ESE Membership renewal information

Members have now received their membership renewal notice for 2010 membership. The annual membership fee for 2010 is Euro 70 for Full members and Euro 35 for Reduced Rate members. ALL members will receive free on-line access to the European Journal of Endocrinology.

Members are able to pay for a 3 year membership at the discounted rate of Euro 190 or Euro 95 for reduced rate country, retired or under 35 years of age OR a Lifetime membership at Euro 1120 or Euro 560 for reduced rate country, retired or under 35 years of age.

Full details including how to pay are detailed in your renewal notice and we ask that you arrange prompt payment and no later than 31 December 2009.

ESE membership

Geoffrey Harris Prize 2010

The European Society of Endocrinology is pleased to announce the annual Geoffrey Harris Prize. This prestigious prize for neuroendocrinologists is worth 12,000 Euro and is generously sponsored by Ipsen. The prize will be presented at the annual European Congress of Endocrinology, where the winner will be asked to give one of the main lectures, in addition to two other lectures at future ESE scientific meetings.

Nominations can be made by any scientific organisation or administrative group, but self-proposal is not allowed. Seven hard copies of the files containing the letter of support and CV, list of publications and merits of the candidates should be sent to: Professor Philippe Bouchard, Service d’Endocrinologie, Hôpital Saint Antoine, 184 rue du Faubourg Saint Antoine, 75012 Paris, France, email: philippe.bouchard@sat.ap-hop-paris.fr, by 31 December 2009.

Geoffrey Harris Prize

European Journal of Endocrinology Prize

The European Journal of Endocrinology Prize is awarded during the European Congress of Endocrinology to a candidate who has significantly contributed to the advancement of knowledge in the field of endocrinology through publication. The prize consists of a certificate and Euro 7,250 plus traveling expenses and will be presented during the annual European Congress of Endocrinology. The recipient of the Prize will be expected to give a lecture on the relevant research during the Congress and also to write a review paper to be published in the European Journal of Endocrinology.

Nominations for the prize are invited from individuals or groups. The candidate must be less than 45 years of age on 1 January 2010 and be permanently resident in Europe. Self-nominations will not be accepted. Nominations should include: Nomination letter, Curriculum vitae of the candidate including a complete bibliography, pdf-copies of the eight most relevant publications of the candidate and a statement of no more than 1000 words in English defining the way in which the candidates’ published contributions have significantly advanced the knowledge in the field of endocrinology. This information can be submitted by email but a back up on cd will also be required and must be received together with the cover letter no later than the closing date of 31 December 2009.

EJE prize website

ECE 2010 - abstract deadline 8 January 2010

The 12th European Congress of Endocrinology (ECE 2010) will be held in Prague, Czech Republic on 24-28 April 2010. Abstract submission for this meeting is now open - click on the link below for further details. Abstracts will be accepted until the closing deadline of 8 January 2010.

Online registration is now open with early registration rates available until 12 March 2010. For further information, to download the preliminary programme, book accommodation and find out about optional tours, please visit the ECE 2010 website at the link below. We look forward to seeing you in Prague.

ECE 2010

ECE 2010 - ESE members can save Euro 250 on registration rates!

ECE 2010 will take place in Prague on 24-28 April 2010. The POC have composed a high quality scientific programme covering basic science as well as clinical research and practice and have invited outstanding speakers for the plenary lectures.

Early bird registration rates will be available until 12 March 2010.

As a paid ESE member you can save Euro 250 on the registration fee. Economic packages and ten Journal of Endocrinology travel grants are also available. More information can be found at www.ece2010.com.

ESE Postgraduate Training Courses

The 9th Postgraduate Training Course will be held in Tartu, Estonia from 27-29 May 2010 and the new style 1st ESE Clinical Update course will be held in Porto, Portugal from 22–24 October 2010.

Keep an eye on the ESE website for more details including the preliminary programme and registration details.

ESE website

ICE 2010 - registration deadline 30 November 2009

The 14th International Congress of Endocrinology (ICE2010) will take place in Kyoto, Japan on 26-30 March 2010. The early-registration period has been extended until 30 November 2009. You can register on-line at the ICE 2010 website (below); prompt registration is recommended to avoid delays as the deadline is fast approaching. The abstract submission deadline has now passed. However, if you still have an abstract you would like to submit, please contact the ISE immediately as they will make every possible effort to accept your abstract.

There is an impressive program consisting of 11 plenary lectures, panel discussions, 32 Meet-the-Professor sessions and 113 symposia sessions. Nobel Prize winner, Professor Ferid Murad, and two Lasker Award winners, Professor Robert G. Roeder and Professor Shinya Yamanaka, will give the plenary lectures. Further information regarding the program can be found at the link below.

ICE 2010

ISE website

Scientists identify gene that influences quality of person's empathy (The Times, 17 November 2009)

Scientists have discovered that the version of oxytocin gene you carry affects how empathetic you are and how you respond to stressful situations.

Full article

Plastic chemicals 'feminise boys' (BBC News online, 16 November 2009)

Boys exposed to high levels of phthalates in the womb are less likely than other boys to play with cars and trains and engage in rougher play, a new study has shown.

Full article

The breast cancer revolution that saves women from chemo (Daily Mail, 16 November 2009)

In Austria the treatment of breast cancer patients is tailored to the specific type of tumour a patient presents with. The report, published in The Lancet looks at the different approaches of treating breast cancer in Austria compared to the UK.

Full article

Two-year-olds at risk from 'gender-bending' chemicals, report says (The Guardian, 6 November 2009)

An EU report has highlighted the risks of endocrine disrupting compounds found in common household products such as sun creams. Of particular concern are phthalates which are thought to affect testosterone action in the womb, causing low sperm counts and testicular cancer.

Full article

Breast cancer changes with spread (BBC News online, 4 November 2009)

Researchers have found that the properties of breast cancer tumours change as they migrate through the body. The findings have implications for the treatment of such tumours.

Full article

Safety of GH replacement therapy in patients with non-functioning pituitary adenomas

The risk of tumor enlargement or recurrence is an important factor to consider when administering GH replacement therapy (GHRT) to hypopituitary patients with a history of pituitary adenoma. In this case–control study, Olsson et al studied the rate of tumour progression in 121 patients with non-functioning pituitary adenomas (NFPA) receiving long-term GHRT, for an average duration of 10±4 years.

It was found that in patients with a known residual adenoma, 63% had no detectable tumour enlargement. Ninety percent of patients who had no visible residual adenoma did not have a recurrence. The study found that ten-year survival rates were 74% in patients treated with GHRT, compared to 70% in controls. There have only been a few similar studies in the past and this one, by far the largest, conducted over a long period of time, provides support that long-term use of GH replacement in hypopituitarism can be considered safe in patients with NFPA. Olsson, D.S. et al., European Journal of Endocrinology, 2009 161: 663-669 DOI: 10.1530/EJE-09-0572

Pancreatic Cancer UK Research Grant

Pancreatic Cancer UK is announcing its 2009 round of research grant awards. Applications to support research into all aspects of pancreatic cancer are invited although early detection/diagnosis and more effective treatments are of particular interest. Grants of up to £250,000 are available. Collaborative projects are also very welcome. Further details and an application form can be found on the website below. Enquiries should be directed to research@pancreaticcancer.org.uk. The closing date for applications is Monday 30 November 2009.

Pancreatic Cancer UK

European Foundation for the study of Diabetes Clinical Research grant

Via rdfunding.org.uk. The European Foundation for the Study of Diabetes (EFSD) Clinical Research grants are aimed at encouraging and supporting research in the field of diabetes. The grants programme will accept applications in the fields of type 1 or type 2 diabetes, covering all aspects of the disease, e.g. epidemiology/genetics of pre-diabetes, diabetes and its micro- and macrovascular complications, pathophysiology and clinical aspects including vascular physiology and obesity. The proposed investigation must be carried out in humans; although in vitro and ex vivo studies are acceptable, the in vivo component must clearly be the more relevant part of the project.

Further details and eligibility criteria can be found at the link below. The closing date for applications is 1 December 2009.

Further details

European Association for Cancer Research Mike Price Fellowship

Via rdfunding.org.uk. The Mike Price Fellowship is to enable young cancer researchers to visit a European Institution in order to undertake a specific project related to cancer research, from basic science to treatment or care. Proposed projects may be related to any aspect of cancer research, from basic science to treatment or care. The duration of the Fellowship will be from 3 to 6 months.

Applications will be accepted from European oncologists aged under 40. They should have worked actively in oncology for at least two years and should possess a doctorate degree or the equivalent medical qualification. Further information can be found at the link below. The closing date for applications is 31 December 2009.

Further details

ESPE Young Investigator Award

The European Society of Paediatric Endocrinology (ESPE) Young Investigator Award is conferred to a young European paediatrician, not older than 40 years of age by the end of the year in which the Award is given, in recognition of his or her scientific publications. The award is given on the basis of a selection from submissions received from applicants. For details on how to apply for this award and full eligibility criteria, please visit the ESPE website at the link below. The deadline for applications is 15 January 2010.

ESPE website

EMBO Long Term Fellowships

The European Molecular Biology Organisation (EMBO) Long-Term Fellowships are awarded for a period of up to two years and support post-doctoral research visits to laboratories throughout Europe and the world. International exchange is a key feature in the application process. All fellowships must involve movement between countries and one of those countries must be an EMBC Member State. Only candidates who have had a career break for at least one year for child-care reasons will be given special consideration when applying to stay within the same country. Full details are available at the link below. The next closing date for applications is 15 February 2010.

EMBO website

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