afford is a system in … Continue reading Vince Cable on universities
The Health White Paper: a research perspective
I am seriously considering entering the transfer market to buy a psychic octopus that can help me predict the implications of the unfolding Coalition Government strategy. Yesterday saw publication of the much-trailed Health White Paper which I overhead described on yesterday's edition of 'The World Tonight' as the most radical overhaul of the health services … Continue reading The Health White Paper: a research perspective
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
Lansley on public health
UPDATE - The full text of Andrew Lansley's speech can now be found on the Department of Health website. And some reaction from AMRC member, the British Heart Foundation, as reported in The Independent. Without wishing to appear as though I have suddenly become Andrew Lansley's publicist or that I am stalking him in some … Continue reading Lansley on public health
Medical research and children
I missed this very good viewpoint article on the BBC News website yesterday by Professor Neena Modi, Vice-President for Science and Research at the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health. Professor Modi argues that children and parents are being denied the benefits of clinical research and that until we undertake more clinical studies involving children they … Continue reading Medical research and children
Loose ends on Lansley, Godlee and AMRC
Here are a few loose ends from this week if not before. First, I'm delighted that the Journal of Ambulatory Care Management have published our paper about AMRC's 'Natural Ground' project on patient public involvement in their July issue. But I am afraid it looks as though you have to pay to download it. Nonetheless, … Continue reading Loose ends on Lansley, Godlee and AMRC
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)
Science in a 'Big Society'
I was at the ACEVO CEO Summit this morning. One of those rare occasions when the presentations are so good you don't want to leave. The first was by Richard Reeves, the Director of DEMOS who will shortly become Special Adviser to the Deputy PM, Nick Clegg. The second by writer and broadcaster, Simon Fanshawe. … Continue reading Science in a 'Big Society'
The trials of conducting clinical trials
'...while the charity has a long tail, it is a strong and growing one.'
Andrew Lansley Speech.
I received this link today from one of AMRC's partner organisations, National Voices. It will take you to the text of the first major speech by Andrew Lansley MP, Secretary of State for Health. Given the audience of National Voices members and panelists, LINks members and Patients Association members it understandably focuses on the patient … Continue reading Andrew Lansley Speech.
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