It's worth noting this new report by Sense About Science published today. Entitled 'Missing Evidence: an inquiry into the delayed publication of government commissioned research,' it uncovers a quite staggering degree of ignorance within many Government departments about the policy research they have or have not commissioned, its status and publication. Over £2 billion worth! … Continue reading Government research going AWOL #MissingEvidence
Sense about Science
Drug safety regulation need not be a jagged edge on which patients catch themselves
Off to Liverpool today. I am chairing a session at the Pancreas Society's first ever PPI forum. This is the opener to their annual scientific meeting which takes place the rest of the week. Last Friday was another first. I spoke to, and took part in, the inaugural meeting of the MHRA's ( Medicines and … Continue reading Drug safety regulation need not be a jagged edge on which patients catch themselves
The truth, the whole truth and nothing but….pharma
Here is a gripping report from this week's 'Adweek' (based in New York) about the new marketing strategies being used by pharmaceutical companies. Don't be put off by the reference to 'Obamacare.' The story is equally applicable to the United Kingdom. For it is essentially a tale about how disease is being re-packaged. Patient data is the new … Continue reading The truth, the whole truth and nothing but….pharma
Whatever happened to Science and Society? Why UK science could do with a chief listening officer.
Just occasionally the Department for Business Innovation and Skills, Science and Society website pages show a flicker of light like a far-off dieing star. This evening I returned from the TalkScience event at the British Library and noticed that an update from the 'Science for All' advisory group set up many moons ago, had been … Continue reading Whatever happened to Science and Society? Why UK science could do with a chief listening officer.
TalkScience@BL is the hot event of the night – see you there.
Looking forward to the TalkScience@BL event at the British Library tonight even if I'll have to leave a little early. Tracey Brown from Sense about Science is a great speaker and it won't be long before ITV will be doing 'an audience with' as opposed to 'discussion with' her, plus the Patients Participate! project partners - … Continue reading TalkScience@BL is the hot event of the night – see you there.
The Information Standard and its part in my downfall
I get grumpier as I get older. Fact. Some things I have only recently become grumpy about. Like trolley bags; the fact that their owners always stop at the top of moving elevators trailing their bag in everyone's way as if it has suddenly been rendered immobile by a tranquilliser gun. Other things I have … Continue reading The Information Standard and its part in my downfall
Is science at ease with itself?
Trust, respect and openness have felt big themes for the week. I was really sorry not to get to 'Sense about Science's' annual lecture not least because it meant I missed Director, Tracey Brown, do one of her fabulous welcomes and introductions. The main act was Cambridge University historian, Professor Richard Evans, who examined the relationship … Continue reading Is science at ease with itself?
(Science) Bloggers of the world unite
It has been a long week! But my spirit was much raised by the person who approached me this afternoon after my speech at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Medicine Annual Symposium. They said they liked my 'science' blog. But on reflection I should have corrected them. For I am no scientist and I do not … Continue reading (Science) Bloggers of the world unite
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)
Simon Denegri's Lay Review 