New CLAHRCs announced in local health research boost. Here’s a list and links. #nihrclahrcs

The Department of Health this morning announced the successful NIHR Collaborations for Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care (CLSHRCs).  The formal press release can be found here. Thirteen CLAHRCs have been awarded over £120M in total following an open competition earlier this year.  The details of the latter can be found here. Further details … Continue reading New CLAHRCs announced in local health research boost. Here’s a list and links. #nihrclahrcs

Blog: Why the NIHR Journals Library is important from a patient perspective

NIHR Journals Library Launch 20th June 2013 As promised here's my speaking notes from the launch of the NIHR Journals Library today.  Good to see the Minister, Earl Howe, there (I tweeted his remarks earlier) plus the CMO, Professor Dame Sally Davies, Trish Edwards, Asst Editor from the BMJ etc., Public involvement in UK health research … Continue reading Blog: Why the NIHR Journals Library is important from a patient perspective

Second Reading of the Health and Social Care Bill: An open letter to MPs

Dear Member of Parliament, This afternoon the Health and Social Care Bill will recieve its Second Reading in the House of Commons.  The legislation sets out a far-reaching programme for reforming the NHS and the provision of patient care.  The Association of Medical Research Charities (AMRC) and its 127 member charities believe that high quality … Continue reading Second Reading of the Health and Social Care Bill: An open letter to MPs

Earl Howe's Speech at the AMRC AGM

 I thought you may be interested in this extract from the Health Minister, Earl Howe's, speech to out AGM on Wednesday: It also gives me pleasure to note [that] AMRC member expenditure on research having exceeded £1 billion for the year for the first time. Given the economic circumstances, I think this is something about which … Continue reading Earl Howe's Speech at the AMRC AGM

When good medicine is the casualty of hype and ignorance

I have just returned from the Financial Times' offices, where I was the guest for their regular science podcast hosted by Clive Cookson and Andrew Jack (it will appear here later today).  The theme of the discussion was 'Selling Sickness.'  Andrew was reporting on a recent conference of the same name that took place last month in Holland.  … Continue reading When good medicine is the casualty of hype and ignorance

Capability Dave announces cluster therapy for research

Monday saw the Science Mnister, David Willetts, and Health Minister, Earl Howe, announce what are being called therapeutic capability clusters (research consortia)  at the ABPI/BIA conference in London.  PharmaLetter has an article on it and what I think is the formal news release can be found on Pharma Live. Don't be fooled by the PR … Continue reading Capability Dave announces cluster therapy for research

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