Biomedical research - policy and news

New European medical research federation

Wed, 23 Dec 2009 08:57:06 +0000

Medical researchers from across Europe have come together in an effort to get their voices heard in debates on research funding and policy.

UK Attracting Europe’s Best Research Brains

Wed, 23 Dec 2009 08:50:06 +0000

A national action plan to encourage the best brains into research careers and attract them to the UK has been published today by the department for Business, Innovations and Skills.

Universities - teaching cut; research protected

Wed, 23 Dec 2009 08:49:06 +0000

Lord Mandelson has announced a £135 million cut to higher education funding to make up for “the higher than expected costs of student support during the economic downturn”.

Another scientific libel case

Tue, 22 Dec 2009 08:20:33 +0000

A leading medical scientist is refusing to speak in England about findings from his work because he fears being sued for libel.

Crystallographer faked data

Tue, 22 Dec 2009 08:14:37 +0000

A protein researcher at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) has been found guilty of falsifying data that he used to construct 12 fraudulent protein structures that made it into the scientific literature and an international archive of protein structures.

Times Higher article on UKCMRI

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 12:09:33 +0000

Plans for the capital's proposed biomedical super-lab are advancing but big hurdles remain, writes Zoë Corbyn in the Times Higher.

Stephen Caddick will become UCL vice-provost

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 12:07:27 +0000

University College London has announced two appointments to its senior management team. Stephen Caddick, director of the Centre for Chemical Biology at UCL, will become vice-provost (enterprise) following Mike Spyer's retirement in May 2010.

A new author ID system

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 11:49:37 +0000

A proposed author ID system is gaining widespread support, and could help lay the foundation for an academic-reward system less heavily tied to publications and citations.
Nature vol 462, p 825

Sustainability of the UK research workforce report published

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 10:06:32 +0000

A report on the sustainability of the UK research workforce has been welcomed by UK research funders.

Disillusionment in science

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 10:41:57 +0000

A piece in Lablit about career disillusionment - when the scientific dream isn't coming true.

Wellcome Trust announces annual results

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 11:27:09 +0000

The Wellcome Trust and its subsidiary Wellcome Trust Finance plc announce the publication of their Annual Reports and Financial Statements for the year to 30 September 2009.

Outstanding scientific mentors honored

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 11:52:08 +0000

The Japanese winners of Nature's mentoring awards have the universal qualities of outstanding advisers.
Nature vol 462, p 826

Government's lacklustre response to Genomic Medicine report

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 10:46:36 +0000

The Government response to the recent House of Lords report on Genomic Medicine explicitly rejects the publication of a new Government White paper on the issue.

Five hottest biology papers of 2009

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 11:31:54 +0000

The Scientist chose five papers in biology published in the last two years which were some of the most cited papers in 2009, according to the ScienceWatch website.

Code of conduct for synthetic biology

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 10:45:22 +0000

The International Association of Synthetic Biology, a consortium of leading companies in this field, has released a code of conduct for gene synthesis.

Retracted papers linked to extortion attempt

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 10:40:43 +0000

Two papers retracted in the past few months have been linked to an extortion attempt. Both papers originated from the laboratory of Peter Schultz, a prominent chemist at the Scripps Research Institute in La Jolla, California.

Stem Cell road map to make research easier

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 09:26:42 +0000

Stem cell researchers in the UK can benefit from a new online resource that will allow them to plan a regulatory route for their research.

Cash boost for French research

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 09:23:16 +0000

Universities in France are set to receive an €11-billion windfall from a government initiative intended to create an 'Ivy League' of research centres.

Protests about the REF

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 09:20:23 +0000

Academics rally to protest over assessment changes.

Watching science at work

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 09:18:39 +0000

A network of social scientists in the United Kingdom is seeking better ways to study the work of biologists.

2009 in review - The Scientist

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 09:17:24 +0000

2009 in review - The Scientist

Older slides are better

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 09:13:58 +0000

Microarray performance is degraded with newer glass slides.

New Centre for Molecular Epidemiology

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 09:14:51 +0000

A Centre for Molecular Epidemiology has been established at Technical University of Denmark, making it possible to quickly analyse DNA from pathogenic bacteria.

Select Committee: review of the principles applying to the treatment of independent scientific advice

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 09:00:03 +0000

This Select Committee report has been written in response to the Government's announcement that it would consider and issue, by the end of December 2009, a set of principles applying to the treatment of independent scientific advice provided to government.

European Research by country: 2004-2009

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 08:54:47 +0000

Clickable map with links to short brochure about how each country has benefited from European research.

Construction on Harvard life sciences complex stalls

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 09:08:40 +0000

Harvard University has announced it will temporarily halt construction on a $1 billion life-sciences complex in Allston, a few miles away from the main Cambridge campus.

Hollywood gives biologists a helping hand

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 09:13:49 +0000

Computer programs like those used in animated movies such as Shrek could soon be helping more cell biologists explain hypotheses.

Libel laws in science

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 09:02:00 +0000

The campaign to reform England’s libel laws is being run by Sense About Science, English Pen and Index on Censorship. They have presented their concerns, and those of academics, medical and science editors, to Parliament.

Give researchers long-term awards, say economists

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 12:28:56 +0000

Biomedical research leaders often complain that the U.S. system of funding research on specific projects stifles risk-taking and creativity. A better model, they say, would be to give researchers long-term awards with no strings attached. Now some Massachusetts Institute of Technology economists say they have rigorously tested this idea for the first time and found that scientists with open-ended funding are indeed more productive and creative.

GE & Science prize awarded for body size research

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 09:11:31 +0000

For his research about why the body parts of a single animal develop into different sizes, Michael Crickmore, a regional winner from North America, has been named the 2009 Grand Prize winner for the GE & Science Prize for Young Life Scientists.

Wellcome News - latest issue

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 09:18:50 +0000

Issue 61 of Wellcome News is now published.

Times Higher on the £600 million cuts

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 12:17:43 +0000

Sector faces ‘incredibly difficult’ struggle to maintain standards in wake of move, leaders warn.

DFID targets hotspots for spread of animal-to-human diseases

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 12:04:20 +0000

The Department for International Development (DFID) is bringing together vets, virologists, academics and other experts in animal-to-human diseases in order to identify hotspots where the next global pandemic is most likely to come from and how best to prevent it emerging or spreading.

Leader in the field of translational science sought for board

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 11:45:48 +0000

The Director of the MRC and NIHR Efficacy and Mechanism Evaluation Programme seeks to appoint a leader in the field of translational science to undertake the duties of the Chair of the NIHR EME Board. The appointment is for five years.

Science & Education face cuts

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 10:20:29 +0000

The UK government is looking to make savings of £600m in higher education, and science and research budgets.

Royal Institution in difficulties?

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 10:13:47 +0000

The recession has also helped place in jeopardy the Royal Institution.

Bioscience for Life

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 09:52:38 +0000

BBSRC has launched a new campaign to highlight the role and impact of bioscience research on everyone’s daily life. ‘Bioscience for Life’ demonstrates the pervasive impact of the UK’s world leading bioscience research on the world around us.

Call for new approach to research and innovation in Europe

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 09:37:12 +0000

Research and industry experts have called on the European Commission and the European Parliament to initiate a radical change to research and innovation policy in Europe.

Clinical researchers' guide to regulation

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 09:44:15 +0000

A new booklet from the UK Clinical Research Collaboration provides an overview of initiatives that have been put in place to streamline the regulatory and governance (R&G) environment. It describes how the clinical research landscape has been dramatically transformed in recent years.

Cancer biobank closes

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 10:15:33 +0000

onCore UK will no longer serve as an active national cancer biobank resource.

Edinburgh gets a bioincubator

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 09:34:10 +0000

A £24million investment in life sciences is confirmed today with the announcement of a new 10,000sq m bioincubator at the landmark Edinburgh BioQuarter, at the heart of the Scottish life sciences cluster.

Robert May on climate change and global health

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 09:32:38 +0000

The annual UCL-Lancet Lecture was delivered on 29 November by Professor Lord (Robert) May, former Government Chief Science Adviser and former President of the Royal Society.

New Scientist report on the blue skies debate

Mon, 7 Dec 2009 09:37:17 +0000

Report of the debate "Blue skies ahead? The prospects for UK science" at the Wellcome Trust.

Scientist or technician -what's in a name?

Mon, 7 Dec 2009 09:35:22 +0000

Guardian careers blog post on the difference between scientists and technicians.

The value of blue skies research

Mon, 7 Dec 2009 09:34:15 +0000

Mark Henderson write in The Times that "it’s all very well to back research based on the likely benefits, but fundamental science works by other rules".

Undergraduate vacation fellowships

Mon, 7 Dec 2009 09:15:23 +0000

The Wellcome Trust is seeking applications for its 2010 Biomedical Vacation Scholarships, which enable undergraduate biomedical and veterinary science students to conduct hands-on research during their summer vacation.

Concerns over future of MRC

Fri, 4 Dec 2009 10:50:32 +0000

The early departure of the head of Britain's Medical Research Council (MRC) has prompted concern for the future of the funding body.

Drayson accuses scientists of not recognising their accountability to taxpayers

Wed, 2 Dec 2009 11:24:08 +0000

Science Minister Lord Drayson's comments at the "Blue skies ahead? The prospects for UK science" debate on 30th November cause anger.

MRC Millennium Medal awarded

Wed, 2 Dec 2009 11:28:03 +0000

Sir Peter Mansfield, who played an instrumental role in the development of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), is presented with the MRC (Medical Research Council’s) Millennium Medal

New US bioethics commission

Tue, 1 Dec 2009 11:36:03 +0000

President Obama has created a new wide-ranging advisory body

Glowing report card for UK Science and Innovation

Tue, 1 Dec 2009 11:22:49 +0000

BIS has published the 5th annual Science and Innnovation Framework 2004-2014 report. It states that sustained progress has been made in the 10 year vision for science and innovation

Royal Society 350th anniversary celebrations launched

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 09:00:06 +0000

The Royal Society launches its 350th anniversary celebrations with an online archive including letters from Newton and Captain Cook.

New EU commissioner for science

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 08:55:57 +0000

European Commission President José Manuel Barroso announced yesterday that he will nominate Máire Geoghegan-Quinn as the E.U.'s new commissioner for research and innovation.

Euros 275 million for the eradication, monitoring and control of animal diseases

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 08:51:24 +0000

the European Commission adopted a financial package of €275 million to support programmes to eradicate, control and monitor animal diseases in 2010. The 224 annual or multi-annual programmes which were selected for EU funding will tackle animal diseases that impact both human and animal health. The large EU contribution towards these programmes reflects the high level of importance attached to disease eradication measures, for the protection of both animal and public health.

The Manchester Manifesto - who owns science?

Thu, 26 Nov 2009 11:55:01 +0000

The Manchester Manifesto Group brings together international experts from relevant disciplines to address the question of Who Owns Science?

John Sulston critiques intellectual property, introduces the Manchester Manifesto

Thu, 26 Nov 2009 11:41:00 +0000

John Sulston says that IP rights are beginning to permeate every area of scientific endeavour. The Manchester Manifesto explores this problem and points the way to future solutions that will more effectively protect science, innovation and the public good.

MRC chief to step down in 2010, move to Cambridge Univ

Thu, 26 Nov 2009 11:09:02 +0000

Sir Leszek Borysiewicz, Chief Executive of the Medical Research Council (MRC), has been nominated by the University of Cambridge Council as Vice Chancellor for the next period of office. Subject to the approval of Regent House, the University's governing body, Sir Leszek will take over from Professor Alison Richard on 1 October 2010.

Research 3.0

Thu, 26 Nov 2009 09:25:00 +0000

JISC is launching a year long campaign1 called ‘Research 3.0 – driving the knowledge economy’, to debate how digital technologies are changing not only what research we do, but how it can be carried out.

Golden triangle dominates UK research

Thu, 26 Nov 2009 09:12:23 +0000

Five institutions dominate UK research, but research produced by the remaining Russell Group of large research-intensive universities is no better than that generated by their smaller counterparts, according to a new analysis.

Still too Few Women in Science in Europe

Thu, 26 Nov 2009 08:58:09 +0000

Women represent only 30% of European researchers and only 18% of full professors, according to the latest edition of the "She Figures", a survey on Statistics and Indicators on Gender Equality in Science published by the European Commission .

EU R&D activities - annual report 2009

Thu, 26 Nov 2009 08:56:53 +0000

The Annual Report (2009) on research and technological development activities of the European Union in 2008 is now available online.

Helsinki Group celebrates 10 years of promoting women in science

Thu, 26 Nov 2009 08:55:58 +0000

A decade ago, the European Commission set up a group to promote the participation of women in science across Europe. Now celebrating its 10th birthday, the Helsinki Group, as it became known, is still going strong.

Science debate - Drayson, Afriye and Harris

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 09:07:02 +0000

Paul Drayson, the science minister; Adam Afriyie, the shadow science minister (pictured right); and Evan Harris, science spokesman for the Liberal Democrats shared a platform for the first time to debate university and science policy.

DoH research budget under threat

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 09:19:22 +0000

Andy Burnham, the Health Secretary, told The Times that millions of pounds would be reprioritised from health research and development to pay the costs of the Social Care Bill.

DoH chief scientific officer's conference

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 09:03:47 +0000

The conference for senior healthcare scientists and others working in healthcare will unveil new scientific discoveries and allow policy makers and scientists to discuss the role of science in healthcare delivery.

Researchers in Residence scheme improves website

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 08:58:25 +0000

School placement scheme, Researchers in Residence, has revamped its website. The website now enables researchers and schools to apply online, making it even easier to arrange a placement.

Human Genetics Commission call for DNA database changes

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 09:08:52 +0000

The UK's police DNA database has records for five million individuals. It needs to be regulated on a clear statutory basis and supervised by an independent authority, says the Human Genetics Commission.

New Scientist's Darwin challenge

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 09:21:56 +0000

New Scientist have launched a competition to find the cleverest and most creative ways that the last line of Darwin's "On the Origin of Species" can be incorporated into a new work of art.

Beware the negatome

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 09:20:31 +0000

Negatome has won Jonathan Eisen's "Worst new omics word award".

Conference tweckling

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 09:35:05 +0000

An article in the Chronicle of Higher Education highlights how some audience members now tweckle speakers by heckling them on the microblogging site Twitter.

OECD recommendations on biobanks and genetic databases

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 08:34:18 +0000

Recommendation on Human Biobanks and Genetic Research Databases was adopted in October 2009 by the OECD Council.

MRC Network issue for November/December 2009 is out

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 11:20:33 +0000

In this issue: MRC scientist wins Nobel Prize. Profile: The MRC Genome Damage and Stability Centre.

Funding boost for French science?

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 08:54:39 +0000

A panel reporting to the French President recommends a Euros 35 billion investment in the future - boosting research, higher education, innovation, and technology.

Biological data resources need support

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 09:26:20 +0000

Information-sharing resources are essential to biologists and deserve international support.
Nature vol 462, p 252

Bioengineering enquiry

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 09:11:15 +0000

Science and Technology Committee will hold an inquiry into Bioengineering, examining how the UK can maintain a globally competitive position in emerging and existing bioengineering research fields. The inquiry will focus on three areas: research, translation and regulation, in synthetic biology, stem cells and genetic modification.

Expert Labs to Help Support US Policymakers

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 09:06:20 +0000

Expert Labs is an initiative from the AAAS to enhance the policy-making process. It will leverage and extend the potential of social networking.

NIHR centres are impacting on translational research

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 09:03:47 +0000

A report shows that NIHR Biomedical Research Centres are contributing to observable changes in institutional relationships between the NHS, academia, industry and other players, and helping to shape the health research system to pursue translational research.

European projects on Science in Society

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 09:01:14 +0000

The European Commission will fund fifteen projects in the area of Science in Society which aim at facilitating and improving the relationship between the scientific community, citizens and policy makers

International strategy for the Academy of Medical Sciences

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:52:40 +0000

The Academy of Medical Sciences has launched an international strategy focussing on the global impact of medical science.

Chris and Uta Frith win the European Latsis Prize

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:50:46 +0000

Professors Chris and Uta Frith of UCL (University College London), UK and Aarhus University, Denmark will today be awarded the European Latsis Prize for their contribution to understanding the human mind and brain.

Survey identifies support needs of Fellows

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:46:47 +0000

Results from a survey of current and former Fellows funded by Research Councils UK (RCUK) and the three national Academies have been published.

The Science and Trust Expert Group

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:15:45 +0000

The Science and Trust Expert Group at DBIS is working to develop an action plan around public trust and confidence in science. But they’re not just aiming for a public that blindly trusts science without asking the right questions.

Imperial College chief quits

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 09:14:01 +0000

The rector of Imperial College London, one of the UK’s leading research universities, has resigned. Roy Anderson will end his time in charge of Imperial on the last day of the year and returns to his role as chair of infectious disease epidemiology at Imperial’s Faculty of Medicine.

Consultation on scientific analysis in policy making

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 09:10:51 +0000

Guidelines to ensure robust scientific and engineering advice to Government are the subject of a consultation launched by the Government Office for Science.

deCODE files for bankruptcy

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 09:09:35 +0000

The genomics company deCODE genetics Inc. has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy but will keep going with a loan from an investment firm that has offered to buy its assets.

NIH urged to fund ethics studies

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 09:06:08 +0000

US lobby group PharmedOut is requesting that the U.S. National Institutes of Health should fund more research into ethics, conflicts of interest, and prescribing behavior.

Global Alliance for Chronic Disease expands

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 10:18:08 +0000

An alliance of institutions collectively managing an estimated 80 percent of all public health research funding worldwide have announced their first targets for concerted action in the fight against chronic non-communicable diseases.

A decade of discovery for malaria medicines

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 09:56:06 +0000

In commemorating the 10th anniversary of the Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV) Dr Margaret Chan, WHO's Director-General focused on the innovation they foster and the smart use of market forces and competition to stimulate drug discovery for a market that has little commercial appeal.

Bruce Alberts calls for US-China science cooperation

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 09:38:28 +0000

Bruce Alberts urged the governments of both China and the United States to support more effective forms of science education and to create research opportunities for young scientists.

Royal Society research fellowships

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 09:04:28 +0000

The Royal Society has announced the appointment of 38 new University Research Fellows (URFs) for 2009.

Scientists and families

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 09:02:50 +0000

A significant proportion of American women leave scientific careers between earning their Ph.D. and winning tenure-track positions. Many of these "leaks" in the pipeline are the result of decisions to start families.

Women at NIH

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 08:59:39 +0000

"Women in Science at the National Institutes of Health 2007-2008" is a new publication showcasing the achievements of some of the accomplished women at the NIH and is intended to inspire a diversity of girls and boys, women and men to enter or continue in science careers.

Royal Society announces Dorothy Hodgkin Fellowships

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 08:48:04 +0000

The Royal Society has announced the appointment of 10 new Dorothy Hodgkin Fellows (DHFs) for 2009.

Open Science - new report

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 09:13:47 +0000

A new Open Science report identifies open-ness, predictive science based on massive data volumes and citizen involvement as being important features of tomorrow’s research practice.

Wellcome scheme to fund researchers not projects

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 08:53:35 +0000

The Wellcome Trust plans to award longer-term funding focused on individual researchers rather than on specific research projects.

European biosafety labs set to grow

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 08:51:31 +0000

A rash of new maximum-security biosafety-level-4 (BSL-4) labs are being built in the European Union (EU), and even more are planned.

research*eu - the magazine of the European research area

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 08:45:23 +0000

Ten years after the creation of the ERA, a special issue of the magazine takes stock of progress to date and of how much remains to be done.

The line between science and opinion

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 08:42:14 +0000

Blog post and interesting discussion at Nature Network about non-research articles published in science journals.

Breakthrough - or just due to chance?

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 09:52:50 +0000

Don't believe everything you read about genes and disease in prestigious journals like Science and Nature, say Marcus Munafò and Jonathan Flint, in The Guardian.

African science academies show the way

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 09:47:53 +0000

African governments could save millions of lives relatively cheaply by adopting science-based health policies, according to a report published today by seven African science academies.

Academy launches study on the use of animals containing human material

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 09:41:57 +0000

he Academy of Medical Sciences has launched a new study to examine the use of animals containing human material in scientific research.

Open access Darwin articles published

Mon, 9 Nov 2009 09:57:27 +0000

To celebrate the 150th anniversary this month of the publication of On the Origin of Species, the American Institute of Biological Sciences is publishing open access two peer-reviewed articles about Charles Darwin and his historic insights into evolution.

More funding for dementia research

Mon, 9 Nov 2009 09:31:55 +0000

A new ministerial group will drive forward research into the causes, cure and care of dementia. The group will focus on increasing the volume, quality and impact of dementia research and aim to help scientists in the field of dementia research get more access to existing funding. It follows the Government’s Dementia Research Summit in July at which leading experts identified priority areas for dementia research. An independent report of the Ministerial Summit is now available

Nanotech Research Code of Conduct proposed

Mon, 9 Nov 2009 09:26:20 +0000

The European Commission has opened a public consultation in order to receive input from all people and organisations involved or interested in nanosciences and nanotechnologies research in Europe, and notably research, policy makers, industry, media and civil society organisations.

Leading scientists recommend guidelines for science advisors

Fri, 6 Nov 2009 09:32:55 +0000

Senior scientists and scientific advisers have issued a statement following the sacking of Professor David Nutt, chairman of the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD). The Principles for the Treatment of Independent Scientific Advice sets out to Government three principles: academic freedom, independence of operation and proper consideration of advice.

First U.S. science envoys named

Fri, 6 Nov 2009 09:25:40 +0000

U.S. Secretary of State Hilary Clinton has named three top scientists to serve as the country’s first science envoys: Science Editor-in-Chief Bruce Alberts, Science Translational Medicine Chief Scientific Adviser Elias Zerhouni, M.D., and Nobel Prize-winning chemist Ahmed Zewail

Nominations open for outstanding women in science

Fri, 6 Nov 2009 08:57:34 +0000

UK Resource Centre for Women in Science, Engineering and Technology is asking for nominations for Women of Outstanding Achievement in Science, Engineering and Technology 2010.

Nature's 140th birthday

Thu, 5 Nov 2009 09:20:00 +0000

Nature's birthday offers an occasion to reflect on the past and look to the future.
Nature vol 462, p 12

Resistance grows to impact agenda

Thu, 5 Nov 2009 09:13:41 +0000

Academics have stepped up their campaign against the Government's push to fund research on the basis of its impact on society and the economy, as institutions admit they have failed to sell the agenda to staff.

Nutt-gate rolls on

Thu, 5 Nov 2009 09:05:49 +0000

The science advisor fired by the UK government last week has penned an editorial explaining his actions.

The 10,000 genome wishlist

Thu, 5 Nov 2009 09:01:06 +0000

Heartened by a continuing rapid decline in the cost of genome sequencing, a group of genome and museum experts today launched an ambitious plan to decipher 10,000 vertebrate genomes.

CASE briefing on strengthening guidelines on scientific advice

Wed, 4 Nov 2009 12:31:10 +0000

Following the sacking of Professor Nutt from his position as Chair of the Advisory Council on Misuse of Drugs, The Campaign for Science & Engineering has produced a briefing on strengthening guidelines on scientific advice.

EMBO Young Investigators announced

Wed, 4 Nov 2009 12:25:12 +0000

The European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO) announced today this year’s selection of 17 of Europe’s most talented young researchers as EMBO Young Investigators.

Industry support of academic life science research may be dropping

Wed, 4 Nov 2009 09:32:48 +0000

While more than half the US academic life science researchers responding to a 2007 survey indicated having some relationship with industrial entities, the prevalence of such relationships - particularly direct funding for research studies - appears to be dropping.

Making sense of screening

Wed, 4 Nov 2009 09:25:05 +0000

Sense about Science have issued a booklet Making Sense of Screening, about how screening works, its limitations and the calculation of benefits and harms.

AAAS speed networking exercise for women scientists

Wed, 4 Nov 2009 09:17:13 +0000

Sixty women scientists and engineers lined up in rows facing each other. At the ping of a bell, they were off, swapping stories of their backgrounds, what they seek in their careers, and sometimes even compliments about accessories. A minute later, the bell pinged again and the women rotated to talk to another participant in the speed-networking exercise.

Government review of Universities

Wed, 4 Nov 2009 09:12:27 +0000

The higher education blueprint, Higher Ambitions, sets out a course for how universities can remain world class, providing the nation with the high level skills needed to remain competitive, while continuing to attracting the brightest students and researchers. See pp 10-11 of executive summary for recommendations in research.

Consultation on new professional development framework for researchers

Tue, 3 Nov 2009 12:29:15 +0000

The Researcher development framework has been created as a tool for planning, promoting and supporting the personal, professional and career development of researchers in higher education.

Boris speaks out over Nutt, in The Times

Tue, 3 Nov 2009 09:51:19 +0000

Sir Leszek Borysiewicz, chief executive of the Medical Research Council, told The Times that the dismissal of the chief drugs adviser had created an “incredibly regrettable situation that has a potentially negative effect on the relationship between scientists and the Government”.

Beginning of the end for impact factors?

Tue, 3 Nov 2009 09:40:36 +0000

Richard Smith writes about article level metrics, in a BMJ blog

New science careers resource from AAAS

Tue, 3 Nov 2009 09:14:34 +0000

AAAS and Science Careers have released a new resource full of career advice and tips to help you polish your job search skills and land a competitive job in academia, industry, or government.

Will article-level metrics trump impact factors?

Mon, 2 Nov 2009 17:11:40 +0000

Richard Smith, writing on a BMJ blog, suggests that impact factors have had their day.

Getting a grip on p-values

Mon, 2 Nov 2009 08:47:07 +0000

ScienceNOW engages in a heated debate about a controversial statistical term.

Drugs advisor David Nutt is sacked

Mon, 2 Nov 2009 08:51:10 +0000

The UK government has told its independent advisor on drug abuse to resign after he again called for a more scientific approach to drugs.

More drug committee members resign

Mon, 2 Nov 2009 08:59:38 +0000

Two members of the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs resigned yesterday in protest at Alan Johnson's treatment of Professor David Nutt, and more may follow.

Naturally Obsessed: the making of a scientist

Mon, 2 Nov 2009 08:44:28 +0000

Amy Charles reviews the film in LabLit, and speaks to the film's makers.

The science behind White Teeth

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 09:54:12 +0000

Essay in LabLit - Hybridity gets fashionable. The novel White Teeth offers a different perspective on science.

Successful consulting

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 09:53:02 +0000

Find out what you need to do to start (and succeed at) your own consultancy. Article in The Scientist

Profile of the Sanger's Tim Hubbard

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 11:21:37 +0000

With some creative coding, Tim Hubbard has helped scientists see into the future of biomedicine.
Profile in The Scientist.

The day the Internet age began

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 11:12:12 +0000

Forty years ago the first message was sent between computers on the ARPANET. Vinton G. Cerf, who was a principal programmer on the project, reflects on how our online world was shaped by its innovative origins.
Nature vol 461, pp 1202-1203

Nature criticises spin in science

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 11:09:24 +0000

Scientists and their institutions should resist the ever-present temptation to hype their results.
Nature vol 461, p 1174

The pleasure of a PhD

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 11:00:08 +0000

A PhD should be a time of pleasure gained from feeling one's knowledge expand and the anticipation of a fulfilling academic career

UK Government Office for Science sets out its approach

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 10:51:58 +0000

Robust scientific and engineering advice are heralded as the foundation of good government underpinning economic success and social justice, according to a new document published by the Government Office for Science.

US needs fewer science students

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 09:31:28 +0000

A new study contradicts the notion of a shrinking supply of native-born scientific talent in the United States.

Government responds to select committee

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 09:23:05 +0000

Government Response to the Select Committee report on Putting Science and Engineering at the Heart of Government Policy: Includes discussion of Research Councils.

Harvard medical researchers were poisoned?

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 08:42:48 +0000

On 26 August six researchers who drank from a coffee machine in the Harvard Medical School New Research Building were taken to a nearby emergency room.

UCL launches Genetics Institute

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 08:30:41 +0000

The UCL Genetics Institute (UGI) has been established to provide a focus for research in Genetics at UCL.

EMBO Global Exchange

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 09:45:29 +0000

EMBO Global Exchange offers new forums for scientific exchange in order to establish long-lasting cooperation worldwide, focussing on life scientists in India, China, Taiwan and Africa.

Science 2.0

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 09:32:01 +0000

BBC article on some Web 2.0 tools for science.

Euro Commission to ensure European Research Council's long term success

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 09:49:23 +0100

The European Commission has decided on a course of action to secure a sustainable future for the European Research Council (ERC) as a world-class funding organisation supporting leading-edge frontier research.

Problems at Australian biomed research funder

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 09:48:04 +0100

The Australian National Health and Medical Research Council has not properly monitored the expenditure of more than $3 billion in grant money over the past eight years due to inadequate IT systems.

Communicating the benefits of public investment in research

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 10:03:22 +0100

RCUK head says people need to know the benefits of public investment in research

Nobel laureates join fight against impact-based research funding

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 09:59:42 +0100

Six Nobel laureates have signed a petition denouncing plans to fund research based on its economic or social impact.

How to improve PhD supervision

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 10:01:10 +0100

Improving the structures that support doctoral students can turn around completion rates.
Times Higher, 22nd Oct.

AAAS launch online networks for clinical and minority scientists

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 08:57:11 +0100

To help scientists and science trainees who hope to translate laboratory research into clinical medicine and to help minority scientists navigate their career paths, AAAS, Science Careers, and Science are launching a pair of online social-networking sites: CTSciNet and MySciNet.

Euro Commission book on women in science

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 08:53:29 +0100

The European Commission's Directorate-General for Research has published a book about 'Women in science'. Available online and as an audio book, the publication tells the fascinating stories of outstanding female scientists, such as Marie Curie-Sklodowska and Hildegard Von Bingen, and their achievements.

Online talking glossary of genetic terms

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 09:01:55 +0100

The National Human Genome Research Institute, part of the US NIH, has launched the next generation of its online Talking Glossary of Genetic Terms.

UK Genetic Variant Database Launches Enquiry Service

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 09:08:17 +0100

A new service will allow geneticists worldwide to enquire about variant data held in the UK Diagnostic Mutation Database - a central repository for sharing gene variant data between UK diagnostic genetics laboratories.

RCUK framework for the future

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 15:11:49 +0100

Research Councils UK (RCUK) has published a new framework setting out their vision for the future.

Open Access - JISC review of evidence

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 10:57:46 +0100

JISC has launched a guide to its 15 years of work in Open Access, tracking the changes in UK policy, opinions and what the future will look like.

Science and politics

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 08:48:38 +0100

Science is good for the economy so why do we have to resort to desperate measures to push it up the political agenda? asks Roger Highfield in the Daily Telegraph.

Wellcome calls for transparency from journals on open access publishing costs

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 08:29:01 +0100

As Open Access Week 2009 gets underway, the Wellcome Trust has called for greater transparency among publishers to counter the argument that access fees are being paid twice - once through subscriptions and again through publication fees.

PNAS agrees to publish controversial papers

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 08:25:16 +0100

The editorial board of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences has decided to publish two papers linked to academy member Lynn Margulis, a cell biologist at the University of Massachusetts.

Vulnerable niche areas of research expertise identified

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 08:23:17 +0100

An independent panel has made a series of recommendations to the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) on concerns over potential shortages in strategically important and vulnerable niche areas of research expertise.

U.K. Postdocs Generally Satisfied with Their Lot

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 11:55:25 +0100

Most postdocs in the U.K. are generally satisfied with their current jobs and their work-life balance; however, up to a third of them don't feel that their wider contributions are appreciated.

New EMBO members announced

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 09:52:57 +0100

The European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO) today announced the election of 66 leading life scientists to its membership.

UK faces tough questions over research funding

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 09:01:10 +0100

Adrian Smith, director-general for science and research at the Department for Business Innovation and Skills, said "serious questions" need to be asked about how research will be funded in the future.

Research staff are actively managing their careers

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 10:15:30 +0100

Higher education institutions are doing a good job in supporting their research staff, according to national responses from the Careers in Research Online Survey (CROS) 2009, published by Vitae, the national organisation championing the personal, professional and career development of researchers.

Stitching science together

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 09:51:00 +0100

Google Wave is the kind of open-source online collaboration tool that should drive scientists to wire their research and publications into an interactive data web, says Cameron Neylon in Nature.

US Committee recommends gene patent changes

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 09:28:57 +0100

A US Advisory Committee on Genetics, Health and Society has concluded that ‘Patents do not serve as powerful incentive to conduct genetics research, to disclose genetic discoveries, or to invest in the development of genetic tests’.

Views Sought For Review Of Postgraduate Provision In The UK

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 09:25:44 +0100

Following Lord Mandelson’s announcement of a postgraduate review in July, the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills has issued a call for evidence from all those with an interest in this important topic.

Biotech is not flourishing in New York

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 09:23:32 +0100

Biotech is floundering in New York City because local institutions aren't doing enough to promote commercialization of small projects, says a new report.

King's wins biomed equipment funding

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 09:18:12 +0100

The comprehensive Biomedical Research Centre at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust and King’s College London has been awarded £3.3 million from the National Institute for Health Research to purchase cutting-edge technologies to drive forward clinical research across a wide range of diseases and conditions.

PubMed's new interface

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 08:51:10 +0100

Martin Fenner reviews the new PubMed redesign.

Journals strengthen conflict of interest reporting

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 08:32:16 +0100

Twelve journals belonging to the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors have announced their adoption of a new, uniform format for financial interest reporting by manuscript authors.

Report claims commercial focus harms research

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 08:43:43 +0100

Pressure on scientists to deliver commercial benefits is compromising research, marginalising blue skies work and making universities behave more like businesses, according to a new report.

Protein design papers challenged

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 08:41:55 +0100

Two papers published by protein engineer Homme Hellinga's lab at Duke University Medical Center in Durham, North Carolina, have been challenged in a new analysis of the data.

New drug development campus for Stevenage

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 08:38:47 +0100

Plans for a unique £37m Bioscience Campus in Stevenage, Hertfordshire - funded in partnership by the Government, GlaxoSmithKline, The Wellcome Trust, Technology Strategy Board and East of England Development Agency - will be announced today by Business, Innovation and Skills Secretary, Lord Mandelson.

iPhone apps for biologists

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 09:50:17 +0100

The Scientist lists ten apps that can (allegedly) yield a substantial productivity boost for scientists.

NIH to look at women's careers in science

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 09:44:26 +0100

The National Institutes of Health has announced that it will fund 14 grants focusing on factors that influence the careers of women in biomedical and behavioral science and engineering.

Science journals crack down on image manipulation

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 09:41:35 +0100

More science journals are taking action to tackle the growing problem of falsified and manipulated images in papers submitted to them for publication.

Photomicrography competition winners

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 09:04:44 +0100

Nikon’s annual Small World photomicrography competition - 2009 winners, and previous years' winners showcased in Wired magazine.

MRC and other major bio- funders call for coordination of data-sharing policies

Fri, 9 Oct 2009 09:26:46 +0100

Article in Science (Vol. 326. no. 5950, pp. 234 - 236) by representatives of major bio-funders reviews data-sharing policies and argues for greater coordination of policies.

Alberts editorial about new AAAS translational journal

Fri, 9 Oct 2009 09:20:35 +0100

Bruce Alberts, editor of Science, says "it is our hope that Science Translational Medicine, by juxtaposing scientists and clinicians with very different backgrounds and approaches to disease, can speed the rate at which innovation increases human well-being".

Ramakrishnan talks to The Guardian

Fri, 9 Oct 2009 09:14:38 +0100

Britain's latest Nobel prize winner talks to The Guardian.

Developing world research base has expanded

Fri, 9 Oct 2009 09:07:22 +0100

The number of researchers in developing countries jumped from 1.8 million to 2.7 million in five years (2002-2007), according to the new data release from the UNESCO Institute for Statistics.

The human genome in 3D

Fri, 9 Oct 2009 09:05:23 +0100

Researchers have produced the highest-resolution picture ever of the genome’s three-dimensional structure.

UK stands firm on world University rankings

Thu, 8 Oct 2009 10:00:20 +0100

The UK has improved its standing in the world university rankings, claiming four of the top six places and boosting its representation among the global top 100, but Asian universities are catching up.

European Research Area Board annual report

Thu, 8 Oct 2009 10:05:29 +0100

The European Research Area Board (ERAB) has released its first annual report, highlighting the need for a new spirit to be instilled in European research by 2030. The overriding message in the publication is the need for the kind of fervour for change that swept through Europe during the Renaissance period in the 15th and 16th centuries.

Where to publish your paper?

Thu, 8 Oct 2009 10:11:45 +0100

Two economists at Clarkson University in Potsdam, New York, aimed to find out whether it makes sense to submit your paper to the most highly cited journals and work your way down.

Science Translational medicine launches

Wed, 7 Oct 2009 16:17:12 +0100

The new journal from AAAS, Science Translational Medicine, will serve the community of scientists devoted to applying basic science to clinical problems.

UCL and Yale unite to improve global health

Thu, 8 Oct 2009 10:02:47 +0100

UCL and Yale University have formed an alliance to improve global health through scientific research, clinical and educational collaboration.

MRC press release on Ramakrishnan

Wed, 7 Oct 2009 12:53:05 +0100

Boris congratulates Ramakrishnan on his Nobel Prize

Chemistry Nobel goes to Ramakrishnan, Steitz and Yonath

Wed, 7 Oct 2009 10:52:29 +0100

Venkatraman Ramakrishnan from MRC Lab Molec Biol, Thomas A. Steitz from Yale and Ada E. Yonath from the Weizmann Institute share this year's Nobel prize for chemistry, for studies of the structure and function of the ribosome.

Cutting ERC bureaucracy

Tue, 6 Oct 2009 08:13:25 +0100

The European Research Council’s interim director, Jack Metthey, tells ScienceBusiness how the ERC is responding to calls for less bureaucracy.

MRC sets record straight on hybrid embryo funding

Mon, 5 Oct 2009 17:48:48 +0100

The MRC has responded to an article in the Independent which raised concerns about the level of research council investment in hybrid embryo research.

Nobel prize in physiology/medicine awarded to Blackburn, Greider and Szostak

Mon, 5 Oct 2009 12:39:49 +0100

The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine 2009 has been awarded to Elizabeth H. Blackburn, Carol W. Greider and Jack W. Szostak "for the discovery of how chromosomes are protected by telomeres and the enzyme telomerase".

Science and the Conservatives

Mon, 5 Oct 2009 08:46:29 +0100

Nature News interviews Adam Afriye, the Conservative Party's shadow minister for science

MRC chief exec talks to Geoff Watts

Mon, 5 Oct 2009 08:41:11 +0100

The chief executive of Britain's Medical Research Council, Sir Leszek Botysiewicz, tells Geoff Watts about his prorities for funding basic research.

UK research is the most efficient in the G8

Fri, 2 Oct 2009 11:33:42 +0100

UK science continues to be the most productive and efficient in the G8, says a report from the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.

The Ig-Nobel prizes

Fri, 2 Oct 2009 11:27:52 +0100

The 2009 IgNobel prizes have been awarded.

Francis Collins talks about priorities at NIH

Fri, 2 Oct 2009 11:26:16 +0100

Francis Collins talks to Nature News about his priorities for the agency.

Maria Leptin appointed next Director of EMBO

Thu, 1 Oct 2009 09:05:19 +0100

The European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO) has announced the appointment of Professor Maria Leptin as the next EMBO Director from 1 January 2010.

OECD report says European research lags US

Thu, 1 Oct 2009 09:57:23 +0100

The quality, rate and results of scientific research in Europe lag behind those in the United States, according to a report from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.
Nature vol 461, p 681

Quality of peer reviewers' work slips as years pass.

Thu, 1 Oct 2009 09:55:45 +0100

Almost all peer reviewers get worse, not better, over time, suggests a new study.
Nature vol 461 p, 681

RCUK Business Plan Competition

Thu, 1 Oct 2009 09:29:01 +0100

Research Councils UK (RCUK) today launches the fourth RCUK Business Plan Competition. This competition offers a prize of £25,000 to the researchers who present the most commercially viable business plan to a panel of experts.

Scientists call for Nobel reform

Thu, 1 Oct 2009 09:11:12 +0100

The Nobel Prize system is dated and in desperate need of an overhaul, a group of top scientists and engineers said in a letter to the Nobel Foundation.

Innovation under threat from lack of funding

Thu, 1 Oct 2009 09:20:22 +0100

Cambridge is enjoying unprecedented commercial success but private sector funding for hi-tech start-ups has slumped and the public sector faces huge cuts.

Lab Security for Biological Select Agents and Toxins

Thu, 1 Oct 2009 09:18:02 +0100

The most effective way to prevent the deliberate misuse of biological select agents and toxins is to instill a culture of trust and responsibility in the laboratory, says a new report from the US National Research Council.

Scientific decision-making should be more democratic, says report

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 10:08:43 +0100

Decision-making on science, especially emerging technologies such as nanotechnology, must become more democratic, a new report on science policy released today argues. The group of leading European academics behind the 'Reconfiguring Responsibility' report argue forcefully that current governance activities are limiting public debate and may repeat mistakes made in managing GM.

Wellcome postdoctoral training fellowship opportunities for clinicians

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 09:59:43 +0100

The Wellcome Trust Postdoctoral Training Fellowships for MB/PhD graduates are aimed at newly qualified MB/PhD graduates or those who have achieved a high-quality PhD during or before starting their medical degree.

Academy report on ageing research

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 09:45:35 +0100

A report by the Academy of Medical Sciences highlights the urgent need to understand the connection between the underlying process of ageing and the causes of age-related disease.

Academia, industry and the NHS

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 09:42:14 +0100

The Academy of Medical Sciences and its FORUM with industry is holding a workshop to showcase the importance of collaboration across academia, industry and the NHS in driving forward innovation in the medical sciences.

STFC open for business

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 09:06:50 +0100

The STFC is making space at its Daresbury facility available to firms wishing to work with cutting-edge scientists.

Times Higher comments on REF plans

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 09:02:36 +0100

Article in Times Higher on the plans for the REF, with readers' comments.

Funding science through eBay

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 09:00:53 +0100

Researchers in Philadelphia have created "Sponsor-a-Scientist" on eBay, the online auction site.

National Postdoc appreciation day

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 08:46:24 +0100

The (US) National Postdoctoral Association celebrate the significant contribution that postdoctoral scholars make to the scientific research enterprise by holding the first annual National Postdoc Appreciation Day.

Drayson pledge on science coverage

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 09:04:17 +0100

The Science Minister has offered to investigate the cases of scientists who feel they have been misrepresented in the press.

EUROLIFE celebrates 10 years of science

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 09:12:43 +0100

A European consortium of universities working to promote research excellence celebrated its 10th anniversary at a symposium in Barcelona this week.

RCUK welcomes REF consultation

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 09:41:39 +0100

Research Councils UK (RCUK) today welcomes the publication of the Research Excellence Framework (REF) consultation. RCUK and the Funding Councils believe that the REF will complement the work of the Research Councils in a way that strengthens the operation of the current dual support funding system.

NIH bends rules on quality

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 09:56:16 +0100

A new analysis of the grantsmaking process at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) lifts the veil on how many grant proposals are funded even though they fall below a cutoff based on peer-review scores.

Bioinformatician wins computing prize

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 10:04:41 +0100

Dr Peer Bork, a bioinformatician from EMBL has won one of the largest international prizes in science, the Royal Society and Académie des sciences Microsoft Award,

Better zoonotic disease detection and response system needed

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 10:00:29 +0100

Significant weaknesses undermine the global community's abilities to prevent, detect, and respond to potentially deadly species-crossing microbes, such as the pandemic H1N1 influenza virus, says a new report from the Institute of Medicine and National Research Council.

US agency calls for better biosafety oversight

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 09:51:22 +0100

The US Government Accountability Office says that a new government body should be formed to oversee the increasing number of high-containment laboratories that work with dangerous pathogens.

Stem Cell Awareness Day 2009

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 09:45:28 +0100

Stem Cell Awareness Day is a public education initiative linking scientists, clinicians, patients and the general public around the world.

Lin He awarded one of 24 MacArthur fellowships

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 08:42:16 +0100

Twentyfour MacArthur fellows have been awarded US$500k each.

How Scientists Think

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 09:06:24 +0100

Profound discoveries and insights on the frontiers of science do not burst out of thin air but often arise from incremental processes of weaving together analogies, images, and simulations in a constrained fashion. In cutting-edge science, problems are often ill-defined and experimental data are limited.

Review of Creation

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 09:10:05 +0100

Review of the film Creation, on LabLit.

Report from AAAS Mass Media Fellows

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 09:10:24 +0100

Twelve scientist-reporters ho spoke about their summer fellowship during an AAAS Mass Media Fellowship wrap-up event.

Chief scientist for EU?

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 08:55:20 +0100

European Commission President José Manuel Barroso has proposed creating a European Chief Scientist .

Wellcome Trust and Merck launch vaccine joint venture

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 09:03:36 +0100

The Wellcome Trust and Merck & Co., Inc. have announced the creation of the MSD-Wellcome Trust Hilleman Laboratories, a research and development joint venture with a not-for-profit mission to focus on developing affordable vaccines for diseases that commonly affect low-income countries.

Venter and Collins among recipients of USA National medals of Science

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 09:08:26 +0100

President Obama announced on Thursday the recipients of this year's National Medal of Science and National Medal of Technology and Innovation awards, the nation's highest honors for scientists, engineers, and inventors. The awards will be presented on October 7 at a White House ceremony.

How and why UK researchers publish and disseminate their findings

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 08:35:43 +0100

Report from the Research Information Network looks at how researchers publish and why, including the motivations that lead them to publish in different formats and the increase in collaboration and co-authorship. It also explores how researchers decide what to cite and the influence of research assessment on their behaviours and attitudes.

Report of the Drayson-Goldacre debate on science reporting

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 09:17:13 +0100

After defending science reporting against Ben Goldacre's unremitting focus on missteps, Science Minister Lord Drayson promises to look into tales of misrepresentation.

Paper retracted following breach of data embargo

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 08:57:15 +0100

Researchers broke an embargo on use of data deposited by another group in dbGaP, the National Institutes of Health's (NIH's) database of genotypes and phenotypes.

USA urged to launch a "New Biology" initiative

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 08:44:13 +0100

According to a new report from the National Research Council, the emergence of "New Biology" -- where scientists and engineers from many disciplines collaborate on ways to take advantage of dramatic recent advances in biology, such as the ability to sequence entire genomes -- offers an opportunity to solve some of society's most pressing problems.

Postgraduate study to be reviewed

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 08:36:47 +0100

A review of UK postgraduate education will consider the attractiveness of postgraduate study in the UK compared with other countries, and whether the societal mix of PhD and masters students needs to be widened. It will also look at the benefits of postgraduates to the economy and society, and whether the needs of business and the academy are being met by the disciplinary mix.

Is NIH becoming too risk-averse?

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 08:22:19 +0100

Private foundations have helped spur biomedical innovation in the United States at a time when some scientists fear the National Institutes of Health (NIH) is becoming too risk-averse in the kinds of grants it awards and too disposed to fund researchers who already have a proven track record, according to a historian who has been analyzing dozens of recorded interviews with working scientists.

Wellcome/NIH studentships open for applications

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 08:28:17 +0100

Applications are now open for the Wellcome Trust and National Institutes of Health Four-year PhD Studentships.

EU young scientists contest - winners

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 08:20:08 +0100

15 European and non European promising young scientists, aged between 14-20, have been rewarded for their scientific project, of the highest quality, at the EU Contest for Young Scientists.

Problems for young scientists?

Wed, 16 Sep 2009 09:31:07 +0100

Peter Lawrence of MRC LMB, writing in PLoS Biology, says the granting system turns young scientists into bureaucrats and then betrays them.

Qatar's World Class Biomedical Research Program

Wed, 16 Sep 2009 09:35:01 +0100

The Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development and Weill CornellMedical College in Qatar have unveiled a major initiative to establish a world-class biomedical research program, the first of its kind in the Middle East.

Research data management guidance

Wed, 16 Sep 2009 09:19:14 +0100

University of Edinburgh's Guidance and support for managing, sharing and preserving research data.

RCUK sponsors debate on British scientific journalism

Wed, 16 Sep 2009 09:06:56 +0100

Research Councils UK is sponsoring the debate 'Reporting: is it good for you?' on Wednesday 16th September. This debate between Science Minister Lord Drayson and Ben Goldacre, doctor and author of Bad Science, will focus on what's good and bad about the coverage of science in this country.

What is wrong with the scientific paper?

Wed, 16 Sep 2009 09:32:17 +0100

Blog post by Joe Dunckley looks at problems with scientific papers and scientific journals.

Darwin Centre opens

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 08:57:11 +0100

Millions of plant and animal specimens go on display in giant eight-storey cocoon, as the Natural History Museum's new £78m Darwin Centre opens its doors to the public.

Innovative Medicines Initiative - second call for proposals

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 08:50:16 +0100

Innovative Medicines Initiative has announced the topics of research of its second call for proposals, to accelerate the discovery and development of new medicines in the field of cancer, inflammatory and infectious disease.

John Gurdon and Shinya Yamanaka awarded Lasker Prize

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 08:52:46 +0100

John Gurdon and Shinya Yamanaka have been awarded the Albert Lasker Basic Medical Research Award for discoveries concerning nuclear reprogramming, the process that instructs specialized adult cells to form early stem cells, creating the potential to become any type of mature cell for experimental or therapeutic purposes.

Careers in Research Online Survey 2009 - results available

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 09:12:52 +0100

The survey found that overall most research staff feel valued and are satisfied with their work-life balance. There has been clear improvement in enagement with induction, appraisal and training opportunities. However, the report calls for more recognition of the wider contributions of research staff and encourage them to be more realistic and broader in their career aspirations and more active in their own career development planning.

Vitae researcher development conference 2009

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 09:19:08 +0100

The Vitae conference blog has information from last week's conference.

Inaugural Ita Askonas prize awarded

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 09:08:39 +0100

The inaugural EFIS-EJI Ita Askonas Prize has been awarded to Professor Fiona Margaret Powrie, Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford. The prize acknowledges her findings that have provided new insights into the disturbed immune regulation in inflammatory bowel diseases. The prize consists of a € 10,000 cash award and recognizes female group leaders in immunology in Europe.

NIHR UCLH/UCL Comprehensive Biomedical Research Centre showcase

Fri, 11 Sep 2009 09:01:05 +0100

UCLH and UCL will showcase their research work during an open event in London on September 17. The event will present some of the pioneering research work ahead of the second anniversary of the UCLH/UCL National Institute for Health Research Comprehensive Biomedical Research Centre.

Nature special issue on data sharing

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 09:20:13 +0100

A special issue of Nature examines the cultural and technical hurdles that can get in the way of good intentions arou8nd sharing research data

Good relations between science and the media

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 09:16:14 +0100

A new study provides evidence that many mainstream scientists occasionally work with journalists and some do so routinely, giving the lie to the prevailing wisdom that, as a rule, scientists are press shy or else mavericks.

PNAS changes article submission policy

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 09:08:18 +0100

The Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences will discontinue a submission option for members that, at its best, repeatedly put prestigious scientists in awkward situations and, at its worst, critics alleged, allowed scientists to ease their way through the peer-review process.

Science careers fair - The Source Event

Wed, 9 Sep 2009 19:11:00 +0100

The Source Event, now in its 3rd successful year, is a dedicated science career fair that combines a dynamic exhibition with conference and workshop sessions.

CaSE calls for Evidence-Based Approach to Economic-Impact Agenda

Wed, 9 Sep 2009 19:07:23 +0100

CaSE, the Campaign for Science & Engineering, published a report: Impacts of Investment in the Science and Engineering Research Base. It analyses the government’s economic impact agenda.

Peer review survey 2009 - findings

Wed, 9 Sep 2009 08:57:21 +0100

Sense About Science has unveiled the findings from its survey of 4,000 peer-reviewers.

MRC principles of use for e-Val

Tue, 8 Sep 2009 18:43:14 +0100

MRC has published principles of use for e-Val, explaining how the MRC will and will not use this data and under what conditions researchers are asked to submit data.

Brenda Milner receives Balzan prize

Tue, 8 Sep 2009 09:48:46 +0100

The Balzan Prize for the Cognitive Neuroscience for 2009 has been awarded to Brenda Milner for her pioneering studies of the role of the hippocampus in the formation of memory and her identification of different kinds of memory system.

Institute of Animal Health will focus on virus diseases

Tue, 8 Sep 2009 09:13:33 +0100

The Institute for Animal Health, an institute of the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, has announced a new science strategy that will see the focusing of its research effort on viruses affecting livestock and poultry, together with supporting scientific disciplines.

HGC publishes consultation on direct-to-consumer genetic testing

Tue, 8 Sep 2009 09:22:28 +0100

The Human Genetics Commission has published a consultation on a Common Framework of Principles for direct-to-consumer genetic testing services as a step towards general guidelines, accepted internationally.

MRC publication on the brain highlights research

Mon, 7 Sep 2009 15:02:54 +0100

New 36-page booklet from MRC highlights how MRC researchers are working to understand more about how the normal brain and the senses work, as well as what goes wrong and why.

NIH portfolio search tool

Mon, 7 Sep 2009 08:59:23 +0100

New NIH Tool Makes Funding Data, Research Results and Products Searchable

Public dialogue opened on synthetic biology

Mon, 7 Sep 2009 08:58:19 +0100

BBSRC and the EPSRC have commissioned a public dialogue on synthetic biology. The programme will be led by the two Councils on behalf of Research Councils UK and has received support from Sciencewise-ERC.

NSF adopts new ethics rules

Fri, 4 Sep 2009 08:55:21 +0100

Starting in 2010, all researchers applying for funding from the National Science Foundation will have to provide some evidence that they will educate their students and postdocs in the responsible and ethical conduct of research.

Gates grants - Grand Challenges Explorations Round 4 is now open

Fri, 4 Sep 2009 08:53:41 +0100

The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation is taking applications for a new round of funding under its Grand Challenges Explorations grant program.

UCL tops league table in research grant wins

Fri, 4 Sep 2009 08:47:25 +0100

UCL has been ranked top in the UK in the Times Higher Education ranking of research council awards 2008-09, beating Oxford and Cambridge.

PhDs need careers advice from supervisors

Thu, 3 Sep 2009 09:14:02 +0100

Doctoral supervisors must be prepared to offer sound career advice, says article in Times Higher.

Centre of the Cell opens its doors

Thu, 3 Sep 2009 08:50:38 +0100

The Centre of the Cell, based at Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, part of Queen Mary, University of London, aims to give children and teenagers an insight into what scientists actually do and how their work influences real life.

Mass spec business consolidated

Thu, 3 Sep 2009 08:45:10 +0100

Danaher Coprporation will pay more than $1 billion in cash for Applied Biosystems/MDS Sciex, a joint venture owned by life science tools suppliers Life Technologies and MDS Analytical Technologies.

Report on research conducted at US academic medical centers

Thu, 3 Sep 2009 08:41:10 +0100

A study from the MGH Institute for Health Policy gives the first detailed look at the types of research currently being conducted within U.S. academic medical centers – medical schools and their affiliated hospitals.

Human Tissue Act may have helped research, says study

Wed, 2 Sep 2009 09:29:53 +0100

Fears that medical research using tissue such as blood or material from biopsies would be obstructed by the Human Tissue Act 2004 may have been unfounded, a new study from the University of Leicester reveals.

John Chisholm to chair NESTA

Wed, 2 Sep 2009 09:10:37 +0100

Ministers have announced the appointment of Sir John Chisholm, FREng, CEng, FIEE as Chair of the National Endowment for Science Technology and the Arts (NESTA).

Information on success rates for RC grant applications

Wed, 2 Sep 2009 08:59:52 +0100

The success rates for grant applications have recently been published by all seven Research Councils in their annual reports and on their websites.

Max Perutz essay prizewinner announced

Wed, 2 Sep 2009 08:38:26 +0100

Jacqueline Maybin, a PhD student at the Centre for Reproductive Biology at the Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, has won the 2009 Max Perutz Science Writing Award.

NIH favours early-stage investigators?

Wed, 2 Sep 2009 09:24:19 +0100

US researcher complains that NIH has transformed the R01 mechanism into a channel that provides funds for the training and development of new and early-stage investigators.

The Lancet condemns self-plagiarism

Wed, 2 Sep 2009 08:40:14 +0100

Editorial in The Lancet says that self-plagiarism is unacceptable and will distort the research record.
The Lancet, Volume 374, Issue 9691, Page 664,

RCUK review of e-Science

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 08:45:52 +0100

RCUK have asked the EPSRC, on behalf of all Research Councils, to conduct a review of e-Science over the coming months and we are keen to hear the views of the widest possible audience.

IT requirements for large-scale research facilities

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 08:49:28 +0100

The National Grid Service is inviting people to a workshop to help determine the e-infrastructure requirements for UK participation in a series of major European research infrastructure projects over the next two decades.

Profile of entrepreneur

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 09:23:19 +0100

Bioentrepreneur Tim Hart talks about how BBSRC funding opened the doors of the business world and led to a new commercial spin out company.

Ethics of egg manipulation

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 09:13:32 +0100

Editorial suggests that latest research reopens the debate on embryo destruction, egg donation and what is natural.
Nature 460, 1057.

UK investment in bioscience data handling capacity

Tue, 25 Aug 2009 08:59:16 +0100

BBSRC has awarded funding to the European Molecular Biology Laboratory’s European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI), based at Hinxton near Cambridge, to permit a dramatic increase in the Institute’s data storage and handling capacity.

Science and Google Wave

Tue, 25 Aug 2009 09:03:00 +0100

Nature spoke to Cameron Neylon about how Google Wave could transform the way that scientists work.

Space scientist wins Royal Society communication award

Tue, 25 Aug 2009 09:08:44 +0100

Space scientist Dr Lucie Green from University College London (UCL) has been awarded the prestigious Royal Society Kohn award for her work engaging a diverse audience with science.

The authors in the middle

Tue, 25 Aug 2009 09:05:10 +0100

A Lablit short story.

Personal GenoME and Medicine: Hype or Reality? - TalkScience event

Mon, 24 Aug 2009 13:31:56 +0100

A discussion with Alan Ashworth, Fellow of the Royal Society and director of the Breakthrough Toby Robins Breast Cancer Research Centre about the issues surrounding genome technologies and personalised medicine.

Women in science - book and audiobook

Mon, 24 Aug 2009 09:23:06 +0100

This book and audiobook celebrates European women scientists throughout the ages. The book tells the compelling stories of some of the heroines of European science and, through their narratives, it enriches and completes the history of scientific knowledge by highlighting its female face.

PLoS Currents - a biomed preprint server

Mon, 24 Aug 2009 09:00:44 +0100

PLoS has launched an "experimental" site for posting raw preprints of papers on hot topics.

World Mosquito Day

Thu, 20 Aug 2009 12:15:06 +0100

August 20th is World Mosquito Day. On 20th August 1897, the transmission of malaria by mosquitoes was established by Ronald Ross.

RCUK Code of Good Research Conduct

Thu, 20 Aug 2009 08:56:27 +0100

Research Councils UK has launched a new policy document setting out clear guidance on best practice for researchers. The RCUK Policy and Code of Conduct on the Governance of Good Research Conduct also provides guidelines which describe how to manage research to ensure the highest standards, and on the reporting and investigation of unacceptable research conduct.

The German Mouse Clinic

Thu, 20 Aug 2009 09:21:34 +0100

The German Mouse Clinic for genetically modified mice runs batteries of tests designed to identify every possible consequence of the animals' altered genes.

Retractions on the increase?

Thu, 20 Aug 2009 09:08:46 +0100

The rate at which scientific journal articles are being retracted has increased roughly tenfold over the past two decades, a study for the Times Higher Education reveals.

Events on applying for ERC Starting Grants

Thu, 20 Aug 2009 08:58:12 +0100

The UK Research Office is organising a series of information events for researchers, based in the UK or moving to the UK, who are interested in applying for European Research Council (ERC) Starting Grants.

Beware spurious conferences

Thu, 20 Aug 2009 09:03:05 +0100

Confusion over an upcoming cardiology conference in Shanghai has forced registered scientists and clinicians to fight for reimbursements, including one who faced more than $2000 in spurious credit card charges he suspects are related to the conference.

Roadmap for Excellence in Science in Europe

Wed, 19 Aug 2009 09:04:47 +0100

EUROHORCs and ESF Vision on a Globally Competitive ERA and their Road Map for Actions

Pensions for postdocs

Fri, 21 Aug 2009 10:47:31 +0100

European Molecular Biology Organization has announced the creation of an internationally portable pension plan for the 400 or so recipients of EMBO postdoc fellowships.

MRC report on research ethics in China

Tue, 18 Aug 2009 09:19:20 +0100

The MRC has published the latest China-UK Research Ethics (CURE) committee report. It identifies centres of excellence and evolving research cultures in China but also gives examples of inconsistent ethics and lax governance.

Collins Sets Five Themes for NIH

Tue, 18 Aug 2009 08:52:27 +0100

The new director of the U.S. National Institutes of Health, Francis Collins, said he plans to emphasize five "themes," including health care reform and translating research into medicine.

NIH-Funded Researchers Sequence Exomes of 12 People

Tue, 18 Aug 2009 08:58:13 +0100

In a pioneering effort that generated massive amounts of DNA sequence data from 12 people, a team supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has demonstrated the feasibility and value of a new strategy for identifying relatively rare genetic variants that may cause or contribute to disease. The proof-of-concept findings were published online today in the journal Nature.

Science and JoVE Announce Scientific-Video Partnership

Tue, 18 Aug 2009 08:53:52 +0100

Science, the journal of scientific research, news, and commentary, and JoVE, the scientific video journal, have entered into a partnership for joint production and publication of scientific videos online.

RCUK Large Facilities Roadmap 2010 Consultation

Mon, 17 Aug 2009 08:31:40 +0100

The draft 2010 RCUK Large Facilities Roadmap is now available for consultation.

Making the web work for science - video

Fri, 14 Aug 2009 09:40:31 +0100

A panel discussion on bringing digital tools to the world of science with panelists Stephen Friend, Jimmy Wales and John Wilbanks moderated by Tim O'Reilly.

Using kits

Fri, 14 Aug 2009 09:38:12 +0100

Jenny Rohn writes on the rise of kit culture.

Journals and impact factors - a threat to scientific communication?

Thu, 13 Aug 2009 09:15:41 +0100

Do academic journals pose a threat to the advancement of science? asks the Times Higher.

BBC Radio 4 looks at gene names

Wed, 12 Aug 2009 11:11:59 +0100

BBC Radio 4 programme looks at the unusual names chosen for genes.

Launch of the first standard graphical notation for biology

Wed, 12 Aug 2009 09:14:19 +0100

Researchers at the European Molecular Biology Laboratory's European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI) and their colleagues in 30 labs worldwide have released a new set of standards for graphically representing biological information

Database on expert women in the molecular life sciences

Tue, 11 Aug 2009 11:19:42 +0100

The database aims to help scientists, universities, research institutions, political institutions, conference organizers and journal editors to identify appropriately qualified women scientists.

Ten ways to be a successful scientist

Tue, 11 Aug 2009 08:08:42 +0100

A list tailored for science, extracted from "Top 10 ways to run a risky business".

Lords Science Committee to investigate research funding priorities

Mon, 10 Aug 2009 17:34:22 +0100

The House of Lords Science and Technology Committee has announced a new inquiry into setting funding priorities for scientific and technological research.

Making myths through poor scholarly practice

Mon, 10 Aug 2009 09:18:25 +0100

An analysis of citation patterns in a narrow field has revealed how incorrect ideas can gain currency in science.
From Ben Goldacre's blog, Bad Science.

Science for good and evil

Mon, 10 Aug 2009 09:10:11 +0100

Four-page POSTnote on the dual-use dilemma.

CASE Annual Review

Mon, 10 Aug 2009 09:06:59 +0100

Campaign for Science & Engineering 2008-09 Annual Review.

Authorities must respond to animal activists wrongdoing

Fri, 7 Aug 2009 09:36:52 +0100

Editorial in te Financial times says animal rights extremists are expanding and intensifying their terrorist tactics across Europe. The authorities must respond swiftly and firmly.

More stem cell fraud uncovered

Fri, 7 Aug 2009 09:36:51 +0100

The University of Minnesota has launched an inquiry into research at its Stem Cell Institute about papers that seem to contain duplicated and manipulated images.

EMBO pioneers pension plan for internationally mobile post-doctoral researchers

Fri, 7 Aug 2009 09:17:32 +0100

The European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO) announced today the introduction of a new private pension plan for EMBO Fellows. The plan offers a benefit package that optimally suits the needs of highly mobile scientists.

New Scientist photo competition

Thu, 6 Aug 2009 13:10:22 +0100

New Scientist are creating a 2010 calendar that is entirely made up of images taken by our audience. So, they need your best photos.

Who speaks for science in Europe?

Thu, 6 Aug 2009 09:52:06 +0100

Questions remain over whether researchers have a coherent enough voice to influence European science policy.
Nature vol 460, pp 672-673

Henry Wellcome Postdoctoral Fellowship call for applications

Thu, 6 Aug 2009 09:41:40 +0100

Preliminary applications are now being accepted for the Sir Henry Wellcome Postdoctoral Fellowship scheme, which supports the most promising newly qualified postdoctoral researchers.

MRC Annual Review 08/09 - A day of discovery

Thu, 6 Aug 2009 09:03:06 +0100

The MRC Annual Review 08/09: A day of discovery is published today. This year’s review takes readers on a journey through a typical MRC working day, visiting eight people across the UK who are involved in different areas of MRC research.

MRC declares MRCday on Twitter

Thu, 6 Aug 2009 09:18:24 +0100

MRC is to post hourly stories on their scientists throughout the day - #MRCday

Select Committee invites evidence on policy-making

Thu, 6 Aug 2009 09:00:50 +0100

In preparation for the creation of the Science and Technology Committee on 1 October, the IUSS Committee is commissioning work to assess the Government’s use of evidence in policy-making. The Committee has written to the Government on a number of topics and asked two questions: (1) What is the policy? (2) On what evidence is the policy based?

Skeptics in the Pub, Westminster

Thu, 6 Aug 2009 09:14:59 +0100

A new series of Skeptics in the Pub meetings focusing on policy related matters is starting in September.

The Role for Science in US Regulatory Policy

Thu, 6 Aug 2009 09:22:55 +0100

An expert panel has suggested ways to improve how U.S. regulatory agencies use input from outside scientists.

Are scientists really out of touch?

Wed, 5 Aug 2009 09:24:21 +0100

A recent survey suggests the rift between scientists and the public is growing, but did its methodology sway the results?

BBSRC publishes review of 2008-09

Wed, 5 Aug 2009 09:21:44 +0100

The Annual Report and Accounts of the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) have been published.

New chief for Human Frontier Science Program

Tue, 4 Aug 2009 09:23:07 +0100

The Human Frontier Science Program Organization is pleased to announce that Professor Ernst-Ludwig Winnacker took up office as Secretary General on July 1st 2009.

Human Tissue Authority review of the year

Mon, 3 Aug 2009 11:21:17 +0100

The HTA review of the year was a day long event including sessions about HTA's achievements and activities, an interactive panel debate and a brainstorming exercise with the audience about HTA strategy.

European Commission launches 53 FP7 calls for proposals

Mon, 3 Aug 2009 08:52:50 +0100

The European Commission has published several calls for proposals in various thematic areas of the Seventh Framework Programme (FP7).

Biologists need better computational training

Fri, 31 Jul 2009 09:40:05 +0100

Advances in computing have forever changed the practice of biological research. Computational biology, or bioinformatics, is as essential for biology in this century as molecular biology was in the last. However, the computational components of undergraduate biology education have hardly changed in the past 50 years.
Opinion piece in Science 31 July 2009: Vol. 325. no. 5940, pp. 541 - 542

New training and education programme introduced for the scientific workforce in genetics

Fri, 31 Jul 2009 09:10:29 +0100

A new education programme has been developed to provide enhanced training in genetic technologies and clinical applications for healthcare scientists working in laboratory genetics, Health Minister Ann Keen announced.

EU-African Union Scientific Partnership

Fri, 31 Jul 2009 09:06:49 +0100

The European Commission has launched a call for proposals entirely dedicated to research for Africa. Up to €63 million will be allocated to research projects in 2010 aiming to improve health conditions, and water and food security in Africa.

Vandal destroys protein crystals in California

Thu, 30 Jul 2009 08:47:53 +0100

A former researcher at Stanford's National Accelerator Laboratory who allegedly destroyed $500,000 worth of protein crystals earlier this month was arrested and charged on Monday for willfully ruining government property.

New facility opens at Babraham

Thu, 30 Jul 2009 08:42:28 +0100

Lord Drayson, Minister for Science and Innovation, opened the £22M Biological Support Unit - a new biomedical research facility - at Babraham Institute

Editor Retracts Paper on Sperm Made From Stem Cells

Wed, 29 Jul 2009 08:48:32 +0100

A paper that made international headlines earlier this month is causing headaches for its authors.

Germany and France team up on genome research

Wed, 29 Jul 2009 08:41:27 +0100

Germany and France are to work together on medical genome science, the German ministry for research announced.

House of Lords report on pandemic influenza

Wed, 29 Jul 2009 08:38:10 +0100

House of Lords Science and Technology Committee. Third Report: Pandemic Influenza: Follow-up

Genomics - the next generation

Tue, 28 Jul 2009 08:24:39 +0100

Feature article on Wellcome website looks at the platforms pushing us closer toward the $1000 genome.

Science video awards

Tue, 28 Jul 2009 08:23:08 +0100

The Scientist magazine announces the individual and institutional winners of their first-ever video awards in partnership with SciVee.

US Biolab site choice flawed, says report

Tue, 28 Jul 2009 08:15:34 +0100

A government report to be released later this week slams the plan to build a contested high security pathogen lab in Kansas, saying the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) did not properly evaluate the risks of conducting such research in the mainland.

Mandelson talks about the role of Universities

Tue, 28 Jul 2009 08:10:21 +0100

In his first major speech on higher education since taking responsibility for it under the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS), Lord Mandelson has outlined his views on the essential issues facing universities ahead of an HE Framework on the future shape of the sector that he will publish later this year.

BBSRC Pirbright site to get £100 million investment

Tue, 28 Jul 2009 08:08:21 +0100

The Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council and the Institute for Animal Health have welcomed the announcement by the Government of over £100M investment by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills in the redevelopment of the UK’s world leading animal disease research laboratories at Pirbright in Surrey.

Two Cultures revisited

Mon, 27 Jul 2009 10:37:28 +0100

Have we moved on since CP Snow? The Two Cultures 50 years on. Philip Strange examines the current state of the divide, in LabLit.

The poetryome

Mon, 27 Jul 2009 10:35:56 +0100

The Human Genre Project, sponsored by the Economic and Social Research Council, seeks to spread the word about human genomics through short stories, reflections and poems.

Initiative to improve low-cost access to scientific journals

Mon, 27 Jul 2009 10:24:33 +0100

The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), a specialised United Nations agency dedicated to promoting the use of intellectual property, has launched the Access to Research for Development and Innovation programme, an initiative that will provide developing countries with low-cost access to selected online scientific and technical journals.

UUK report sets out the challenges and future vision for the UK Doctorate

Fri, 24 Jul 2009 09:07:54 +0100

Doctoral programmes are fundamental to developing the next generation of researchers and guaranteeing the continued success of the UK’s world class research base, according to a report published by Universities UK.

European Research Council reviewed

Fri, 24 Jul 2009 09:41:14 +0100

An independent review doesn't pull punches when it describes the structures and management procedures of the European Research Council (ERC), Europe's new basic research funding agency. Science Insider blog.

Red tape strangles ERC basic research grants

Fri, 24 Jul 2009 08:58:00 +0100

European Research Council finds itself mired in bureaucracy, says Nature. vol 460, pp 440-441

Opportunities in nanomedicine

Fri, 24 Jul 2009 09:05:28 +0100

Nanomedicine has started to gather momentum in recent years, and cutting-edge jobs abound for those with the right training. Nature jobs takes a look.

Encouraging the Participation of Female Students in STEM fields

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 10:58:51 +0100

The US Subcommittee on Research and Science Education held hearings on encouraging the interest of girls in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) in primary and secondary schools.

Reservations about Collins at NIH

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 09:58:37 +0100

Concern expressed in The Scientist opinion article, about Francis Collins assuming the leadership of the NIH, due to his claims for the medical promise of genomics.

Weak recommendations on digital data handling

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 09:54:37 +0100

A (US) National Academies panel that was asked to come up with data handling guidelines to deal with concerns about doctored images and demands to share data has come out with a report that only offers obvious and general principles.

Putting Science and Engineering at the Heart of Government Policy - Select Committee report

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 09:41:11 +0100

Innovation, Universities, Science and Skills Committee - Eighth Report. Putting Science and Engineering at the Heart of Government Policy. (House of Commons Select Committee).

John Beddington responds to House of Lords Select Committee

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 09:38:58 +0100

Corrected Oral Evidence given to House of Lords Science & Technology Committee by Professor John Beddington, Government Chief Scientific Officer.

MRC comments on research animal numbers

Wed, 22 Jul 2009 09:47:43 +0100

MRC press release on the Home Office release of figures on animals in research.

Wellcome clinician research scheme now open

Wed, 22 Jul 2009 09:32:16 +0100

Applications are now open for the Starter Grants for Clinical Lecturers scheme, which suppor

BBSRC announces new fellowships

Wed, 22 Jul 2009 09:36:45 +0100

Sixteen new fellowships have been announced by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) including the first ever Diamond Fellowship, so named because the post will be based at the new Research Complex at Harwell, adjacent to the Diamond Light Source in Oxfordshire - the UK national synchrotron facility.

Summit on dementia research

Wed, 22 Jul 2009 09:33:42 +0100

An initiative from the Government’s National Dementia Strategy, the summit will examine research into cause, cure and care, highlighting gaps in knowledge and new opportunities for the future. A report will then be produced to help shape the future dementia research agenda.

Elsevier Announces the Article of the Future

Wed, 22 Jul 2009 09:38:00 +0100

Elsevier, the leading publisher of scientific, technical and medical information products and services, has announced the ‘Article of the Future’ project, an ongoing collaboration with the scientific community to redefine how a scientific article is presented online.

MRC Lipidomics Biomarker Research Initiative

Wed, 22 Jul 2009 09:38:46 +0100

The CLBRI, a MRC-funded initiative and part of the Unit’s Bioanalytical Sciences Section, will be led by Dr Dietrich Volmer and has been set up to conduct lipidomics research (analysis and characterisation of lipids, and their roles within the body) focusing on the integration of biochemical, nutritional and clinical research.

MRC launches new fellowship programmes

Tue, 21 Jul 2009 09:07:41 +0100

The MRC Clinical Pharmacology and Pathology Fellowship Programmes will attract and develop research leaders of the future in these critical areas.

Wellcome fellowships awarded

Tue, 21 Jul 2009 09:05:31 +0100

Sixteen new postdoctoral researchers have been awarded Sir Henry Wellcome Postdoctoral Fellowships. These provide £250 000 over four years so that researchers can pursue important biomedical research questions, working in the best laboratories in the UK and overseas.

Interview with ERC secretary-general

Tue, 21 Jul 2009 08:58:31 +0100

Spanish economist Andreu Mas-Colell, 65, took over on 1 July as secretary-general of the European Research Council (ERC). He is interviewed by the Science Insider blog.

European Commission looks to an evidence-based research policy

Tue, 21 Jul 2009 08:53:20 +0100

The European Commission's Directorate-General for Research published prior information notices on 15 July 2009 for a set of complementary studies to develop and analyse indicators, as well as to draw policy implications and conclusions.

Health Innovation Challenge Fund - Advancing Genetic Discoveries

Tue, 21 Jul 2009 08:56:03 +0100

The Health Innovation Challenge Fund (HICF) - a partnership between DH and the Wellcome Trust – is allocating £20 million towards proposals that take into practical healthcare application the understanding of genetic variation on disease.

Internationalisation of R&D

Tue, 21 Jul 2009 08:56:41 +0100

This report summarises the results of the work done throughout 2008 by the CREST OMC Working Group on ‘Internationalisation of R&D - Facing the Challenge of Globalisation: Approaches to a Proactive International Policy in S&T’ with respect to the coordination of policy measures between the Member States, Associated Countries and the European Commission in variable geometries.

A UK Strategy For Nanotechnologies?

Fri, 17 Jul 2009 09:16:40 +0100

Lord Drayson, Science and Innovation Minister and chair of the Ministerial Group on Nanotechnologies, is today calling on industry and interested groups to get involved in shaping a UK strategy for nanotechnologies.

myExperiment project gets funding boost

Fri, 17 Jul 2009 09:33:02 +0100

myExperiment, the social networking site for scientists, has set out to challenge traditional ideas of academic publishing as it enters a new phase of funding. The site has just received a further £250,000 funding from the Joint Information Systems Committee.

Systems biology - overview in Nature

Thu, 16 Jul 2009 09:52:14 +0100

Researchers have identified thousands of macromolecular interactions within cells. Joining them up in networks and figuring out how they work still poses a big challenge.

Giving away intellectual property

Thu, 16 Jul 2009 09:42:31 +0100

The University of Glasgow has decided to grant licences allowing companies to use the IP generated by its academic research without paying royalties, if doing so delivers significant local socio-economic benefits.

Research Advocate Takes Helm of European Parliament

Thu, 16 Jul 2009 09:23:29 +0100

The European Parliament has elected a strong supporter of research as its new president. Jerzy Buzek, former prime minister of Poland, is a chemical engineer by training.

FASEB chief's priorities

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 09:25:47 +0100

Mark Lively, a professor of biochemistry at Wake Forest University,is now the president of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB). In The Scientist, Lively outlines some of FASEB's goals for the upcoming year, including the organization's views on what to do when the $10.4 billion in stimulus funds for the NIH runs out.

NIH and Wikipedia collaborate to improve online health information

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 09:22:07 +0100

The National Institutes of Health and the Wikimedia Foundation, the nonprofit organization that operates the Wikipedia® online encyclopedia, are joining forces to make health and science information more accessible and reliable. This collaboration is the first of its kind for both organizations.

Strengthening cooperation on intellectual property and public health

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 09:20:27 +0100

Address by Margaret Chan, WHO DG, at the World Intellectual Property Organization Conference on Intellectual Property and Public Policy Issues

Office for Life Sciences website launches with blueprint

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 09:13:54 +0100

The Office for Life Sciences (OLS) has launched its online presence, with the new Life Science Blueprint also issued.

MRC welcomes the new blueprint for life sciences

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 09:09:24 +0100

A new Blueprint to put innovation at the heart of healthcare delivery was launched by Lord Drayson and Lord Darzi at Imperial College London.

Nature Medicine's insider's guide to plagiarism

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 11:08:21 +0100

Nature Medicine is the latest Nature journal to address the question of plagiarism, in its July Editorial.

Royal Society honours announced

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 08:46:29 +0100

The Royal Society, the UK's independent academy for science, has announced the recipients of its 2009 Awards, Medals, Royal Medals and Lectures.

Novartis loses Indian patent case

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 08:42:40 +0100

India's Intellectual Property Appellate Board has ruled that Novartis' patent on the cancer drug Gleevec is not valid in that country

STFC publishes responses to strategy consultation

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 08:39:22 +0100

The Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) has published a report on feedback to its draft corporate strategy.

Bridging the Gaps - Call for Proposals

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 08:32:26 +0100

Bridging the Gaps (BTG) aims to enable Research Organisations to build a programme of activities that will stimulate cross disciplinary creative that reflects institutional strengths and strategies.

Gene Expression Atlas launched

Mon, 13 Jul 2009 09:23:30 +0100

The EBI have launched the Gene Expression Atlas. It is the most thoroughly annotated and curated resource o its type. It is accessible to biologists who are not experts in the field of functional genomics arrays.

What's the point of scientific posters?

Mon, 13 Jul 2009 09:22:06 +0100

Lablit essay on conference posters

Wellcome Trust Senior Research Fellowships in Clinical Science

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 09:56:24 +0100

Applications are open for the Wellcome Trust’s Senior Research Fellowships, which help scientists establish themselves as research leaders in clinical medicine.

The Gap Between the Public and Scientists

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 09:53:15 +0100

A new report by the Pew Research Center for the People & the Press finds that overwhelming majorities of Americans believe that science has had a positive effect on society and that science has made life easier for most people.

Maria Leptin to head EMBO

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 09:51:40 +0100

Maria Leptin has been appointed the new director of the European Molecular Biology Organization

Collins is new NIH Director

Thu, 9 Jul 2009 08:56:54 +0100

President Barack Obama announced his intent to nominate Francis S. Collins as Director of the National Institutes of Health at the Department of Health and Human Services.

Worries over possible visa changes

Thu, 9 Jul 2009 09:35:48 +0100

Visa restrictions are being considered that could limit foreign academics' access to the UK, a move described as potentially "disastrous" by Universities UK.

Drayson says REF will give points for public outreach

Thu, 9 Jul 2009 09:34:19 +0100

Researchers have received confirmation that they will be rewarded for engaging with the public in the forthcoming research excellence framework, raising the prospect of funding being linked to articles for newspapers or television work.

Consultation launched on proposals for new BBSRC strategic plan

Thu, 9 Jul 2009 09:01:49 +0100

The Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) has identified three high-level strategic research priorities and is now asking interested stakeholders to respond to a consultation as it develops these proposals into its 2010-2015 Strategic Plan.

Conference blogging - Nature editorial

Thu, 9 Jul 2009 09:24:24 +0100

Nature comes down in favour of blogging from conferences

NIH needs 10% budget increase, says FASEB

Thu, 9 Jul 2009 08:58:10 +0100

the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB) issued a report claiming that the number of competing grants—essentially new awards—will plunge about 40%, from 16,564 to 9850, if NIH's base budget stays at the $31 billion requested by President Barack Obama for 201

India increases science spending

Wed, 8 Jul 2009 09:36:46 +0100

Joining a global trend, India is giving science a boost in the face of the worldwide economic downturn.

Boost for Chinese R&D

Wed, 8 Jul 2009 09:19:30 +0100

In response to the global financial crisis, China is upping its R&D spending in 2009 to $25.7 billion, a hefty 25.6% increase over 2008.

More on MRC commitment to virology in Glasgow

Tue, 7 Jul 2009 11:12:16 +0100

MRC Press release.

House of Lords report on genomic medicine

Tue, 7 Jul 2009 09:51:02 +0100

House of Lords Science and Technology Committee. Report on Genomic Medicine

Genome studies report from the Academy of Medical Sciences

Tue, 7 Jul 2009 09:49:51 +0100

A report of a meeting held by the Academy of Medical Sciences highlights the need to build capacity to process the vast amounts of data generated by genetic studies.

Virus research centre to open in Glasgow

Mon, 6 Jul 2009 08:44:55 +0100

The Medical Research Council is investing £28 million over five years in a partnership with the University of Glasgow to fund a centre of excellence in virology research. The university will contribute an additional £10m.

Why girls don't want to be scientists

Mon, 6 Jul 2009 08:36:02 +0100

Julie Darbyshire writes in Lablit about the gender gap in our laboratories.

New leadership team for the UCL School of Life & Medical Sciences

Mon, 6 Jul 2009 08:29:03 +0100

Three new appointments, which will shape the development of life and biomedical sciences at UCL in the coming years. Professor Sir John Tooke will join UCL as Vice Provost (Health), Head of the UCL School of Life & Medical Sciences and Head of the UCL Medical School; Professor Mary Collins has been appointed Dean of Life Sciences; and Professor Ian Jacobs has been appointed Dean of Biomedical Sciences.

Research Councils UK publishes delivery plan report for 2008-09

Mon, 6 Jul 2009 08:27:42 +0100

Research Councils UK (RCUK) has today, 6 July 2009, published its delivery plan report for 2008-09. The report records RCUK’s progress against its objectives as defined in the RCUK Delivery Plan published in April 2008 and should be read in conjunction with the individual Research Councils’ reports.

The UK’s share of world research outputs

Fri, 3 Jul 2009 14:52:18 +0100

This RIN report looks at how statistics drawn from bibliometrics are calculated and why they sometimes do not agree with each other.

Research output in developing countries reveals 194 percent increase in five years

Fri, 3 Jul 2009 14:42:16 +0100

The partners of Research4Life announced today at the World Conference of Science Journalists 2009 that a new research impact analysis has demonstrated a dramatic rise in research output by scientists in the developing world since 2002.

Two new members appointed to MRC Council

Fri, 3 Jul 2009 14:39:57 +0100

Tony Caplin, Chairman of The North West London Hospital NHS Trust, and Professor Dame Sally Davies, Director General of Research and Development, Department of Health, have been appointed to the MRC Council from 1 July 2009 to 30 June 2013.

First MRC Centre in Wales opens

Fri, 3 Jul 2009 14:38:48 +0100

The first Medical Research Council Centre in Wales has been officially launched . The MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics at Cardiff University is the first UK facility dedicated to harnessing the genetics revolution for research into mental disorders.

Call for Research on Flu Vaccines

Fri, 3 Jul 2009 14:28:12 +0100

A call for research on the Co-administration of Vaccines for Influenza is being launched by the NIHR to provide evidence rapidly for the management of the emerging flu pandemic. This project has been requested by the Department of Health to help inform immunisation services.

Biocatalogue.org - a new e-science resource launched

Thu, 2 Jul 2009 11:27:37 +0100

The University of Manchester and the European Molecular Biology Laboratory’s European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI) have launched a major new e-science resource for biologists - which could accelerate research into treatments for H1N1 flu and cancer.Biocatalogue.org is a centralised registry of curated life science Web Services

Axel Ullrich Named Winner of 2009 Dr. Paul Janssen Award for Biomedical Research

Thu, 2 Jul 2009 11:26:23 +0100

He has been awarded the prize for his work which lead to novel cancer therapies

Dismantling the Barriers to Clinical Research

Thu, 2 Jul 2009 11:24:54 +0100

NIHR reports the outcomes of their April workshop.

European biobanking infrastructure to complete prototype system in 2010

Thu, 2 Jul 2009 11:22:54 +0100

The Biobanking and Biomolecular Resources Research Infrastructure (BBMRI) is aiming to make make the collective content of the biobanks available to researchers.

RCUK launches publication on impacts on public policy

Thu, 2 Jul 2009 11:21:40 +0100

The publication provides a variety of case studies highlighting how research provides a vital evidence base to inform public policy and services, as well as showcasing the benefits that research brings to society and the economy.

Minister praises UK science journalists

Wed, 1 Jul 2009 15:01:55 +0100

During a debate today, the Minister for Science and Innovation, Lord Drayson, will dismiss claims that science reporting only results in sensationalist and misleading headlines about miracle cures and apocalyptic events

£150 million ventured, shot-in-the-arm for UK biotech gained?

Wed, 1 Jul 2009 15:03:26 +0100

The newly-created UK Innovation Investment Fund will invest in a collection of other venture capital funds thereby ultimately boosting investment in start-ups and spin-outs - in life sciences, clean technology, digital sciences and advanced manufacturing.

Royal Society's Summer Science Exhibition is now on

Wed, 1 Jul 2009 13:48:17 +0100

The exhibition runs from 30th June to Saturday 4th July

GP bodies support guidelines for use of patient records in medical research

Wed, 1 Jul 2009 15:05:04 +0100

The two leading bodies representing GPs in the UK have backed a call by the Wellcome Trust for clearer guidance for GPs to ensure medical records can be safely used in research.

Science journalism

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 11:33:55 +0100

In the first of three essays, Toby Murcott argues that the process of science needs to be opened up if journalists are to provide proper critique.

Publishing negative results

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 11:15:46 +0100

All Results Journals (ARJournals) is the creation of David Alcántara Parra. It seeks to collect all the data science has deemed "not useful".

Career Tips for Established Scientists

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 11:10:43 +0100

After earning tenure, some faculty members "continue to achieve higher and higher levels" while others may "meander along," and some "become deadwood," according to an article on the Science Careers Web site.

MPs welcome creation of new Science & Technology Select Committee

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 12:28:18 +0100

The Chairman of the Innovation, Universities, Science and Skills Committee, Phil Willis MP, today welcomed the decision of the House of Commons to establish a Science and Technology Committee from 1 October 2009. The new Committee will have the same membership and the same Chairman as the IUSS Committee.

Suspect credentials in nanomed leader

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 12:28:18 +0100

Experts in nanomedicine are questioning the credentials of a researcher who has portrayed himself as an expert in the fledgling field, even starting a professional society and procuring a post as editor of the journal Nanomedicine.

New study gives insight into researchers' employment destinations

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 12:28:17 +0100

A report "What do researchers do?" demonstrates that doctoral graduates continue to be highly employable across the economy in a wide range of occupations.

Royal Society Prize for Science Books shortlist announced

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 12:28:17 +0100

The shortlist for the world's most prestigious awards for science writing has been announced and is made up of three books written by US academics and three written by British journalists and biographers.

UK’s creative science would flourish if set free from government guidance

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 11:54:26 +0100

Letter in today's FT from some of the UK leading scientists expressing the view that the Government's concentration funding research projects which are deemed to create economy benefits is misguided

UK PubMed Central images survey

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 15:20:23 +0100

UK PubMed Central images survey.

Impact Factors updated, including 5-year and eigenfactor measures

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 09:24:59 +0100

Thomson Reuters have announced the release of the 2008 Journal Citation Reports. The release of the 2008 Journal Citation Reports includes the first-ever update to the newly introduced Five Year Impact Factor and Eigenfactor(TM) Metrics in JCR Web

Consultation on next-generation sequencing technologies

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 09:09:00 +0100

The UK Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) has launched a consultation on Next Generation Sequencing Technologies.

Peer review wins out in the REF

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 09:49:31 +0100

The use of citations to determine the quality of academic work in the hard sciences is to be abandoned in favour of peer review in the new system being designed to replace the research assessment exercise.
Times Higher, 18 June

Shaw prize awarded for leptin work

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 09:30:52 +0100

The Shaw prize 2009 has been awarded jointly to Douglas L Coleman and Jeffrey M Friedman for their work leading to the discovery of leptin, a hormone that regulates food intake and body weight.

Kyoto prize goes to evolution researchers

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 09:29:23 +0100

Drs. Peter and Rosemary Grant will receive the 2009 Kyoto prize for documenting rapid evolution caused by natural selection in response to environmental changes.

UKCRC Translational Infection Research Initiative Phase 2

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 09:26:54 +0100

This initiative was set up to encourage diverse research communities to form productive partnerships, combining their expertise to focus effort on research goals aimed at making a significant clinical and public health impact

New Chair for BBSRC appointed

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 12:26:19 +0100

The formal appointment of Professor Sir Tom Blundell FRS FMedSci as the new Chair of the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) has been announced today by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills

Animal facility goes underground

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 12:12:44 +0100

The University of Iowa will be building an underground vivarium

Unlogged pathogen samples found at USAMRIID

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 12:49:31 +0100

A 4-month effort to inventory the contents of freezers and refrigerators at the United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID) in Fort Detrick, Maryland, has turned up 9,220 vials of dangerous pathogens and toxins that were not listed in USAMRIID’s databas

New Wellcome-Beit Prize Fellowships for biomedical researchers

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 10:30:24 +0100

The Wellcome Trust and the Beit Memorial Fellowships for Medical Research today announce the launch of the Wellcome-Beit Prize Fellowships, awarding £25 000 to four outstanding biomedical researchers each year.

Bioinformatics and biological resources fund

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 10:26:13 +0100

New funding from BBSRC for bioinformatics and biological resources

EU's Research Executive Agency becomes autonomous

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 10:23:33 +0100

The Research Executive Agency (REA) was officially granted its administrative and operational autonomy by the European Commission

MRC Strategic Plan 2009-2014

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 16:36:12 +0100

The new MRC Strategic Plan 2009-2014, Research changes lives, sets out the MRC's direction for the future.

Global Alliance for Chronic Diseases formed

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 11:23:36 +0100

Six of the world’s foremost health agencies, who collectively managing an estimated 80% of all public health research funding, have announced the formation of a landmark alliance to collaborate in the battle against chronic, non-communicable diseases.

MPs call for a Science & Technology Select Committee

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 08:58:08 +0100

The Innovation, Universities, Science and Skills Committee today issues a warning that the future of science scrutiny is at risk following the merger of the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills and the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform. In its report, the Committee urges the Government to put proposals before the House of Commons as soon as possible to establish a separate science and technology committee to safeguard future scrutiny of science policy.

NIH warned against heavy-handed conflict of interest policies

Mon, 15 Jun 2009 11:33:14 +0100

The Association of American Universities (AAU) and the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) are contesting several proposals by the National Institutes of Health to increase government involvement and oversight of potential financial conflicts of interest in research

UCL announces key appointments for UCL Partners

Mon, 15 Jun 2009 11:29:31 +0100

UCL has announced the managing director and six programme directors for UCL Partners (UCLP), Europe’s largest academic health science centre

Excellence with impact key for future funding of UK research and prosperity of nation

Mon, 15 Jun 2009 11:26:01 +0100

Letter to The Times from the 7 Research Council Chief Executives

Committee told merger of MRC and NHS is possibility

Thu, 11 Jun 2009 11:52:16 +0100

The Medical Research Council could be combined with the research arm of the National Health Service in a move that is likely to worry those involved with basic research. The possibility of a merger was mooted in a select committee evidence session this week by Sir John Bell, chairman of the Office for the Strategic Co-ordination of Health Research. It could go ahead within the next decade.

Ministerial responsibilities announced at Department for Business, Innovation and Skills

Thu, 11 Jun 2009 11:38:52 +0100

Rt Hon Lord Drayson is announced as Minister for Science and Innovation at BIS. He has responsibility for Research Councils

French Socialists call for alternative research plan

Thu, 11 Jun 2009 11:28:37 +0100

The French Socialist Party has slammed the EU’s attempts to modernise higher education and research as a "failure" and called for a total revision of it approach.

Priorities for medical research in the UK

Wed, 10 Jun 2009 19:07:29 +0100

At the Foundation for Science and Technology Sir Leszek Borysiewicz Chief Executive,MRC, Sir John Bell President, The Academy of Medical Sciences and Chairman, Office for Strategic Coordination of Health Research and Sir David Cooksey Chair, Bioscience Innovation and Growth Team, discussed what should be the priorities for medical research in the UK.

DIUS-BERR merger - bad news?

Wed, 10 Jun 2009 09:15:55 +0100

Article in The Guardian says that It's difficult to see the assimilation of science into Peter Mandelson's new Department for Business, Innovation and Skills as anything but bad news.

Royal Society responds to DIUS-BERR merger

Wed, 10 Jun 2009 08:56:17 +0100

ROyal Society responds to the government dept mergers, saying "in the rush to unlock economic benefits, we must ensure that we don't divert resources away from basic research".

Mandelson says new department will put science at centre

Wed, 10 Jun 2009 09:01:03 +0100

Lord Mandelson, Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, has today used the launch Science Museum's 100th birthday celebrations to argue that the creation of a new department for Business, Innovation and Skills will put science at the centre of the Government's economic recovery plans for a prosperous, sustainable future.

NIH receives 20,000 applications

Wed, 10 Jun 2009 09:14:26 +0100

the National Institutes of Health received approximately 20,000 applications for Challenge Grants, a new program under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). This large number of applications is approximately equal to the total number of applications NIH receives in one of the agency’s three major review rounds each year.

Scientists petition over UK funding plans

Wed, 10 Jun 2009 09:06:02 +0100

More than 1,100 U.K. scientists have signed a petition protesting a requirement that applications for government research funding state the future impact of the proposed research.

Interdisciplinary research on cell behaviour

Wed, 10 Jun 2009 09:26:05 +0100

BioInterfaces is a new research programme that brings together a team of biologists, chemists, physicists, materials scientists and informaticians to work to develop innovative tools and technologies for precisely controlling the behaviour of cells.

Funding for National Emerging Infectious Diseases Research Network

Wed, 10 Jun 2009 09:13:03 +0100

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of the National Institutes of Health, has announced renewed funding for 10 previously established Regional Centers of Excellence for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases Research

Max Perutz science writing award 2009

Mon, 8 Jun 2009 11:54:25 +0100

MRC funded PhD students are invited to enter this competition to explain the importance of their science to the general public. Closing date for entries is 29th June 2009

DUIS & BERR merged

Mon, 8 Jun 2009 11:18:47 +0100

As part of the cabinet reshuffle these two departments have been merged into one - Department for Business, Innovations and Skills (BIS)

UK may lose scientists as US increases support, House of Lords told

Mon, 8 Jun 2009 11:13:21 +0100

Martin Rees, a cross-bench peer and president of the Royal Society, expressed concern that Britain may find it harder to attract and retain top researchers if it does not responded to boost given to science in USA

University of Copenhagen opens new protein center

Fri, 5 Jun 2009 11:32:00 +0100

The Faculty of Health Sciences opens the Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research on 4th June as focus for world class research

Director appointed to lead brain tissue banking network

Fri, 5 Jun 2009 11:30:11 +0100

Professor James Ironside has been appointed to lead the UK Brain Banks Network

Simon Singh to fight to keep libel out of science

Thu, 4 Jun 2009 08:13:45 +0100

Simon Singh has announced that he is applying to appeal the judge’s recent pre-trial ruling in this case, in conjunction with the launch of a support campaign to defend the right of the pubic to read the views of scientists and writers

Campaign to demonstrate the impact of science on society

Thu, 4 Jun 2009 09:14:12 +0100

A national campaign to demonstrate how UK scientists and engineers are solving some of the biggest challenges facing society has been launched by the EPSRC (Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council).

Ian Gibson barred from standing as Labour candidate

Thu, 4 Jun 2009 09:26:40 +0100

Backbench MP, Ian Gibson, who is a member and former chairman, of the House of Commons committee that scrutinises the use and funding of science in government, has been barred from standing for Labour at the next general elections.

How can science help build a better future?

Thu, 4 Jun 2009 09:17:19 +0100

Speech by Lord Drayson at the Cheltenham Science Festival

UCL to implement open access policy to all research

Thu, 4 Jun 2009 09:15:33 +0100

UCL has announced the establishment of a UCL Publications Board that will implement the university’s open access policy and be responsible for ensuring that, subject to copyright permissions, all UCL research is placed online in the university’s institutional repository, freely accessible to all.

Science and diplomacy caution urged

Thu, 4 Jun 2009 09:28:00 +0100

Two leading government scientists from the US and UK have warned against misusing science to achieve political goals.

UKPMC launches new grant reporting service

Thu, 4 Jun 2009 09:30:52 +0100

My UKPMC is now available to grantholders funded by any of the UKPMC Funders' Group member organisations, including the Wellcome Trust.

New rules for meeting attendees who blog or twitter

Wed, 3 Jun 2009 08:29:45 +0100

Bloggers and Twitterers at scientific meetings may have to obtain permission, following concern expressed at a recent CSHL conference.

Academia Warming Up to Women Scientists, Says Report

Wed, 3 Jun 2009 08:28:27 +0100

A report by the U.S. National Academies contradicts the conventional wisdom that women face discrimination when it comes to being hired, promoted, and given equal access to resources in academic science and engineering.

Young researchers call on WHO to condemn homeopathy in serious diseases

Tue, 2 Jun 2009 09:37:32 +0100

In a letter to the World Health Organisation, early career medics and researchers are calling for the body to issue a clear international communication about the inappropriate use of homeopathy for five serious diseases. They say they are frustrated with the continued promotion of homeopathy as a preventative or treatment for HIV, TB, malaria, influenza and infant diarrhoea.

Select Committee interviews Tom Blundell

Tue, 2 Jun 2009 09:44:04 +0100

House Commons Innovation, Universities, Science and Skills Committee pre-appointment hearing with the Chair-elect of the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, Professor Sir Tom Blundell.

Going Beyond Public Understanding of Science

Tue, 2 Jun 2009 08:45:03 +0100

The AAAS Center for Public Engagement with Science and Technology encourages scientists and educators to engage the public in science-related dialogue that considers the complex ethical and moral questions arising from new discoveries.

Politics and science

Mon, 1 Jun 2009 14:50:33 +0100

Two bloggers investigated the science policies of the major political parties, to see where they stood on issues such as stem cell research, environmental protection, energy security and alternative medicine.

Art meets science in Burlington House

Mon, 1 Jun 2009 09:54:43 +0100

Essay on Burlington House, in LabLit.

Wellcome Trust appoints new Head of Execution and Implementation to Investment Division

Fri, 29 May 2009 12:43:27 +0100

Wellcome Trust has appointed Tim Johnston to this key post

Completed mouse genome sequencing project will improve research

Fri, 29 May 2009 12:42:06 +0100

Knowledge of the full mouse genome will now allow scientists to neatly separate the biology humans share with mice from biology found in one species only. This will enhance scientists’ ability to select the genes most applicable to human disease when developing mouse models

Legal challenge to gene patents in US

Fri, 29 May 2009 12:40:53 +0100

The long standing gene patents held by Myriad Genetics, for diagnosing a predisposition to breast and ovarian cancer using BRCA1 and BRCA2 testing, are now facing a legal challenge that could threaten the validity of all gene patents

MRC and NICE to collaborate on methodology research programme

Fri, 29 May 2009 12:40:05 +0100

The Medical Research Council (MRC) has issued a £2million call for proposals in methodology research in collaboration with the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE)

Work with industry pays in publications - up to a point

Thu, 28 May 2009 09:56:16 +0100

New research has shown that working with industry helps scholars in some fields boost their research output.
Times Higher, 28 May 2009

Top scientists in molecular biology and genetics

Thu, 28 May 2009 10:07:44 +0100

Data provided by Thomson Reuters from its Essential Science Indicators, 1 January 1999-28 February 2009.
Times Higher 28 May 2009

Collaboration for translational research - a Dutch model

Thu, 28 May 2009 09:59:39 +0100

A Dutch template for co-operative research is not the grand national institute but multi-campus co-operation with limited overhead costs and fair arrangements for intellectual property.
Times Higher, 28 May 2009

Do women have less success in peer review?

Thu, 28 May 2009 10:15:01 +0100

A review of evidence for and against bias.

Medical research charities need help

Thu, 28 May 2009 09:33:00 +0100

Medical charities in the United Kingdom, which account for one-third of all public funding for medical research in the country, are being battered by the economic crisis, according to a survey published this week.

Expert groups to take action on science and society

Thu, 28 May 2009 09:23:14 +0100

Five new independent Expert Groups are to engage the science community, media, public, business and policy makers to help change cultural attitudes to science in the UK.

The Big Science debate

Thu, 28 May 2009 09:57:01 +0100

The Big Science Debate: A Biological Century? Biology And Physics - The Next 50 Years.
Kings Place, 8th June

NHS Healthcare Science Research projects Awarded over GBP 1 million

Thu, 28 May 2009 09:35:16 +0100

Ten healthcare scientists from across England have been awarded research fellowships worth a total of over £1million for projects that will lead to improvements in patient care.

David Lane returns to Singapore

Tue, 26 May 2009 11:08:32 +0100

David and Birgit Lane are returning to Singapore.

Biotech Can Survive the Recession, But It Won't Be Easy

Tue, 26 May 2009 11:00:45 +0100

There’s plenty of money available for biotech researchers with big ideas, but that funding is harder to get than ever before, and some of it may come from strange places.
Wired Science, 21 May 2009

Review articles as a measure of esteem

Tue, 26 May 2009 10:22:43 +0100

RIN blog post on the question of whether the percentage of reviews among an individual’s – or an institution’s, or a country’s - output of papers might be used as a measure of research esteem

Royal Society Prize for Science Books Longlist Announced

Tue, 26 May 2009 10:15:43 +0100

The longlist for this year's Royal Society Prize for Science Books has been announced. The judges selected a longlist of thirteen books:

Women in science - two reports

Thu, 21 May 2009 09:27:17 +0100

Two reports on women in science in the European Union have been published. Editorial in Nature highlights them.
Nature, vol 459, p 299

The burden of peer review

Thu, 21 May 2009 09:19:33 +0100

Article in the Times Higher says that the system of peer review is threatened because academics lack time to assess research grant proposals.

EU successes in science

Thu, 21 May 2009 09:04:29 +0100

This new page on the EU research website provides links to the parts of the Research site where you can find information about successful research projects

Science writer waits on legal advice in libel case

Wed, 20 May 2009 08:25:37 +0100

Journalists, scientists and even a Liberal Democrat Member of Parliament met in a pub last night in support of science writer Simon Singh, who is fighting a libel case brought by the British Chiropractic Association.

Regulating new technologies

Wed, 20 May 2009 08:22:17 +0100

Often, governments and the public at large can be caught flat-footed, unable to fully comprehend the risks and benefits of a rapidly emerging technology, it was said at a session of the AAAS Forum on Science and Technology Policy.

Academy report on the allocation of resources across academic specialties

Wed, 20 May 2009 08:10:30 +0100

The Academy of Medical Sciences has published a report providing guidance on how funding and resource should be used to support clinical academic specialties.

New Australian research centre

Wed, 20 May 2009 08:05:03 +0100

A new health and medical research institute building is to be built next to the new Royal Adelaide Hospital. The Australian government announced $200 million in funding for the new facility.

EU's Innovative Medicine Initiative

Tue, 19 May 2009 09:11:50 +0100

Fifteen new research projects aimed at bringing innovative medicines more quickly to the market have been selected to receive Euros246 million from the European Commission and the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations.

RCUK sponsors researcher awards

Tue, 19 May 2009 09:03:45 +0100

RCUK is sponsoring two awards at the Times Higher Education Awards this year: the Award for Serendipity and the Award for Outstanding Support for Early Career Researchers.

RCUK announces five areas of reprioritisation

Tue, 19 May 2009 09:02:05 +0100

RCUK has announced that the efficiency savings of £106 million announced in April's budget will be invested in a number of priority areas within the cross-Council multidisciplinary programmes.

EU research by country

Mon, 18 May 2009 09:07:35 +0100

A series of short brochures summarising, for each EU country, EU achievements, participation in FP6 and FP7 and major success stories in various key fields: environment, energy, health, nanotechnologies, human sciences, etc.

New CDC chief named

Mon, 18 May 2009 08:58:08 +0100

President Barack Obama has named New York City health chief Thomas Frieden to the top spot at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

US University fined for lab safety failure

Fri, 15 May 2009 10:37:17 +0100

The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), has been hit with a fine for multiple safety violations, following the death of a chemistry researcher in a lab fire.

How the REF is developing

Fri, 15 May 2009 10:36:30 +0100

As the blueprint for the RAE's replacement is fine-tuned, evolution rather than revolution looks set to be the hallmark of the research excellence framework.
Times Higher, 14 May 2009

Careers in translational medicine

Fri, 15 May 2009 10:36:29 +0100

Editorial in Science announces the Clinical and Translational Science Network. It will combine a career-development Web portal for clinical and translational investigators with an experimental, evolving communications infrastructure.

Australian scientists celebrate cash boost

Fri, 15 May 2009 10:10:28 +0100

Australia’s new budget was announced earlier this week, bringing with it smiles for researchers. The new budget for science in 2009/10 is 8.6 billion Australian dollars .

Commissioner speech on women in science

Fri, 15 May 2009 09:56:55 +0100

Janez Potocnik, European Commissioner for Science and Research, gave a speech: Women and Science: 10 years of fixing the leaky pipe.

Research Connections - EU research conference

Fri, 15 May 2009 09:53:09 +0100

The conference gave first-hand information about priorities, objectives and participation rules and practical advice.

New Royal Society fellows

Fri, 15 May 2009 09:47:18 +0100

Forty-four scientists have been recognised for their exceptional contributions to society, with their election to the Fellowship of the Royal Society.

Epigenetics facility at Babraham

Fri, 15 May 2009 09:14:49 +0100

A centre focusing on how environmental factors influence genes has opened at the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Babraham Institute in Cambridge.

Major MRC investment to underpin genetics and genomics research

Wed, 13 May 2009 13:50:13 +0100

The MRC is pumping over £7 million into supporting fundamental genetics research by creating three high-throughput sequencing (HTS) hubs in Scotland, the North of England and the East of England

George Monbiot bemoans UK science funding

Tue, 12 May 2009 09:40:34 +0100

Science research in Britain is now all about turning knowledge into business, rather than the beauty of exploration.

Wellcome's head of education

Tue, 12 May 2009 09:10:28 +0100

Professor Derek Bell, appointed Head of Education at the Trust nearly six months ago, has been instrumental in moves to encourage teachers and pupils to engage with science. Catherine Whitlock talked to him about his past work and future plans in this area.

Comparison of next-generation sequencing platforms for targeted sequencing

Tue, 12 May 2009 09:06:37 +0100

Researchers at the Scripps Research Institute and the Craig J. Ventor Institute evaluated three NGS platforms for targeted sequencing.

Home Office consults on animal experiment proposal

Tue, 12 May 2009 08:52:25 +0100

The Home Office has opened a consultation on proposals to change the regulations governing the use of animals in research in Europe.

A Researchers' Guide to Communications

Mon, 11 May 2009 09:23:54 +0100

A new booklet offering advice to researchers who want to be more open about their work, from the group Understanding Animal Research.

Competition in science

Mon, 11 May 2009 09:18:39 +0100

Does competition drive science forward or is it a waste of resources?

RCUK seeks views on new UK International Fellowship Association

Mon, 11 May 2009 09:02:03 +0100

Research Councils UK, in collaboration with the British Academy, Royal Academy of Engineering and the Royal Society, is asking current and former research Fellows to participate in an e-survey about the new UK International Fellowship Association (UKIFA).

Elsevier apologises for fake journal

Fri, 8 May 2009 09:28:58 +0100

Statement From Michael Hansen, CEO Of Elsevier's Health Sciences Division, Regarding Australia Based Sponsored Journal Practices Between 2000 And 2005 .

EPSRC softens its policy

Thu, 7 May 2009 10:03:28 +0100

After a campaign by scientists, the UK Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) has softened and delayed its controversial policy to bar serially unsuccessful grant applicants from making funding bids for one year.

RCUK research integrity plans are watered down

Thu, 7 May 2009 09:56:21 +0100

The concept of a national body for research integrity with powers to investigate allegations of misconduct has been dealt a blow after universities showed little appetite for it.
Times Higher, 7 May 2009

What specialist skills could be lost from the research community?

Thu, 7 May 2009 09:34:53 +0100

The Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), in coordination with the Biosciences Federation (BSF), is today (7 May) launching a UK-wide consultation to identify niche areas of expertise that are in danger of being lost from the research community.

Third Revolution in Life Sciences, says MIT president

Thu, 7 May 2009 09:08:04 +0100

Researchers are fostering another revolution in the life sciences, driven by the convergence between those sciences and the physical and engineering sciences, says Susan Hockfield, the president of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

UK needs a national strategy for synthetic biology

Thu, 7 May 2009 08:56:10 +0100

The UK needs a national strategy for synthetic biology research if it is to capitalise on rapid progress in the field, according to a report by the Royal Academy of Engineers.

Profile of Rita Levi-Montalcini

Thu, 7 May 2009 09:14:45 +0100

Article about neuroscientist Rita Levi-Montalcini, who tuned 100 on April 22.

European Parliament Takes a Stand on Animal Research

Wed, 6 May 2009 12:38:38 +0100

The European Parliament has rejected legislative changes that would have severely restricted animal research

Pfizer supports open access publishing for researchers in low-income countries

Wed, 6 May 2009 12:36:50 +0100

Pfizer announced an agreement with BioMed Central to launch an open access waiver fund which will support automatic waivers of publication fees for authors from low-income countries

Inspirational Portraits

Wed, 6 May 2009 12:34:29 +0100

15 inspirational protraits of careers in science, technology, engineering and maths are featured in the Guardian

Immune Epitope Database and Analysis Resource 2.0 launched

Wed, 6 May 2009 11:18:26 +0100

La Jolla Institute announces 2.0 launch of major database to aid vaccine development worldwide

New research facility at Hammersmith

Tue, 5 May 2009 16:45:57 +0100

A new £99 million facility dedicated to finding new ways of treating people with serious health problems, including heart and circulatory diseases, is being built at Hammersmith Hospital. Funded by MRC and Wellcome.

Gates Foundation announces grantwinners; Round 3 still open

Tue, 5 May 2009 09:57:14 +0100

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation today announced 81 grants to explore bold and largely unproven ways to improve global health. Grant proposals for Round 3 are being accepted online until May 28, 2009.

US science sitcom fails to raise a laugh

Tue, 5 May 2009 09:18:59 +0100

Review of new US sitcom, Better Off Ted, on ABC. By Åsa Karlström in Lablit.

Science in the White House - Obama's priorities

Fri, 1 May 2009 09:13:42 +0100

John P. Holdren, President Obama's science advisor, writes in Science, Vol. 324. no. 5927, p. 567

Long term future of University research secure

Fri, 1 May 2009 08:58:47 +0100

There has been a significant improvement in the financial position and sustainability of research in the UK’s universities according to an independent review published today, reporting to Research Councils UK and Universities UK.

Grants aim to help women

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 10:15:56 +0100

Childcare grants help scientists attend conferences.

Beware fake Facebook profiles

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 10:12:25 +0100

Stem-cell scientists are caught up in fictional friend network on Facebook, but no-one knows why.

Nature strengthens authorship policies

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 10:08:08 +0100

Nature are clarifying the duties of lead authors and making author-contribution statements mandatory.

Scholars using Twitter

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 10:05:00 +0100

Twitter, the social networking service that allows users to send short messages to "followers", is seen by many within academia as an example of dumbing down in society. But there are signs of a cautious but growing take-up of the service have emerged in higher education. Times Higher, 30 April 2009.

Science fallout from the budget

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 10:04:06 +0100

Academics are bracing themselves for cuts to research programmes after the Government ordered the research councils to deliver £106 million in savings from within the science budget. Times Higher, 30 April 2009

Modernisation of EU research funding on the right track

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 09:47:17 +0100

The European Commission has presented a progress report covering the first two years of the 7th EU framework programme for R&D (FP7), which will last until 2013.

Making Visible Embryos: online exhibition

Wed, 29 Apr 2009 09:41:49 +0100

An online exhibition about changing views of life inside the womb has been launched by the University of Cambridge.

Conflict of Interest in Medical Research

Wed, 29 Apr 2009 09:32:08 +0100

The US Institute of Medicine Committee on Conflict of Interest in Medical Research, Education, and Practice has produced a report on conflicts of interest in medicine, recommending steps to identify, limit, and manage conflicts of interest without negatively affecting constructive collaborations.

Budget 2009 - Implications for the life sciences industry

Wed, 29 Apr 2009 09:21:09 +0100

The Office for Life Sciences (OLS) says that last week’s Budget will have a positive influence on the operating environment for life sciences companies and which recognise the importance of supporting the life sciences industry as a key strategic sector of the future.

Parliamentary internship - an account of the experience

Wed, 29 Apr 2009 09:18:26 +0100

UCL PhD student. Kesson Magid describes how and why he came to work in Whitehall on a POST internship.

Edinburgh Univ pushes for affordable medicines in developing world

Wed, 29 Apr 2009 09:08:53 +0100

The University of Edinburgh will only collaborate on research with pharmaceutical companies in the future if they agree to provide medicines to the developing world at cost price.

WHO Scientific Review on the current outbreaks of human infections with swine influenza to be held on 29 April

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 17:44:01 +0100

WHO is convening a Scientific Review on 29 April in response to requests from the scientific community for more detailed scientific information on swine influenza. Experts from the affected countries will provide an update on the current situation and discuss what is known about the disease from a virological, epidemiological and clinical perspective.

WHO Director-General raises influenza pandemic alert to phase 4

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 10:29:44 +0100

Statement issued by the Director-General at 9.30pm (BST) 27th April

Obama pledges mores support for science

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 11:20:46 +0100

In a speech at meeting of the National Academy of Sciences the president pledged more support for mathematics and science teaching and also for basic research

Health Protection Agency on swine flu

Mon, 27 Apr 2009 09:32:37 +0100

The Health Protection Agency is monitoring the situation closely and is working with the UK government to review the current incident and any threat it poses to UK public health.

WHO swine flu news

Mon, 27 Apr 2009 09:31:33 +0100

WHO is coordinating the global response to human cases of swine influenza A (H1N1) and monitoring the corresponding threat of an influenza pandemic.

NIH marks World Malaria Day

Mon, 27 Apr 2009 09:25:32 +0100

On April 25, NIH commemorated the second World Malaria Day.

Training for translational research

Mon, 27 Apr 2009 09:24:25 +0100

Four research projects, funded largely by public money, have successfully attracted additional private and public funding to help fill a skills shortage that could seriously restrict the translation of UK science into medical treatments.

NAS President calls for public and political engagement

Fri, 24 Apr 2009 09:02:05 +0100

What can scientists do to build on this new excitement and support for science in the US?
Editorial in Science - Vol. 324. no. 5926, p. 439 by National Academy of Sciences President.

Another step towards unified biology society

Fri, 24 Apr 2009 08:57:34 +0100

Members of the UK’s two leading biology organisations, the Institute of Biology (IoB) and the Biosciences Federation (BSF), have voted overwhelmingly in favour of unification to form a single organisation, the Society of Biology.

Mooove Over Humans, the Cow Genome is Here

Fri, 24 Apr 2009 08:46:04 +0100

After 6 years of work by more than 300 researchers, and $53 million in funding, the cow genome has arrived.

No budget stimulus for science

Thu, 23 Apr 2009 09:13:05 +0100

Those hoping for a £1 billion stimulus windfall for United Kingdom science in today’s budget announcement were disappointed.

Budget statement from DIUS

Thu, 23 Apr 2009 09:06:39 +0100

Letter about the 2009 Budget from John Denham, Secretary of State for Dept of Innovation Universities and Skills, to stakeholders.

EMBO Gold for Olivier Voinnet

Thu, 23 Apr 2009 09:31:27 +0100

Olivier Voinnet from the CNRS Institute of Plant Molecular Biology in Strasbourg, France, is awarded the 2009 EMBO Gold Medal. The researcher receives this medal for his pioneering work on the mechanisms and roles of gene silencing via RNA in plants.

RCUK publishes report on open access study

Thu, 23 Apr 2009 09:04:47 +0100

RCUK published today an independent study commissioned by the Research Councils into open access to research outputs.

IUSS Select Committee shrinking

Thu, 23 Apr 2009 09:48:31 +0100

Concerns have been raised about the ability of the IUSS select committee to properly scrutinise higher education owing to its dwindling membership.

Winners Announced in the Elsevier Grand Challenge

Thu, 23 Apr 2009 09:34:07 +0100

Elsevier has announced the winners of their Grand Challenge. The competition invited researchers to prototype tools dealing with the ever-increasing amount of online life sciences information.

Scotland's Translational Medicine Research Collaboration opens new lab

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 08:35:54 +0100

Partners in Scotland’s Translational Medicine Research Collaboration have launched an £11.6 million laboratory in Dundee.

Video on lab waste

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 09:04:26 +0100

This video by Eva Amsen was uploaded to the Imagine Science Film Festival Vimeo Group and is the winner of the new Video Pick of the Week contest sponsored by Vimeo for the 4th week of April, 2009.

Europe unveils strategy to become a global leader in high-risk IT research

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 08:49:28 +0100

Unlimited computing power, computers mimicking the brain, mind-controlled wheelchairs and friendly robotic companions are part of a new European plan to boost visionary research, unveiled by the European Commission today.

Top 100 Journals in Biology and Medicine

Tue, 21 Apr 2009 09:00:55 +0100

The BioMedical & Life Sciences Division of the Special Libraries Association conducted a poll to identify the 100 most influential journals of Biology & Medicine over the last 100 years:

How do we know our universities are doing well?

Tue, 21 Apr 2009 08:58:53 +0100

In his latest blog post, Janez Potocnik, European commissioner for science and research, ponders the difficult and controversial task of evaluating universities.

MRC Network - March/April issue

Mon, 20 Apr 2009 12:22:42 +0100

MRC Network March/April 2009 issue is online. In this issue: Developing the drugs of the future, profile: The Gray Institute for Radiation, Oncology and Biology.

London Researcher Development Opportunities - new website

Mon, 20 Apr 2009 09:32:00 +0100

This web site is dedicated to the sharing of programmes between institutions across the London area.

Exchange rates put journals at risk

Mon, 20 Apr 2009 09:03:22 +0100

A report from the Research Information network says that current economic difficulties across the globe bring serious risks to scholarly books and journals. In the UK, the recent dramatic fall in the value of sterling has seriously damaged university library purchasing budgets.

Science diploma delay welcomed

Fri, 17 Apr 2009 09:27:37 +0100

The body representing the UK's foremost science education organisations, welcomes the decision to delay the introduction of the Science Diploma at Level 3.

Reasons NOT to share data

Fri, 17 Apr 2009 09:25:04 +0100

Despite the appeal of making all biological data accessible, there are enormous hurdles that currently make it impractical.

Boston BSL4 lab delayed again

Fri, 17 Apr 2009 09:21:57 +0100

The opening of a highly secure “biocontainment” laboratory, built by Boston University for the study of dangerous microbes, has been delayed again after the National Institutes of Health asked for more time to complete a safety analysis.

New editor for EMBO reports

Fri, 17 Apr 2009 09:01:11 +0100

The European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO) announces the appointment of Howy Jacobs as Senior Editor of EMBO reports.

Better writing skills can help you get published

Thu, 16 Apr 2009 09:19:25 +0100

Well-written academic papers are far more likely to pass editorial scrutiny, according to an article in Times Higher, 16 April 2009. The article reports on a workshop on "Academic Writing Skills and Getting Published".

Research Councils plan to track grant winners' output

Thu, 16 Apr 2009 09:16:48 +0100

A system is being planned to track precisely what academics produce with the money they win in grants from Research Councils. Academics could be required to log every outcome and output from research council-funded work.
Times Higher Education, 16 April 2009

Do leading journals such as Science and Nature exaggerate research novelty?

Thu, 16 Apr 2009 09:12:22 +0100

Leading journals including Science and Nature are exaggerating research novelty, says an article in The Scientist

Portland, Oregon center aimed at combating infectious diseases

Thu, 16 Apr 2009 09:08:06 +0100

Oregon Health & Science University and the University of Washington, along with a number of partner institutions across the Northwest, have received federal funding to form a regional research center aimed at combating emerging or re-emerging infectious diseases that pose a serious threat to human health.

Bank chief is wrong about science, says Imperial College head

Thu, 16 Apr 2009 09:04:03 +0100

The head of Britain's largest science university says the Bank of England's governor was wrong to caution against more spending on science.

Royal Society calls for science stimulus

Thu, 16 Apr 2009 09:00:53 +0100

Martin Rees, president of the Royal Society, says: A robust British recovery depends on prioritising innovation. Starting with a budget boost next week.
Guardian, 15 April 2009

In praise of theory

Wed, 15 Apr 2009 09:16:08 +0100

Doug Kell's blog emphasises the need for theory in biology

Winners of BioMed Central thirrd Annual Research Awards announced

Wed, 15 Apr 2009 09:06:44 +0100

The winners of BioMed Central's 3rd Annual Research Awards were announced at an awards ceremony at London's Barbican Centre. The event was attended by shortlisted authors, eminent researchers from around the world, open access advocates and science journalists.

Questions about author identifiers

Tue, 14 Apr 2009 11:19:39 +0100

Many people agree that we need author identifiers for scientists, but the details of how this should be implemented are not clear. Some questions are raised, and your responses invited.

John Maddox, past Nature editor, dies

Tue, 14 Apr 2009 08:50:38 +0100

John Maddox, the influential Editor of Nature from 1966 to 1973, and 1980 to 1995, has died.

Cloud computing brings cost of protein research down to Earth

Tue, 14 Apr 2009 08:46:25 +0100

Researchers at the Medical College of Wisconsin Biotechnology and Bioengineering Center in Milwaukee have just made the very expensive and promising area of protein research more accessible to scientists worldwide.

Merck accused of launching fake research journal

Tue, 14 Apr 2009 08:36:48 +0100

Merck is accused of producing an entire journal -- called The Australasian Journal of Bone and Joint Medicine -- and passing it off as an independent peer review publication.

Obama's science adviser

Tue, 14 Apr 2009 08:30:47 +0100

President Obama’s new science adviser John Holdren has been talking to the world’s press about his new role.

FameLab talent search is launched

Tue, 14 Apr 2009 08:28:55 +0100

The organisers of the Nesta FameLab 2009 competition are calling for people currently working in scientific careers to attend auditions.

British Society for Cell Biology science writing winner

Tue, 14 Apr 2009 08:24:56 +0100

Emily Pritchard, from the MRC Human Genetics Unit, is the winner of the 2009 British Society for Cell Biology Science Writing Prize.

Summary of the work of the Research Information Network

Thu, 9 Apr 2009 11:07:51 +0100

An article in The Biochemist about the work of the Research Information Network.

Searching for truth

Thu, 9 Apr 2009 09:14:26 +0100

A new kind of browser search engine called Wolfram|Alpha is about to appear. It is a platonic search engine, unearthing eternal truths that may never have been written down before.

DFG opens office in Tokyo

Thu, 9 Apr 2009 08:59:22 +0100

The Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft will open a new foreign representative office in Tokyo on 15 April. After Peking, Washington/New York, Moscow and New Delhi, the Japanese office is the organisation’s fifth foreign representative office.

Biochemical Society and UKRC pilot mentoring service for female PhD students

Wed, 8 Apr 2009 09:25:26 +0100

The Biochemical Society has set up a one year pilot mentoring scheme with help and support from the UK Resource Centre for Women in Science, Engineering and Technology (UKRC SET).

Is biosafety under-regulated?

Wed, 8 Apr 2009 09:08:35 +0100

Discussion on The Scientist community website.

UK innovation bodies call for 2 billion pounds in funding

Tue, 7 Apr 2009 18:11:19 +0100

Science and innovation bodies are calling for as much as £2bn in additional funding in the Budget, to address a dearth of investment for high-tech start-ups and head off a potential brain drain of scientific talent to the US.
Financial Times, 6th April 2009

High costs of Canadian peer review

Tue, 7 Apr 2009 18:10:19 +0100

Much reported on the blogosphere. The cost of the Canadian NSERC Science Grant Peer Review System Exceeds the Cost of Giving Every Qualified Researcher a Baseline Grant.

Tom Blundell to chair BBSRC

Tue, 7 Apr 2009 09:04:30 +0100

DIUS have announced that Professor Sir Tom Blundell, currently Sir William Dunn Professor and Head of School of Biological Sciences at Cambridge University, has been selected as the preferred candidate to become Chair of the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council

New cardiovascular research unit

Tue, 7 Apr 2009 08:52:21 +0100

A new NIHR Biomedical Research Unit for Cardiovascular Disease, based in Leicester, has been established to undertake research into cardiovascular genetics, hypertension, vascular damage and novel cardiovascular therapeutic interventions.

Research for our Future - RCUK vision

Tue, 7 Apr 2009 08:44:09 +0100

Research Councils UK today presented their future vision for UK research to an invited audience of the academic community and research users at a meeting held in London.

Office for Life Sciences created within DIUS

Tue, 7 Apr 2009 08:42:54 +0100

The government has opened a “virtual” office dedicated to supporting the life sciences. Science minister Paul Drayson will head the office, which is to be based within the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills.

New MRC/MRCT centre for the discovery of novel drugs

Fri, 3 Apr 2009 16:26:04 +0100

A major centre to fast-track the discovery and development of novel drugs will be created by the Medical Research Council (MRC) and MRC Technology (MRCT).

Royal Society launches inquiry into the long-term prospects for UK science and innovation

Fri, 3 Apr 2009 08:26:15 +0100

The Royal Society has embarked on an 11-month inquiry into the role that science will play in equipping Britain to meet the economic, social and environmental challenges of the next fifty years.

European Research Area - 2008 initiatives and vision for 2020

Fri, 3 Apr 2009 08:48:23 +0100

The European Commission has published a compilation of 2008 initiatives for the European Research Area (ERA), and a vision for 2020 for the ERA.

Support for Tenure-Track Jobs in US Biomedical Sciences

Fri, 3 Apr 2009 09:16:20 +0100

The U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) has announced a plan that it hopes will create up to 117 new tenure-track positions for young scientists starting this fall.
Science, Vol. 324. no. 5923, p. 27

Open Research?

Fri, 3 Apr 2009 09:24:34 +0100

Open Data, Open Source, Open Process. A post on Cameron Neylon's blog.

Robot scientist has first success

Fri, 3 Apr 2009 08:56:02 +0100

A robot scientist is believed to be the first machine to have independently discovered new scientific knowledge.

UCL Annual Review 2008 available

Fri, 3 Apr 2009 08:42:44 +0100

An overview of UCL’s achievements, Annual Review 2008 is now available online.

Royal Society to honour unsung heroes of science

Fri, 3 Apr 2009 08:27:02 +0100

The Royal Society announced that it will recognise the unsung heroes of science, technology, engineering and maths for their work and commitment in these areas with a new award. The Royal Society Hauksbee Awards will celebrate the contribution made to the UK science base by the many individuals who support these disciplines.

Learning from the media

Thu, 2 Apr 2009 10:04:28 +0100

Don't run from the media: engaging with journalists can help you hone your thoughts and words - at least once the panic subsides, says Chris Hackley in the Times Higher.

Science priorities and politics

Thu, 2 Apr 2009 10:01:33 +0100

The Government is "quietly usurping" the principle that decisions about research spending should be made by academics, not politicians, the Conservatives claimed this week.

Beddington casts doubt on one billion stimulus for UK science

Thu, 2 Apr 2009 09:59:32 +0100

The Government's Chief Scientific Adviser has poured cold water on hopes that there could be more money for scientific research in this month's Budget.

Wellcome Trust Senior Fellowships

Thu, 2 Apr 2009 09:37:13 +0100

Applications are now open for Wellcome Trust Senior Research Fellowships in Basic Biomedical Science and International Senior Research Fellowships in Biomedical Science

New genome centre announced for Norwich

Thu, 2 Apr 2009 09:30:42 +0100

A new national centre to analyse plant, animal and microbial genomes has been announced by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council.

RCUK updates Delivery Plan

Thu, 2 Apr 2009 09:23:27 +0100

RCUK has published its updated Delivery Plan and Scorecard for 2009/2010.

Human Tissue Authority price increases

Thu, 2 Apr 2009 09:21:46 +0100

The bioscience industry has reacted with dismay to the latest fee increases from the Human Tissue Authority.

Howard Hughes announces early-career winners

Wed, 1 Apr 2009 09:04:12 +0100

The Howard Hughes Medical Institute has chosen 50 early-career biomedical scientists to each receive a 6-year, USD 1.5 million grant .

Research Information Network publish guidance on Open Access fees

Wed, 1 Apr 2009 08:26:07 +0100

The Research Information Network and Universities UK have produced a guide to provide advice on paying open access publication charges. The guide sets out recommendations for universities and other research institutions, publishers, research funders, and authors.

Human Frontier Science Program Awards 2009 announced

Tue, 31 Mar 2009 16:33:29 +0100

The International Human Frontier Science Program Organization (HFSPO) has announced the names of the recipients of HFSP international postdoctoral fellowships, career development awards and research grants.

Plans for independent animal health body

Tue, 31 Mar 2009 16:05:43 +0100

DEFRA is proposing to set up an independent animal health board to make decisions about animal health policy and delivery, made up of members with knowledge, experience and skills in the livestock industry, animal health science and welfare and relevant public health, consumer and wildlife issues

Are lab standards harmful?

Tue, 31 Mar 2009 16:01:01 +0100

The Scientist in its blog reports that standardizing the laboratory environment may be doing science more harm than good: Removing all variability from animal experiments makes them less reproducible.

Dorothy Hodgkin Postgraduate Awards 2009 applications open

Tue, 31 Mar 2009 15:09:08 +0100

Dorothy Hodgkin Postgraduate Awards (DHPA) is a UK scheme to bring outstanding students from India, China, Hong Kong, South Africa, Brazil, Russia and the developing world to come and study for PhDs in top rated UK research facilities.

Eye-opening access

Mon, 30 Mar 2009 12:42:14 +0100

Tale of an open access article in Biology Direct that contradicts an earlier paper in Cell.

How science works

Mon, 30 Mar 2009 09:45:27 +0100

The process of science is represented on this blog post as the opposite of "cookbook" (to see the full complexity of the process, roll your mouse over each element). In contrast to the linear steps of the simplified scientific method, this process is non-linear.

Dunn reborn as the MRC Mitochondrial Biology Unit

Mon, 30 Mar 2009 09:32:34 +0100

The MRC Dunn Human Nutrition Unit in Cambridge is shifting its research focus to work solely on the biology of mitochondria, the powerhouses inside cells.

New research ethics guide published

Mon, 30 Mar 2009 09:25:43 +0100

A new edition of On Being a Scientist: A Guide to Responsible Conduct in Research offers researchers -- particularly early-career scientists and their mentors -- guidance on how to conduct research responsibly and avoid misconduct such as fabrication and plagiarism. The guide is issued by the National Academy of Sciences, National Academy of Engineering, and Institute of Medicine.

Government renews its commitment to Daresbury

Mon, 30 Mar 2009 09:16:16 +0100

The Government has announced a renewed commitment to the further development of the national Science and Innovation Campus at Daresbury and announced a stronger leadership structure to deliver it.

The changing UK doctorate - report

Mon, 30 Mar 2009 09:03:35 +0100

The 'changing UK doctorate' conference was held in Nov 2008 . The aim of the conference was to inform policy and practice in doctoral education in the UK. A report of the conference has been published.

BL seeks doctoral students for focus groups

Mon, 30 Mar 2009 09:02:34 +0100

The British Library and JISC have commissioned a report into the information seeking and research behaviour of doctoral students born between 1982 and 1994. They are inviting late-stage doctoral researchers, post-doctoral researchers and academic staff managing or supervising doctoral research to become members of our focus groups.

Fellowships offered for women in science

Mon, 30 Mar 2009 09:00:52 +0100

The L’Oréal UK and Ireland Fellowships For Women In Science are awards offered annually by L’Oréal UK & Ireland with the support of the UK National Commission for UNESCO, the Irish National Commission for UNESCO, the Royal Institution of Great Britain, and the UK Resource Centre for Women in SET to promote, enhance and encourage the contribution of women pursuing their research/academic careers in the UK or Ireland in the fields of the life and physical sciences.

PhD studentships available for September 2009

Fri, 27 Mar 2009 13:05:34 +0000

NIMR still has PhD studentships available for this coming September

Politics, science and cash at the Royal Society

Fri, 27 Mar 2009 11:31:07 +0000

Hopes for a £1 billion science stimulus in the next UK budget are dimming, the country’s chief scientific adviser says

Government renews its commitment to Daresbury Science and Innovation campus

Fri, 27 Mar 2009 11:30:10 +0000

John Denham launches new national hub for Chemistry on site. The Government today announced a renewed commitment to the further development of the national Science and Innovation Campus.

UK Research Data Service - final report

Thu, 26 Mar 2009 12:41:31 +0000

The objective of the UKRDS study is to assess the feasibility and costs of developing and maintaining a national shared digital research data service for UK Higher Education sector.

Howard Hughes opens in Africa

Thu, 26 Mar 2009 09:59:51 +0000

The Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) in Chevy Chase, Maryland, last week announced the setting-up of its first research laboratory outside the United States, in South Africa.
Nature vol 458, p 397

Science and evidence-based policy

Thu, 26 Mar 2009 09:52:00 +0000

Times Higher article about the role of scientific evidence in policy-making

BBSRC embraces Twitter

Thu, 26 Mar 2009 09:31:51 +0000

BBSRC Chief Executive discusses Twittering as a method of science communication

UK Bioscientists Lobby on Animal Experimentation Law

Thu, 26 Mar 2009 09:12:19 +0000

Scientists and officials representing major U.K. biomedical organizations have released a joint declaration expressing concern that a proposed revamping of European regulations on the use of animals in research will cause more harm to science than good for animals.

EU research infrastructures

Thu, 26 Mar 2009 09:06:57 +0000

EU Memorandum on Research Infrastructures and the Regional Dimension of the European Research Area.

Researchers are open to knowledge transfer

Wed, 25 Mar 2009 09:26:45 +0000

According to a new study, most academics are quite open to knowledge transfer.

Research community demands revision of EC Directive on use of animals in research

Wed, 25 Mar 2009 09:26:41 +0000

Unless it is amended, the new EU Directive on the Protection of Animals used for Scientific Purposes, as proposed by European Commission and European Parliament, could seriously impede the further advancement of European medical and veterinary research.

World TB day

Wed, 25 Mar 2009 08:58:16 +0000

World TB Day, falling on 24 March each year, is designed to build public awareness that tuberculosis today remains an epidemic in much of the world, causing the deaths of several million people each year, mostly in the third world.

Medical Charities funding hit by slump

Tue, 24 Mar 2009 09:49:40 +0000

The Independent reports that Wellcome Trust,, Cancer Research UK, British Heart Foundation and others are all facing falls in revenues and will have to cut-back research

AAAS Panel Warns Biosafety, Security Regulations Could Be Hindering Science

Tue, 24 Mar 2009 09:57:04 +0000

A panel of top laboratory administrators at a AAAS briefing warned that expanding already-extensive biosafety and security regulations intended to reduce the risk of bioterrorism could be hindering important public health research.

MIT mandates open access to research

Tue, 24 Mar 2009 09:53:50 +0000

Massachusetts Institute of Technology has voted to make all their published papers freely available on the web.

Feldberg Foundation announces prize winners for 2009 and 2010

Fri, 20 Mar 2009 09:06:37 +0000

The Feldberg Foundation has announced the British and German prize winners for the next two years: Roland Lill and Frances Ashcroft for 2009; Veit Flockerzi and Peter Somogyi for 2010.

A new enlightenment

Fri, 20 Mar 2009 08:58:27 +0000

Kurt Gottfried and Harold Varmus, in an editorial in Science magazine, welcome Obama's steps to restore the balance between government and science.

Health reporting in media is still poor

Fri, 20 Mar 2009 08:55:47 +0000

New research on the reporting of medical treatments in the media shows slight improvements in accuracy but the overall quality of health reporting remains poor.

Citations no guarantee of funding in RAE 2008

Fri, 20 Mar 2009 08:44:36 +0000

Citations, which correlated highly with RAE 2001, correlated less highly with RAE 2008, so a number of universities whose citation counts had decreased were rewarded more in 2008, and a number of universities whose citation counts had increased were rewarded less.

Publication dispute over data

Thu, 19 Mar 2009 09:36:08 +0000

The Max Planck Society in Germany has begun legal proceedings against publishers Wiley International in a dispute over an editorial in the February issue of Human Brain Mapping.

WHO chief speech on world crises

Thu, 19 Mar 2009 09:23:49 +0000

A world that is greatly out of balance in matters of health is neither stable nor secure. Speech by Margaret Chan, WHO Director General.

EPSRC criticised for funding change

Thu, 19 Mar 2009 09:18:41 +0000

Hoping to cut down on the number of funding proposals that go through peer-review, the United Kingdom’s main provider of research funding in engineering and physical sciences will ban submissions from "repeatedly unsuccessful applicants".

Ministers plea for 1 billion pound UK science boost

Tue, 17 Mar 2009 08:51:19 +0000

The Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills (Dius) is pressing for a £1bn cash boost to scientific research.

Bristol hits the mark in Biochemical Society awards

Tue, 17 Mar 2009 08:39:44 +0000

Three of the six awards to be presented by the Biochemical Society in 2010 will be given to members of staff in the Department of Biochemistry at the University of Bristol.

Crowds and science

Mon, 16 Mar 2009 17:23:12 +0000

A thoughtful blog post from Cameron Neylon on the practicalities of crowd-sourcing in science.

European Science Foundation looks at Investigator-Driven Clinical Trials

Mon, 16 Mar 2009 09:30:00 +0000

Improved patient-oriented research in Europe will benefit European citizens and the European medical industry and facilitate the transfer of scientific discoveries from the laboratory bench to the bedside. For Europe and for the rest of the world this effort will be of great importance for the quality of life of individuals and the wellbeing of society as a whole.

Singapore - MRC collaboration

Mon, 16 Mar 2009 09:19:11 +0000

The A*STAR-MRC Grant Call will inject 6 million Singapore dollars in fresh funding for collaborations between UK and Singaporean scientists on infectious diseases. It is expected to open at the end of this month.

Linda Partridge: Woman of Outstanding Achievement

Mon, 16 Mar 2009 09:06:31 +0000

Professor Linda Partridge (UCL Genetics, Evolution & Environment) has been named a Woman of Outstanding Achievement 2009 for discovery, innovation and entrepreneurship

Wellcome postdoc fellowships for clinicians

Fri, 13 Mar 2009 09:27:41 +0000

The Wellcome Trust is providing a unique opportunity for the most promising newly qualified MB/PhD graduates to make an early start in developing their independent research careers.

Europe needs better science advice

Fri, 13 Mar 2009 09:15:00 +0000

Europe needs better and more “brutal” scientific advice, the UK government's chief scientist, John Beddington said.

More pharma mergers

Fri, 13 Mar 2009 09:13:19 +0000

It’s been a busy week for massive pharma deals: Roche+Genentech, Merck+Schering-Plough, Pfizer+Wyeth.

Regulating Nanotechnology: Beyond Sci-Fi Myths

Fri, 13 Mar 2009 09:09:54 +0000

Expert Calls for Retooling Environmental Regulations for the Emerging Age of Nanotechnology, in talk at AAAS.

A fascinating map of science

Fri, 13 Mar 2009 08:58:14 +0000

By crunching data from more than a billion user interactions on scholarly databases, Los Alamos National Laboratory researchers produced a high-resolution map of the relationships between different fields of science.

Guidance to help reduce number of mice used in research published by RSPCA

Thu, 12 Mar 2009 14:18:54 +0000

The RSPCA, along with leading funders of medical research, is calling on scientists to share both information and animals to help reduce the increasing number of genetically-altered (GA) mice used in research.

Academic Health Science Centres announced - Oxford loses out

Thu, 12 Mar 2009 10:12:46 +0000

Five centres have been named as Academic Health Science Centres following peer review by an international panel of experts.

Animal-Rights Extremists Target Californian Neuroscientist

Thu, 12 Mar 2009 10:15:35 +0000

Animal-rights extremists aren't letting up in their attacks on California biomedical researchers. According to the Los Angeles Times, the FBI is investigating a firebombing that destroyed the car of a University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), neuroscientist over the weekend.

A healthy future for UK Life sciences

Thu, 12 Mar 2009 10:09:01 +0000

Science Minister gives a speech to silence any remaining doubt within the scientific community about the UK government’s commitment to science.

Bio-societies working together

Thu, 12 Mar 2009 10:08:09 +0000

Three of the largest UK learned societies in the biological and environmental sciences have signed a Memorandum of Understanding on future activities.

MRC research portfolio is online

Mon, 9 Mar 2009 10:24:45 +0000

MRC’s research portfolio is now available online as a searchable database.

NIH to come up with new stem cell rules

Mon, 9 Mar 2009 10:23:23 +0000

President Barack Obama will lift his predecessor's restriction on federal funding of human embryonic stem cell research on Monday and will give the National Institutes of Health four months to come up with new rules on the issue.

Health sciences gain at expense of humanities

Mon, 9 Mar 2009 10:23:00 +0000

Submissions to the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise saw a significant shift away from the humanities into health, figures from the Higher Education Funding Council for England show.

EMBL builds new conference and training facility

Fri, 6 Mar 2009 10:26:07 +0000

EMBL is constructing a centre for graduate and postdoc training. It will also hold conferences and workshops for scientists at all career stages. EMBL sees this as the European counterpart to Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory .

Science Museum website brings Wellcome collection to life

Fri, 6 Mar 2009 09:54:55 +0000

The Science Museum has launched a new online resource for GCSE students and undergraduates.

Plagiarism uncovered

Fri, 6 Mar 2009 09:53:53 +0000

A survey appearing in this week's issue of Science unearths the reactions to plagiarism of original and secondary authors and journal editors.

Sophia (UCL research magazine) issue two published

Fri, 6 Mar 2009 09:51:42 +0000

Issue 2 of Sophia - UCL's research magazine - is online

Thoughts on scientific career development

Thu, 5 Mar 2009 10:09:28 +0000

A Nature Network blog post about postdoc career development.

Science and Society - version 3?

Thu, 5 Mar 2009 10:01:25 +0000

Scientists have been too dogmatic about scientific truth and sociologists have fostered too much scepticism — social scientists must now elect to put science back at the core of society, says Harry Collins in an essay in Nature, vol 458, p 30. .

Disease model wiki proposed

Thu, 5 Mar 2009 09:59:58 +0000

Two scientists reveal their vision for an open-access platform in medical research.
Nature, vol 458, p 13

National Science and Engineering Week 2009

Thu, 5 Mar 2009 09:17:28 +0000

National Science and Engineering Week, which runs from 6th to 15th, is devoted to highlighting British achievements in the sciences, technology and engineering, as well as engaging the largest possible number of people in that celebration.

David Heymann to chair Health Protection Agency

Thu, 5 Mar 2009 09:33:19 +0000

Dr David L Heymann will be appointed as the new Chair for the board of the Health Protection Agency.

Second wave of top NIHR researchers announced

Thu, 5 Mar 2009 09:20:36 +0000

Sixty-three of the country's leading researchers who work on significant health challenges, including cancer, obesity and diabetes, have been appointed as NIHR Senior Investigators.

2009 UNESCO-L'OREAL Fellowships For Women in Science

Wed, 4 Mar 2009 08:10:11 +0000

15 young women researchers in the life sciences, from 15 different countries across the world, will receive the 2009 UNESCO-L’ORÉAL Fellowships For Women in Science at UNESCO headquarters in Paris.

What is science anyway?

Wed, 4 Mar 2009 08:39:57 +0000

Britain's Science Council has spent the past year working out a new definition of the word 'science'. Article in The Guardian, 4 Mar 2009

The value and costs of high-impact journals

Wed, 4 Mar 2009 08:25:02 +0000

Blog post by Cameron Neylon on the costs of journals, particularly high impact journals. Cites the RIN study from last year.

Gordon Brown affirms commitment to science

Tue, 3 Mar 2009 08:04:05 +0000

Gordon Brown has reconfirmed the Government’s support for science in a speech in Oxford.

Nature editorial in favour of blogging

Fri, 27 Feb 2009 09:30:26 +0000

Editorial in favour of scientific blogging and clarifying Nature's embargo policy in respect of blogs. Also further discussion on Nature Network.

CANTAM - first African Network of Excellence for clinical trials

Fri, 27 Feb 2009 09:24:03 +0000

The countries of Central Africa have joined forces to enable the region to build research capacity and conduct clinical trials under best practices. CANTAM (Central Africa Network on Tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS and Malaria for the conduct of clinical trials) is the first EDCTP-funded regional Network of Excellence to prepare the region to conduct high-quality clinical trials.

Rare Disease Day 2009

Fri, 27 Feb 2009 09:16:48 +0000

Rare Disease Day 2009, which takes place on Saturday, 28th February, will have an international participation of thousands of patients and an impact on awareness of rare diseases that will be immeasurable.

A bad year for biotech

Fri, 27 Feb 2009 09:15:55 +0000

The Biotech Industry Organization (BIO) have released a set of statistics that give a rather dire snapshot of the industry's health.

Interview with AAAS president

Fri, 27 Feb 2009 09:12:38 +0000

In an interview Peter Agre, the new president of AAAS, discusses the importance of civic engagement for scientists and engineers—in education, politics and global science diplomacy.

RCUK awards for early career researchers for for entrepreneurial spirit

Fri, 27 Feb 2009 09:06:57 +0000

Two research awards sponsored by RCUK and the Time Higher have been launched

Restricted access to patients threatens medical research

Fri, 27 Feb 2009 09:05:45 +0000

Preventing researchers from having access to medical records, which allows them to recruit patients onto clinical trials, will seriously hinder the advancement of medical research, leading funders of medical research have warned.

Venture Philanthropy Strategies to Support Translational Research

Wed, 25 Feb 2009 08:50:57 +0000

Report of a workshop at the (US) Institute of Medicine on venture philanthropy funding for translational research.

PLoS Medicine calls for editors to declare their interests

Wed, 25 Feb 2009 08:43:49 +0000

The editors of PLoS Medicine published an editorial calling for editors to disclose individual contributions to papers and potential conflicts of interest.

Leading experts to carry out the European Research Council review

Wed, 25 Feb 2009 08:41:38 +0000

The European Commissioner for Science and Research, Janez Potočnik, today met the future members of a high level panel due to review the European Research Council (ERC). The aim of this review, which comes after two years of operations, will be to scrutinize the ERC’s structure and mechanisms, to take stock of its achievements and to give advice on the direction this pioneering research funding initiative should take for the future.

Research Councils UK launch Knowledge Transfer Portal

Wed, 25 Feb 2009 08:39:11 +0000

A portal to help researchers and businesses find funding for knowledge transfer opportunities has been launched.

Awards for science communication

Tue, 24 Feb 2009 17:45:56 +0000

Three awards for dialogue achievements have been presented by the Sciencewise Expert Resource Centre for Public Dialogue In Science and Innovation.

Royal Vet College opens emerging infectious disease centre

Tue, 24 Feb 2009 09:31:35 +0000

The Royal Veterinary College is is opening its Centre for Emerging, Endemic and Exotic Diseases (CEEED) on Tuesday 24th February. The Centre for is a new building at the Royal Veterinary College’s Hertfordshire campus, with open-plan offices and high security laboratories, that will encourage research collaboration to tackle infectious diseases on a national and global scale.

Biomedical regulation workshop report published

Tue, 24 Feb 2009 09:09:07 +0000

Biomedical regulation experts convened at a joint Medical Research Council (MRC) and Wellcome Trust workshop in May 2008. A report of the meeting identifies a long-term goal - to analyse the wide range of issues associated with regulation and ultimately achieve an optimum regulatory environment to support biomedical research.

Science blogs reviewed in The Times

Mon, 23 Feb 2009 10:08:37 +0000

The Times highlights a number of science blogs.

Timeline of animals in research

Mon, 23 Feb 2009 09:52:21 +0000

An illustrated historical timeline shows the contribution of animals to some major medical advances.

NIH stimulus to fund old grants

Mon, 23 Feb 2009 09:26:49 +0000

Rather than funding new grants, the NIH's Office of the Director will spend the vast majority of its $8.2 billion stimulus check to finance grants that have already been reviewed and to supplement existing grants.

Minister calls for new research funding approach

Mon, 23 Feb 2009 09:15:49 +0000

John Denham calls for smarter approach to funding research if UK is to stay ahead.

MRC Network January/February 2009

Thu, 19 Feb 2009 16:22:54 +0000

MRC Network January/February 2009. In this issue: Smoothing a path for innovation, the Developmental Pathway Funding Scheme, profile MRC Technology.

Top countries in biology and biochemistry

Thu, 19 Feb 2009 09:23:46 +0000

Data provided by Thomson Reuters from its Essential Science Indicators, 1 January 1998-31 October 2008

What's wrong with British science?

Thu, 19 Feb 2009 09:18:34 +0000

Neil Turok, who left Cambridge for Canada, tells theTimes Higher what ails British science and universities

Citation squabble taken to publishing ethics body

Thu, 19 Feb 2009 09:16:59 +0000

The Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) has questioned whether the leading science journal Cell responded adequately to a number of academics who complained that a paper it published did not properly credit their work.

GSK backs patent pool for neglected diseases

Thu, 19 Feb 2009 09:10:12 +0000

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) will share the patented knowledge it uses to develop medicines for neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) - including malaria and tuberculosis - with other drugs companies, governments and non-governmental organizations.

Boston's National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratories

Wed, 18 Feb 2009 17:14:54 +0000

Report of a talk by Elke Mühlberger, a new hire for the NEIDL.

FEBS/EMBO Women in Science Award winner 2009

Wed, 18 Feb 2009 17:08:23 +0000

The European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO) and the Federation of European Biochemical Societies (FEBS) announced Anne Houdusse, head of the Structural Motility Team, CNRS/Institute Curie, Paris, France, as the winner of the FEBS/EMBO Women in Science Award for 2009.

Misconduct from NIH postdoc

Wed, 18 Feb 2009 16:01:41 +0000

A researcher falsified figures in three published papers while working as a visiting postdoc at the NIH's National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR), the Office of Research Integrity (ORI) reported last week.

Author identifiers and CrossRef

Wed, 18 Feb 2009 15:28:13 +0000

Round-up of recent discussions on author identifiers and an interview with Geoffrey Bilder of CrossRef, on Martin Fenner's blog.

Images faked by UCSF postdoc

Tue, 17 Feb 2009 08:56:47 +0000

A University of California, San Francisco, postdoc ripped off images from a colleague and jiggered data files, the NIH's Office of Research Integrity (ORI) recently reported.

UCL Infectious Diseases Town Meeting

Tue, 17 Feb 2009 08:54:39 +0000

The UCL Institute for Global Health invites UCL researchers whose work focuses, on or relates to, all aspects of infectious diseases to a town meeting on 25 February 2009.

John Chisholm writes on universities and industry

Tue, 17 Feb 2009 08:52:49 +0000

Sir John Chisholm, Chair of QinetiQ and the Medical Research Council , was asked by DIUS to write about universities' role.

DIUS report on Intellectual property and research benefits

Tue, 17 Feb 2009 08:51:36 +0000

Prof. Paul Wellings was asked by the Secretary of State to consider issues relevant to Intellectual property and research benefits.

DIUS report on research careers

Tue, 17 Feb 2009 08:50:19 +0000

Prof. Nigel Thrift was asked by the Secretary of State to consider issues relevant to Research careers.

Wellcome Trust publishes Annual Review

Mon, 16 Feb 2009 09:12:13 +0000

The Wellcome Trust has hailed the success of its research partnerships, with public funding agencies, industry and universities, over the course of 2008.

Standing up for science

Mon, 16 Feb 2009 09:49:05 +0000

Standing up for Science 2-the nuts and bolts is a guide for early career scientists, engineers. medics and others who want to promote good science and fight misinformation.

Open science discussions

Mon, 16 Feb 2009 09:45:51 +0000

Post on the Research Information Network blog summarises recent discussions on "open science", within the Open Knowledge Foundation Network.

BBSRC chief advocates open access

Mon, 16 Feb 2009 09:33:57 +0000

Given that most science and the costs of its publication are publicly funded, we need to move swiftly to business models that encompass both the reasonable commercial needs of scientific publishers and the availability of all the literature to anyone with Web Access.

British Library hosts free discussion on taxonomy

Mon, 16 Feb 2009 09:08:40 +0000

TalkScience@bl.uk is a series of events hosted by the British Library, providing opportunities to inform, engage, debate and network with scientists and all those who use scientific information. The next one will be on Tuesday 17 March 2009, 6-8.30pm. ‘What’s in a name? Taxonomy in crisis’

Brupbacher Prize awarded for cancer researchers

Fri, 13 Feb 2009 09:06:15 +0000

Nubia Muñoz is being awarded for research into the causes of tumours such as cervical cancer through human papilloma viruses and Richard Peto for his studies into the health risks of smoking.

NIH announces High-Throughput Structure Initiative

Fri, 13 Feb 2009 08:59:08 +0000

The National Institute of General Medical Sciences, part of the National Institutes of Health, has announced plans for to support research partnerships between groups of biologists and high-throughput structure determination centers to solve problems of biomedical importance.

Darwin understood the need for animal tests

Thu, 12 Feb 2009 10:59:33 +0000

The great naturalist loved all living creatures but defended vivisection. This sparked a debate that still rages today. Article by Colin Blakemore in The Times.

Scientists call revolt against impact statements

Thu, 12 Feb 2009 10:58:16 +0000

A "revolt" against the requirement that academics demonstrate the economic impact of their research was called for this week by 20 eminent UK scientists, including Nobel prizewinner Sir Harry Kroto.

IAH redevelopment stalled

Thu, 12 Feb 2009 09:36:43 +0000

Plans to redevelop the Institute for Animal Health are stalled after DEFRA pulled out.

A new peer-review software tool

Thu, 12 Feb 2009 09:21:47 +0000

GPeerReview is a command-line tool that makes it simple to write a review of someone's work and digitally link them. It is hosted by Google code, but not actually developed by Google.

Academy seeks policy advisor

Thu, 12 Feb 2009 09:05:29 +0000

The Academy of Medical Sciences is recruiting for a new Director of Medical Science Policy. The Director of Medical Science Policy will lead the Academy’s work on a wide range of public policy issues that involve the biomedical sciences.

Assessing the RAE

Thu, 12 Feb 2009 08:56:21 +0000

With the final research assessment exercise over, the Times Higher hears from key players about its merits, faults and lessons for shaping the Research Excellence Framework (REF).

Another Nature special on Darwin

Thu, 12 Feb 2009 09:40:24 +0000

The second of Nature's three Darwin 200 special issues celebrates 'everybody's Darwin' - the great man's legacy in the context of the human condition.

Guardian features on Darwin

Thu, 12 Feb 2009 09:12:27 +0000

various special features and galleries on Darwin, from The Guardian newspaper

Darwin's influence at UCL

Thu, 12 Feb 2009 09:03:59 +0000

UCL scholars explore the relevance of Charles Darwin to the contemporary world and our ways of living

Darwin's student days

Thu, 12 Feb 2009 08:47:50 +0000

He was a poor student and liked a drink, but Darwin turned out OK, says the Times Higher.

Consultation on the future of human genome research

Wed, 11 Feb 2009 09:24:05 +0000

The US National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) has been releasing a series of white papers as part of its long range planning process on the future of human genome research.

US biodefence lab suspends pathogen work

Wed, 11 Feb 2009 09:18:21 +0000

Under increasing scrutiny, the US government biodefence laboratory at Ft. Detrick, Maryland, has called a suspension on most of its work involving pathogens.

Pathogen lab lost infected mice

Wed, 11 Feb 2009 09:16:27 +0000

A New Jersey infectious disease lab seems to be plagued with an inability to keep track of research mice infected with dangerous pathogens.

NIHR microbial research centre opens in Liverpool

Wed, 11 Feb 2009 08:50:20 +0000

The NIHR Biomedical Research Centre for Microbial Diseases has opened. It has been set up by the Royal Liverpool and Broadgreen University Hospitals NHS Trust; the University of Liverpool and the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine

Science minister answers questions

Tue, 10 Feb 2009 09:33:33 +0000

BBC News website readers sent their questions about science funding to Lord Drayson.

Free website helps plot research trends and patterns

Tue, 10 Feb 2009 09:34:46 +0000

The publishers Springer have launched the website www.AuthorMapper.com, a free analytical online tool for discerning trends, patterns and subject experts within scientific research.

Why US biomedical research needs a stimulus

Tue, 10 Feb 2009 09:33:08 +0000

Article in The Scientist highlights the value of reinvigorating our investment in another area of science -- biomedical research.

Zerhouni joins Gates Foundation

Tue, 10 Feb 2009 09:34:03 +0000

Elias Zerhouni, who stepped down as director of the US National Institutes of Health in October, last week joined the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation as a senior fellow advising on global health issues.

Darwin Today exhibition launches

Tue, 10 Feb 2009 09:33:32 +0000

Research Councils UK have launched Darwin Today, a new touring exhibition that celebrates the 200th anniversary of the birth of Charles Darwin and the 150th anniversary of the publication of his most famous work, On the Origin of Species.

MRC PET neuroscience specialist postdoctoral training programme

Mon, 9 Feb 2009 09:24:10 +0000

Call for proposals - MRC PET neuroscience specialist postdoctoral training programme pilot scheme.

Academy of Medical Sciences - review

Mon, 9 Feb 2009 09:00:21 +0000

Review of Academy activity 2006-2009.

US science budget increased

Fri, 6 Feb 2009 10:29:34 +0000

It is a problem U.S. science agencies are delighted to have: how to spend billions of dollars on basic research over the next 18 months in a way that does not cause headaches down the road.
Science 6 February 2009: Vol. 323. no. 5915, pp. 696 - 697

Too many US postdocs?

Fri, 6 Feb 2009 10:23:11 +0000

With a surfeit of graduates for the available funds, the US scientific endeavour is increasingly losing its lustre as a career choice. The country needs to take stock and plan more carefully for the future.
Nature, vol 457, p 635

Digital Britain needs access to science journals, not YouTube

Fri, 6 Feb 2009 09:39:56 +0000

Article in The Guardian calls for more widespread access to scientific journals online.

Should research benefit the economy?

Fri, 6 Feb 2009 09:37:48 +0000

The UK science minister has called for a debate on whether a bigger chunk of the research budget should be spent in areas that would benefit the economy.

Mason to reveal STFC allocation letter

Fri, 6 Feb 2009 09:28:33 +0000

Keith Mason has agreed to hand over a letter detailing the Science and Technology Facilities Council’s 2007 spending review allocation to MPs for scrutiny.

NIHR issues guidance on annual R&D reports

Fri, 6 Feb 2009 09:26:37 +0000

Guidance for R&D annual reports 2009: guidance for completion of annual reports on the performance management and future planning of R&D activity within NHS organisations

Call for National Institute for Infectious Diseases

Wed, 4 Feb 2009 10:03:19 +0000

The Royal Society has today called on the Government to create a National Institute for Infectious Diseases (NIID) which would integrate research on diseases affecting both humans and animals.

STFC consults on imaging centre proposal

Wed, 4 Feb 2009 09:46:04 +0000

The Science and Technology Facilities Council has opened a consultation on a proposed imaging centre to be built at the Harwell Science and Innovation Campus in Oxfordshire.

Defending evolution

Wed, 4 Feb 2009 10:16:13 +0000

Most of the people who don't think evolution is true don't really spend a lot of time thinking about it at all, says Adam Rutherford writing on The Guardian website.

Media Fellowships 2009 application process now open

Wed, 4 Feb 2009 09:47:29 +0000

The British Science Association (previously the BA) 2009 Media Fellowships application process is now open online.

US National Academy of Science honours 18

Wed, 4 Feb 2009 10:02:25 +0000

The National Academy of Sciences will honor 18 individuals in 2009 for their extraordinary scientific achievements in the areas of biology, chemistry, geology, astronomy, social sciences, psychology, and application of science for the public good.

International scientific cooperation more important than ever

Wed, 4 Feb 2009 10:00:03 +0000

AAAS Chief International Officer Vaughan Turekian and Director of International Cooperation Tom Wang say that international science cooperation is especially important in difficult times, both to solve urgent problems and to enhance communication and trust among nations.

Future plans for the Institute for Animal Health

Wed, 4 Feb 2009 09:57:06 +0000

The Government has published its response to the Anderson report on the 2007 Foot-and-Mouth Disease outbreak. The statement makes clear the continuing importance of the work of IAH in delivering world class research to underpin the UK’s livestock industries and food security.

A new model for peer review

Tue, 3 Feb 2009 17:20:36 +0000

The new Chief Editor of Journal of Biology has established a new policy at her journal, one she believes will begin to remedy the frustrating problem of iterative re-review prior to publication.

Wellcome Trust funding plans 2009

Tue, 3 Feb 2009 09:30:17 +0000

Over the next financial year Wellcome will commit around £590 million to support biomedical research in the UK and internationally, as compared to £620 million in 2007/08.

Many Britons doubt evolution

Tue, 3 Feb 2009 09:26:58 +0000

Half of British adults do not believe in evolution, with at least 22% preferring the theories of creationism or intelligent design to explain how the world came about, according to a survey.

Interview with Euroscience president

Tue, 3 Feb 2009 09:19:45 +0000

Dr Enric Banda, president of the 2,100-member-strong grassroots organisation Euroscience, spoke with CORDIS News about the importance of young scientists, the impact of economic crises on scientific careers and the challenge of building a strong science and technology base in Europe.

RAE results hailed as success for medical sciences

Tue, 3 Feb 2009 09:07:02 +0000

Research in the medical and life sciences categories did well in the RAE, with many expert panels concluding that they were highly impressed with the improvements seen since the last exercise was undertaken in 2001.

Why is science important?

Mon, 2 Feb 2009 11:18:45 +0000

A blog connected to a film project addressing the question of why science is important. Contributions welcomed.

New class of non-protein coding genes

Mon, 2 Feb 2009 09:54:54 +0000

A research team at the Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center has uncovered a vast new class of previously unrecognized mammalian genes that do not encode proteins, but instead function as long RNA molecules. Their findings, presented in the February 1st advance online issue of the journal Nature, demonstrate that this novel class of "large intervening non-coding RNAs" or "lincRNAs" plays critical roles in both health and disease, including cancer, immune signaling and stem cell biology.

Sir James Black on innovation

Mon, 2 Feb 2009 09:53:14 +0000

Financial Times interview with Sir James Black.

Universities and the Promise of Economic Growth

Mon, 2 Feb 2009 09:36:38 +0000

A new book plots a course through the hinterland that lies between scientific innovation and commercial success.

Bologna Process: Will it affect UK biomedical and clinical science

Mon, 2 Feb 2009 09:29:05 +0000

Academy of Medical Sciences event aims to raise awareness and provide information about how the Bologna Process will affect higher education qualifications.

RCUK Science Bridges Awards

Mon, 2 Feb 2009 09:27:27 +0000

Research Councils UK (RCUK) has announced £12 million of funding for collaborations between British universities and institutions in China, India and the US.

US science output challenged, but not its impact

Mon, 2 Feb 2009 09:26:25 +0000

Although the US share of scientific research output continues to falls even as Asia-Pacific’s share rises, the nation maintains its preeminence in terms of the relative impact of its research, according to a new analysis.

New NIHR website

Mon, 2 Feb 2009 09:23:44 +0000

The NIHR website is now fully integrated into the NIHR Portal. The public areas of the site aim is to keep researchers and the public up-to-date with the latest information about the NIHR.

History is important

Fri, 30 Jan 2009 14:36:04 +0000

A four page POSTnote called Lessons from History considers considers how history could help to inform decisions on key scientific and technological policy issues.

Faisal Foundation prize for medicine

Fri, 30 Jan 2009 09:17:50 +0000

The King Faisal International Prize for Medicine (Molecular Targeted Therapy) for the year 1429H / 2009G has been awarded to Ronald Levy for his pioneering studies in Cancer Immunotherapy.

No funds for Genome Canada

Fri, 30 Jan 2009 08:39:54 +0000

"Big science" genetics research in Canada may be left high and dry after the main agency that funds

Updated list of EU science agreements with other countries

Fri, 30 Jan 2009 08:34:31 +0000

The EU has concluded S&T agreements with various countries. These agreements constitute a framework and a privileged forum to identify common interests, priorities, policy dialogue, and the necessary tools for S&T collaboration.

Imaging the eigenfactor

Fri, 30 Jan 2009 08:56:32 +0000

The developers of the eigenfactor measure of journals have produced visualizations of how and how much journals and fields cite one another, which journals are the best value, and how a given journal's importance has risen and fallen over time.

Darwin's home nominated as world heritage site

Fri, 30 Jan 2009 08:49:53 +0000

Downe House near Bromley is to be included in British bid.
Guardian, 30th Jan 2009

Jeantet prize winners

Fri, 30 Jan 2009 09:19:00 +0000

The 2009 LOUIS-jeantet prize for medicine has been awarded to the Swiss-American biologist Michael N Hall and to the British doctor and cell biologist Peter J Ratcliffe.

Times Higher feature on MRC's new translation plan

Thu, 29 Jan 2009 09:34:08 +0000

A "faster and slicker" approach to getting medical research out of the laboratory and into the surgery is being trialled by five universities.

Give all researchers a number?

Thu, 29 Jan 2009 09:30:23 +0000

Academics should get unique ID numbers to better map their work, say researchers.

Gordon Brown promises help for pharma and biotech

Thu, 29 Jan 2009 08:46:38 +0000

Prime Minister Gordon Brown has met with representatives of the drug and biotechnology industries for a 'life sciences summit'’ and promised to take measures to assist the struggling sector.

John Beddington hits back at criticism by MPs

Thu, 29 Jan 2009 09:20:47 +0000

The UK government's chief scientific adviser has hit back at members of parliament who slammed him last week for what they see as his failure to adequately defend the use of science in policy-making.

Oxford's new Biochemistry building

Thu, 29 Jan 2009 09:23:26 +0000

The new biochemistry laboratory that opened at the University of Oxford, UK, in December 2008 refutes the charge that such buildings are graceless and functional.

Human Genetics Commission has new chair and members

Thu, 29 Jan 2009 08:53:52 +0000

Professor Jonathan Montgomery, professor of Health Care Law at the University of Southampton and Chair of Hampshire Primary Care Trust has been announced as the Chair of the independent advisory body on developments in human genetics and their impacts on individuals and society.

Science - So what? So everything.

Wed, 28 Jan 2009 08:59:04 +0000

A campaign to create a more science literate society, highlighting the science and technology based industries of the future has been launched.

BBVA biomedicine prize awarded to Joan Massague i Sole

Wed, 28 Jan 2009 09:18:27 +0000

The BBVA Foundation Frontiers of Knowledge Award in the Biomedicine category has gone to cancer researcher Joan Massague i Sole. His research has elucidated fundamental processes that control cell division and identified genes playing a key role in tumor generation and metastasis.

UK health statistics 2008

Wed, 28 Jan 2009 09:01:03 +0000

The Department of Health have released the document "Health Profile of England 2008 ".

Economic case for open access publishing

Wed, 28 Jan 2009 09:21:24 +0000

Sharing research information via a more open access publishing model would bring millions of pounds worth of savings to the higher education sector as well as benefiting UK plc. This is one of the key findings from a new research project3 commissioned by JISC.

Wellcome Trust launches YouTube channel

Wed, 28 Jan 2009 09:07:38 +0000

Wellcome Trust launches YouTube channel

French scientists threaten strike

Wed, 28 Jan 2009 08:57:27 +0000

Incensed by a provocative policy speech delivered by President Nicolas Sarkozy last Thursday—and fed up with the frantic pace of reform—France’s researchers’ unions have threatened to go on strike indefinitely starting 2 February.

Top UK companies increase R&D spend

Tue, 27 Jan 2009 08:34:41 +0000

Spending on Research and Development (R&D) by leading UK firms rose by 6 per cent in 2007 - reaching £21.6 billion - according to figures published by the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills.

Introduction to science policy

Mon, 26 Jan 2009 09:14:48 +0000

The Introduction to Science Policy workshop will give you the chance to find out more about the policy process and the methods by which you can contribute to it. Held at the Royal Society of Chemistry on 11th March. Organised by Newton's Apple.

MRC Industry Collaboration Award launches

Mon, 26 Jan 2009 09:07:07 +0000

The MRC has launched a new approach to supporting collaborative research between academia and industry - the MRC Industry Collaboration Award (MICA).

Translation problems in Berlin

Fri, 23 Jan 2009 12:47:05 +0000

Accusations of funding mismanagement prompt a Berlin translational medicine collaboration to break up.

Statistical analysis of European R&D

Fri, 23 Jan 2009 08:46:23 +0000

"Towards a more research-intensive and integrated European Research Area" - Science, Technology and Competitiveness key figures report 2008 This memo provides the main data and detailed analysis of EU's performance.

Report on health of European R&D

Fri, 23 Jan 2009 08:43:13 +0000

Europe is increasingly becoming a popular place to do science, according to a report released by the European Union.

Biotech sector seeks help

Fri, 23 Jan 2009 08:40:38 +0000

UK Biotechnology industry leaders are calling for tax incentives and other financial measures to shore up struggling sector.

UK's reputation as world leader in stem-cell research challenged

Thu, 22 Jan 2009 09:35:33 +0000

The common mantra that the UK is a "world leader" in stem-cell research has been challenged by a confidential report that lists only one UK research centre - London - in the global top 20.

MRC's Developmental Pathway Funding Scheme

Thu, 22 Jan 2009 09:22:20 +0000

The goal of MRC's Developmental Pathway Funding Scheme is to help universities translate the discoveries their researchers have made into benefits for patients by supporting the development of ideas from fundamental research towards proof of concept.

Biobank ethics - public meeting

Thu, 22 Jan 2009 09:12:28 +0000

The UK Biobank Ethics and Governance Council is holding a public presentation and discussion on Thursday 12 February 2009 .

History of the Wellcome Trust

Thu, 22 Jan 2009 09:11:15 +0000

A brief history of the Wellcome Trust.

Obama delights scientists

Thu, 22 Jan 2009 09:08:41 +0000

President Barack Obama’s inauguration speech delighted scientists yesterday as he said "We will restore science to its rightful place".

Big universities may lose out in RAE

Thu, 22 Jan 2009 09:06:26 +0000

Several top UK universities, including Oxford and Cambridge, stand to lose millions of pounds in research funding as a result of last year's Research Assessment Exercise.

New impact metric

Tue, 20 Jan 2009 10:32:40 +0000

PLoS One will be releasing impact data for individual articles in coming months, as alternative to journal impact factors.

EU Joint Research Centre praised

Tue, 20 Jan 2009 10:31:02 +0000

An independent review describes the organisation as 'an indispensable source of knowledge and expertise in support of the political agenda of the EU'.

FDA ready to regulate transgenic animals

Mon, 19 Jan 2009 13:52:47 +0000

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has adopted a policy that will govern approval of the use of genetically engineered animals.

What's your research worth?

Fri, 16 Jan 2009 10:16:27 +0000

The UK Research Councils will require grant applicants to demonstrate the economic or social impact of the research, under new funding rules

Science research gets billions in House recovery plan

Fri, 16 Jan 2009 10:13:03 +0000

The US House Appropriations Committee has release a statement detailing large funding increases for science research, including $2billion for NIH. The money is for improvements in laboratory facilities and grants.

Science tipped to score in Obama cash stimulus

Thu, 15 Jan 2009 17:11:52 +0000

US research community stands to gain billions of dollars in funding, as Democratic leaders in Washington DC seek to lay the foundation for a greener, more competitive economy in a $750-billion stimulus package

DH consultation on regulations to implement HFEA Act 2008

Thu, 15 Jan 2009 17:10:17 +0000

Following Royal Assent of the Human Embryology and Fertilisation Act 2008 in November, the Department of Health (DH) is currently conducting a three month consultation on draft regulations to implement the Act.

NIH releases first Biennial Report of the Director

Wed, 14 Jan 2009 10:33:16 +0000

Dr. Raynard S. Kington, acting director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), announced the publication of a document which gives an integrated portrait of NIH's activities

Panel members sought for e-Science Review

Mon, 12 Jan 2009 16:45:44 +0000

EPSRC, on behalf of all the Research Councils, are seeking panel members to review this programme

EU citizens value science and call for more cooperation

Mon, 12 Jan 2009 16:42:58 +0000

According to a new qualitative study on perceptions and attitudes to European research policy by EU citizens, science is highly valued and intimately linked to the idea of progress. However, science also gives rise to some fears and reservations - mostly of possible misuse by mankind

Growth in research comes at a steep price

Mon, 12 Jan 2009 16:28:35 +0000

University of Rochester study reveals that basic science research required the school to supplement each dollar of external grant by 40 cents to allow newly recruited scientist to achieve financial equilibrium

Origins - Science's new evolution blog

Mon, 12 Jan 2009 16:02:27 +0000

Celebrate the 200th anniversary of Charles Darwin's birth with a series of essays on evolution

New Year's Honours for Science, Innovation and Education

Tue, 6 Jan 2009 11:57:17 +0000

DUIS has published a list of the 61 people were honoured from across the Department's spectrum of responsibility.

2009 declared Year of Science

Tue, 6 Jan 2009 11:53:18 +0000

An alliance of 500 scientific organizations has declared 2009 the Year of Science

2009 - European Year of Creativity and Innovation

Mon, 5 Jan 2009 11:16:08 +0000

The Czech Presidency of the EU and European Commission will officially launch the European Year of Creativity and Innovation 2009 on Wednesday 7 January with the slogan “Imagine. Create. Innovate”. The aim of the Year is to promote creative and innovative approaches in different sectors of human activity and help equip the European Union for the challenges ahead in a globalised world

Research news for 2008

Mon, 5 Jan 2009 08:54:27 +0100

Research news for 2008