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The deadline for applications for a new initiative from the Society- the Postgraduate Essay Prize - is fast approaching. A prize of £1,000 will be awarded to the winning entry, which must be on a topical endocrine subject and readily understood by an educated lay person. Essays should be fun and engaging and of a standard between New Scientist and the science pages of a quality broadsheet newspaper. For full eligibility criteria and further details, please click on the link below. The application deadline is 14 September 2009.

Postgraduate Essay Prize

BioSciAlliance - create your profile today!

BioSciAlliance is an exciting new service from BioScientifica that allows members to access a host of services using a single gateway. BioSciAlliance - www.bioscialliance.org allows you to renew your membership; access abstract management and registration for Society meetings; update your membership profile and interact with fellow members, all using a single website.

Society members can logon to BioSciAlliance using their current membership number and password. Once you are logged on, you can build up your own profile and search for fellow members by geographical location or areas of interest. In addition, BioSciAlliance provides a wealth of educational resources, BioScientifica's world calendar of events and news articles on a range of biomedical specialities.

Communicate; Collaborate; Innovate - logon to BioSciAlliance today.

Logon to BioSciAlliance

Public Event: Bone of contention? New thinking on osteoporosis

The Society is holding a public session on osteoporosis entitled 'Bone of contention? New thinking on osteoporosis' to be held from 10:00-12:00, Monday 7 September 2009. The event is taking place as part of the British Science Festival at the University of Surrey, Guildford, which runs from 5-10 September 2009.

Professor John Wass (University of Oxford) will open the session by giving an introduction to osteoporosis; Dr Neil Gittoes (Queen Elizabeth Medical Centre, Birmingham) will then take to the floor to discuss the causes and prevention of osteoporosis. The second part of the session will see Professor David Reid (University of Aberdeen) talk about current treatments for osteoporosis, and the event will be rounded off by a patient’s perspective, given by the National Osteoporosis Society. With such an eminent panel of speakers, this event promises to be an excellent opportunity to learn about all aspects of osteoporosis.

Our event forms part of the Biology Section which is sponsored by the BioSciences Federation and Institute of Biology and organised by the National Osteoporosis Society and the Society for Endocrinology. The event is free to attend, but advance booking is required. Click on the link below, or email public@endocrinology.org for further information.

Public event website

Clinical Excellence Awards 2010

Clinical Excellence Awards are given to recognise and reward the exceptional contribution of NHS consultants, over and above that normally expected in a job, to the values and goals of the NHS and to patient care. The Society has successfully supported members' nominations in previous years, and we are pleased to offer this service again for the 2010 round. Please contact Abhi Vora at the Bristol office (abhi.vora@endocrinology.org) as soon as possible if you wish the Society to support your nomination. All applications for Society support must be submitted by Friday 11 September 2009 in order to start the support process for 2010. Further details at the links below.

SfE Obesity Management Symposium for the endocrinologist - register online

This is a one and half day interactive symposium that has been specifically designed for specialty registrars and consultants with an interest in the practicalities of obesity management. The symposium will be based around small, practical workshops with some didactic lectures from leaders in the field, including Dr Sadaf Farooqi and Professor John Wilding (who are also the organisers), Dr Nick Finer, Dr Jonathan Pinkney, Dr Andrew Johnson, Dr Rob Andrews, Dr Simon Aylwin, Dr Paddy English and Dr Adrian Park.

The symposium will be held at the Institute of Metabolic Science, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge on 24-25 September 2009, and will cover topics such as:

1. Setting up and running a specialist obesity clinic, an inpatient obesity service and bariatric surgery.

2. History, examination and investigation of the severely obese patient (interactive with patients).

3. Motivational interviewing, dietary and medical approaches to treatment.

The course has been restricted to 40 delegates in order to aid informal interaction between the delegates themselves and between the delegates and members of the faculty. *There are now only 20 places remaining.* To register for this meeting, click on the link below.

Enhancing Excellence in Endocrinology - Senior Leaders training course

E3 – Enhancing Excellence in Endocrinology is an educational initiative dedicated to the provision of personal and professional development for those working in adult and paediatric endocrinology. E3 is pleased to announce the forthcoming high-level personal and professional skills training experience for senior leaders on 24–25 September 2009 at the Warwick University Conference Centre. The course is aimed at consultants in adult and paediatric endocrinology who have been in their consultant post for at least 5 years.

'Senior Leaders' is a 2-day course being delivered in association with the Society for Endocrinology for a maximum of 20 senior leaders. The course is comprised of discursive plenary sessions and workshops delivered by professionals from leading healthcare organisations and communication and business skills trainers. You will be able to attend one of the following workshops on Day 2: Challenging conversations and the 8 step coaching model; Situational leadership; Change leadership and working smarter; Negotiation skills.

Attendance is limited and places will be allocated on a first come first served basis, so please register your interest early by visiting the E3 website (at the link below) where you can register to become a member of E3 and enrol in the course. For further information, contact the E3 Secretariat: Tel: 020 7632 1849, Fax: 020 7632 1970, Email: e3secretariat@litmus-mme.com.

E3 website

SfE/Caledonian Society for Endocrinology Regional Clinical Cases Meeting - Call for Cases

The second Regional Clinical Cases meeting will take place at the Royal Society of Edinburgh on 4 December 2009. The first highly successful meeting was held in Birmingham in association with the Midlands Endocrine Club. The afternoon will be similar to the London Clinical Cases meeting and will consist of ten oral communication presentations made up from high scoring submitted abstracts. The evening will see the Caledonian Society’s annual meeting hosting a guest speaker and a prize lecture.

If you wish to submit a case for this meeting, all information is available at the website below. Please note, the deadline for submission of cases is Monday 28 September 2009. If you have any enquiries, please contact the conference secretariat at conferences@endocrinology.org or call +44 (0) 1454 642 240.

Call for Cases

Call for abstracts for YE prize lectures - GBP 2,500 honorarium offered

Are you a member and: a basic scientist less than 6 years post-PhD or have yet to complete a PhD; or a clinical endocrinologist who has not yet completed your clinical training? Abstracts are invited by Friday 2 October 2009 on any subject under the general heading of endocrinology. This is likely to relate to an area of personal endocrine research, either in progress or recently completed. The successful applicants will be asked to present a 20 minute lecture during the Society’s BES Meeting (15 – 18 March 2010) which will be held at the Manchester Central Convention Complex. The Society offers a £2,500 honorarium for this prestigious award.

Applicants are invited to submit their abstract on a single A4 sheet via email, accompanied by a mini-CV on a second A4 sheet. The CV should include up to 5 publications of relevance to the lecture topic. Please also supply the name, address and telephone number/email address of your head of department to assist in the selection process. Applications will be judged by the Awards Committee of the Society using the standard criteria of originality, scientific quality and general relevance/impact. Abstracts should be sent via email to Christine Davis (christine.davis@endocrinology.org), Society for Endocrinology, 22 Apex Court, Woodlands, Bradley Stoke, Bristol BS32 4JT, UK no later than Friday 2 October 2009.

Clinical Update 2009 - early bird registration deadline 1 October 2009

This year's Clinical Update will take place at the Renaissance Manchester Hotel, Manchester on 2-4 November 2009. Registration for this meeting is now open at the link below with an early bird deadline of 1 October 2009. Case submission details and a preliminary programme are also available on the Clinical Update website.

Clinical Update 2009

Autumn Endocrine Retreat 2009

The 2nd Society for Endocrinology Autumn Endocrine Retreat will be held at Milton Hill House, Steventon, Oxfordshire from 16-18 October 2009. This initiative aims to further meet the educational needs of trainee members not already addressed by the Society. The retreat will: provide an informal setting for PhD students/early post-docs to gain experience in presenting work; encourage trainee members to actively participate in the event and provide networking opportunities. Registration for this meeting is now closed. The preliminary programme can be downloaded at the link below.

Retreat website

Preliminary programme

SfE BES 2010 meeting - abstract deadline 16 November 2009

The Society for Endocrinology BES 2010 meeting will take place at the Manchester Central Convention Complex in Manchester on 15-18 March 2010. The conference promises an exciting scientific programme packed with oral communications, clinical expert sessions, medal lectures and much more.

Dates for your diaries:

Abstract submission deadline: 16 November 2009

Earlybird registration deadline: 18 January 2010

Free SfE BES places for trainees: applications open 2 November-4 December 2009

Further information and the preliminary programme are now available at the website below. If you have any queries please contact the conferences department at: conferences@endocrinology.org.

SfE BES 2010

SfE BES free places

Call for clinical trainee nominations to the Clinical Committee

A clinical trainee is sought to join the clinical committee. If you are a Society for Endocrinology member, have at least a year before you complete your clinical training, and would like to become involved, please click on the link below for further details on the work of this committee and a remit. A nomination form will be available shortly on the same page.

Clinical Committee

Early Career Grant Winners

Congratulations to the following applicants who have been awarded an early career grant (May 2009 deadline):

Dr Emily Thompson, Department of Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London (£9,814 awarded) Title: Do inherent differences in leptin sensitivity predict age of pubertal onset and propensity to become obese?

Dr Lesia Kurlak, School of Clinical Sciences, University of Birmingham (£9,621 awarded) Title: Placental selenoproteins’ iodothyronine deiodinases expression and activity in normal and preeclamptic pregnancies

Dr Laura Matthews, Department of Medicine, University of Manchester (£9,680 awarded) Title: Investigating Gc sensitivity in meiosis

Dr Nicole Reisch, School of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Birmingham (£10,000 awarded) Title: Analysing protein degradation of 21-hydroxylase as a novel approach towards an improved understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of congenital adrenal hyperplasia

Dr Kirsty Smith, Department of Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London (£6,621 awarded) Title: Augurin, a novel regulator of the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis

Full details of the Early Career Grant Programme can be found at the website below. The closing date for the next round of applications is 27 November 2009.

Early Career Grant

We want to hear about your interviews with the media

Have you been contacted by the media? Are you going to be interviewed by a radio station/appear on the television? The Society’s Public & Media Relations team is keen to hear from members who are working with the media. Please let us know of any upcoming interviews you are involved in by emailing media@endocrinology.org so we can publicise them to the membership.

Congratulations

The Society would like to congratulate: Professor A Dell from the Division of Molecular Biosciences at Imperial College London who was awarded an CBE for services to science in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List; and Professor Mike Wallace, who has been made a visiting Professor with the University for Strathclyde, Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Science.

Call for scientific session suggestions for SfE BES 2011 meeting

Scientific session suggestions

The Society welcomes scientific suggestions for consideration by the Programme Committee for SfE BES 2011 meeting. If there are any sessions you would like to see included in the meeting, please submit them by 31 January 2010 at the link below.

We are sorry to announce

We are sorry to announce the deaths of Senior Members Professor P Krohn, Professor R Coupland and Full Member Dr K MacLeod.

Update on the Biosciences Federation and Institute of Biology's integration

The Privy Council has now formally approved the Royal Charter meaning that integration of the Biosciences Federation and Institute of Biology can go ahead to form the Society for Biology. The planned date for the formal integration is 1 October 2009, when all current members of the Biosciences Federation and Institute of Biology will become members of the new society.

Prof Dame Nancy Rothwell will be the first President, Dr William Marshall has been appointed as the Honorary Treasurer and Prof David Coates as Honorary Secretary. The current Interim Council will form the basis of the new Council, with a managed transition of the current members to the new profile of elected and appointed members from the two Colleges (Organisational and Individual). Council members will be elected by the Society of Biology membership.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Society of Biology has been appointed, but at the time of going to press, has yet to be announced.

It is important that members, contribute their views, ideas and questions about the Society of Biology. You can find out more at the website below; please send any comments and thoughts by email or by adding to the blog.

New organisation website

Do you know any endocrinologists who have left academia to pursue an alternative career?

'A biomedical basis for life – alternatives to academia' is a new section of the careers website where we are looking to post a selection of career profiles from endocrinologists who have chosen alternative science careers. If you know any endocrinologists who have left academia to pursue a different career pathway, we would like to hear from them. Please forward their contact details to careers@endocrinology.org.

Alternatives to academia

International Society of Endocrinology newsletter and ICE 2010

Members can view the latest newsletter from the International Society of Endocrinology (ISE) by clicking on the link on the left hand side of the ISE website below. ICE 2010 will take place in Kyoto, Japan from 26-30 March 2010. Details on registration and abstract submission are available at the link below.

ISE newsletter

ICE 2010

Society Grants

The Society for Endocrinology offers a number of grants which members can apply for throughout the year. These include: clinical department visit grants, sponsored seminars and poster session grants, and conference travel grants. For details on how to apply for Society grants, please visit the website below. If you have any questions about Society grants, please email: grants@endocrinology.org.

SfE Grants website

Society Prizes and Awards

Prizes and awards website

The Society offers a number of awards and prizes throughout the year. Prizes are offered at the SfE BES meeting and Clinical Cases meetings for oral and poster presentations, and undergraduates can apply for the Undergraduate Achievement Award and Undergraduate Essay Prize. A Postgraduate Essay Prize is also available on an annual basis. For further details of all these awards and prizes and information on how to apply, please visit the website below.

Society Meetings, Dates and Deadlines

For further information on these meetings and on all Society matters, please visit www.endocrinology.org

SfE conference grant deadline
Deadline: 15 August 2010 Further information

SfE Obesity Management Symposium
9-10 September 2010. Further information

Postgraduate Essay Prize - deadline
Deadline: 13 September 2010 Further information

Public Event - The obesity epidemic: whose fault is it anyway?
Wednesday 15 September 2010, British Science Festival, Birmingham Further information

Endocrine Nurse Update 2010
27-28 September 2010, Stratford-upon-Avon. Further information

Young Endocrinologist Prize Lecture abstract submission deadline
Deadline: 1 October 2010. Further information

Clinical Update 2010: Early bird registration deadline
Deadline: 4 October 2010 Further information

SfE Autumn Endocrine Retreat 2010
15-17 October 2010 Further information

Society for Endocrinology Clinical Update 2010
8-10 November 2010, Bristol. Further information

Early Career Grant Programme deadline
Deadline: 27 November 2010 Further information

SfE Regional Clinical Cases Meeting - Brighton
10 December 2010, Brighton. Further information

Society for Endocrinology BES 2011 meeting
11-14 April 2011, Birmingham. Further information

Endocrinology in the News

New osteoporosis drug cuts fracture risk (Associated Press, 12 August 2009)

Two new studies suggest that a genetically engineered version of denosumab (created by Amgen) is superior to current alternative drugs at lowering the risk of bone fractures in osteoporosis patients.

More insulin-producing cells, at the flip of a 'switch' (EurekAlert, 6 August 2009)

By introducing a transcription factor, Pax4, researchers believe they have found a way to convert alpha cells into beta cells which are lost in type 1 diabetes.

Hormone Levels Contribute to Stress Resilience (AlphaGalileo, 5 August 2009)

A team from Yale University have shown that DHEA levels affect a person's response to stress. The researchers investigated DHEA levels in soldiers carrying out an underwater navigational exercise.

Energy-burning brown fat created in mice (Daily Telegraph, 29 July 2009)

Researchers have come a step closer to unravelling a new anti-obesity therapy. The scientists, who published their findings in Nature, have come up with a method of inducing mice cells to produce energy burning brown fat, which is thought to protect against obesity.

Scientists discover gene mutation responsible for hereditary neuroendocrine tumor (EurekAlert, 23 July 2009)

Researchers have discovered a gene that is mutated in a rare neuroendocrine tumour called paraganglioma (PGL). The results of their study have been published in Science.

Saliva test for early birth risk (BBC news online, 22 July 2009)

A study published in the British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology shows that women at risk of premature labour have lower levels of the hormone progesterone. The authors hope that by measuring progesterone levels in expectant mothers using a simple saliva test, they will be able to predict the risk of premature birth.

What is Hot in Society Journals?

Programming effects of maternal nicotine during lactation

The study by Oliveira et al. looks at the effects of maternal nicotine during lactation in rats, and the possible programming effects this may have on the adiposity and thyroid status of the offspring. If the findings translate to humans, this may explain the prevalence of obesity in children exposed to cigarette smoke during the perinatal period.

In their study, carried out on rats, they report that nicotine imprints a neonatal thyroid dysfunction and programmes for a higher adiposity, hyperleptinaemia and secondary hypothyroidism in adulthood. Their study also identifies lactation as a critical period to nicotine programming for obesity, with hypothyroidism being a possible contributing factor. Oliveira et al., 2009, Journal of Endocrinology: DOI: 10.1677/JOE-09-0020

Interactions of ghrelin signaling pathways with the growth hormone neuroendocrine axis: a new and experimentally tested model

A model by Wagner et al. of the interactions of ghrelin with the GH neuroendocrine axis has predicted that ghrelin stimulates the secretion of neuropeptide-Y and that it has different functions at the hypothalamus and the pituitary. These novel features were experimentally verified and contribute to the better understanding of the in vivo role of ghrelin. Wagner, C., Caplan, S., Tannenbaum, G. Journal of Molecular Endocrinology, 2009. In press. DOI:10.1677/JME-09-0023

Lower TSH levels are associated with decreased risk of development of papillary thyroid cancer in patients with thyroid nodules

Two recent studies showed that high TSH levels, even within the reference range, are associated with increased risk of development of papillary thyroid cancer in patients with thyroid nodules. The paper by Fiore and coworkers from the University of Pisa in this issue of ERC confirms this in a very large cohort of subjects (more than 10,000), and extends the observation by showing that the converse is also true. Thus, patients with low TSH levels, such as those with thyroid autonomy, have diminished risk of thyroid cancer. These findings suggest that TSH may play a fundamental role in thyroid cancer initiation or progression. Fiore, E et al. Endocrine-Related Cancer, 2009. In press. DOI:10.1677/ERC-09-0036

Jobs

Temporary Lecturer, University of Cambridge

Applications are invited for the post of Temporary Lecturer (50%) within the Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge. The post is available from 1 October 2009 for one year with a possible extension of a further year. The successful applicant will have a PhD in biology or a veterinary qualification and will be able to deliver undergraduate lectures and practical classes in reproductive, systems and endocrine physiology to medical, veterinary and science students. He/she will carry out teaching-related administration including examining, course organisation and committee work as appropriate. There will be an opportunity to contribute to our existing research programme (see http://www.pdn.cam.ac.uk/research/). We are looking for an effective and enthusiastic teacher with good organisational and people skills.

Further particulars are available from the website below. Applications, including a curriculum vitae, a completed PD18 form and the details of three referees, should be sent to Mrs Katia Babayan the Head of Department’s Secretary, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, Anatomy Building, Downing Site, Cambridge, CB2 3DY so as to reach her by 21 August 2009.

Clinical Nurse Specialist - Endocrinology, London

Via healthjobsuk.com. King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust are seeking a band 6/7 (depending on experience) Endocrine Nurse Specialist (pituitary). This is a genuine opportunity for an experienced nurse who wishes to develop their career in a challenging and very demanding speciality. You should be an inspirational practitioner with a ‘Can Do’ approach, who is able to generate and implement new ideas and ‘think outside of the box’. Ideally you should have a background in general medicine, endocrinology or neuro-surgery. You must have passion and enthusiasm in caring for patients. As an autonomous practitioner you will be expected to run your own clinics, supervise dynamic tests for your patient case-load and provide specialist nursing support to ward areas. Effective time management is an essential skill for this busy role. You will be able to demonstrate excellent communication skills at all levels both written and verbal. An interest in teaching is essential as a component of this role will be to develop the academic and educational side of our service. This will involve liaising with academic centres, developing formal teaching programmes and producing educational literature for patients and their carers.

Although some knowledge of endocrine disorders or neuroendocrine tumours would be advantageous, this is not essential as you will be supported in acquiring appropriate knowledge. For further information please call Angela Pennock, Senior Nurse Manager on 020 3299 3034. Click on the link below for details on how to apply for this post. Applications will be accepted until 24 August 2009.

Locum Consultant Paediatrician in Diabetes, Exeter

Via healthjobsuk.com. The Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust is situated in the lively city of Exeter close to both the sea and the open spaces of Dartmoor and Exmoor. A Locum Consultant General Paediatrician with an interest in diabetes is required commencing the beginning of September 2009 to cover the remaining 4 months of the existing post-holders maternity leave. Although the position is full-time, enquiries would be welcome from suitable candidates wishing to work part-time. There are no neonatal duties either during normal working hours or on-call. Further information is available at the link below. The closing date for applications is 31 August 2009.

Policy, Management & Support positions available

Click on the link below for various policy, management and support posts from ResearchResearch.com/Jobs.

Research jobs

Life Sciences Research Foundation - Postdoctoral Research Fellowships

Via rdfunding.org.uk. The Life Sciences Research Foundation (LSRF) aims to support postdoctoral fellowships in the life sciences. LSRF awards fellowships (3 years) will be awarded on a competitive basis to graduates of medical and graduate schools in the biological sciences holding M.D., Ph.D., D.V.M. or D.D.S. degrees. Full eligibility criteria and information on how to apply can be accessed at the website below. The deadline for applications is 1 October 2009.

LSRF website

BBSRC Enterprise Fellowships

Funded by BBSRC and delivered by The Royal Society of Edinburgh, these enable researchers to concentrate on, and be actively involved in, commercialising research that was largely funded by BBSRC. The Fellowships provide: business training to help development of a business plan, a year’s salary hosted at the fellow’s university or research institute, access to mentors, business experts and professional advisors.

Academic and research staff and postgraduates with relevant experience are eligible to apply if employed by a: UK Higher Education Institution (HEI), or Institutes of BBSRC. We will provide a salary within the scales for research staff in HEIs, grades 22-37 (between £23,577 -£35,663). In exceptional cases, we will consider higher salaries where it is fully justified and the host institution demonstrates a commitment to the fellowship. Application details can be found at the link below. The deadline for applications is 13 October 2009.

Postdoctoral Position, Boston, USA

Via naturejobs.com. There is a post-doctoral position available in the Endocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School to study the actions of Parathyroid Hormone (PTH) receptor (PPR) on osteocytes in vivo. The main goal of the project is to understand the role of PPRs in osteocytes and to determine the function(s) of these cells in mediating the effects of the hormone on bone. Candidate should have a recent Ph.D. degree in biology and experience with murine “in vivo” studies. Additional experience in bone biology and signal transduction is strongly preferred. Candidates must be self-motivated, creative and independent. Send curriculum vitae, brief statement of research interests and names of three references to: Paola Divieti Pajevic, MD, PhD , Endocrine Unit, Their 1101 Mass General Hospital,50 Blossom Street, Boston MA 02114, USA or by e-mail to: divieti@helix.mgh.harvard.edu. The closing date for applications is 31 October 2009.

Grants and Prizes

Biosciences Federation Science Communication Awards 2009

The Biosciences Federation (BSF) Science Communication Award, sponsored by Pfizer, recognises research-active bioscientists from UK universities or institutes who make an outstanding and consistent contribution to communicating science to the public. Nominations are now requested for the BSF Science Communication Award 2009. Nomination of researchers working in any sector of the biosciences, from UK universities or institutes, must be supported by a named representative from a Biosciences Federation Member or Associate Member Organisation by submission of a completed Nomination Form - the deadline for receipt of nominations is 28 August 2009.

There are two categories of Award: Category A: New Researcher – for bioscience researchers currently reading for a Masters or PhD, or in the first year of a post-doctoral position (prize: £500). Category B: Established Researcher - for bioscience researchers who are beyond the first stages of their research career, as defined in category A above (prize: £1500). Further details can be found at the link below.

BSF website

Association of British Clinical Diabetologists SpR Training Award

Via rdfunding.org.uk. Members of the Association of British Clinical Diabetologists (ABCD) are invited to submit an abstract (250 words) for their Autumn meeting in London. Abstracts may be for a poster on any subject which might be of interest to members of the Association - diabetes, endocrinology or general medicine. All accepted abstracts will be published on the ABCD website. They will also be published in Practical Diabetes International - the three best in full, the rest being listed with publication of the link to the full versions on the ABCD website. The prize, of £1000, will go towards attendance at an international meeting. The closing date for abstract submissions is 31 August 2009. For further information, click on the link below, or contact Dr Ian Gallen, Honorary Secretary, phone: 01494 526 162 (ext 2079).

National Endocrine Nursing Conference

The Ipsen Fund: Medical Lecture/Seminar/Symposium Award

Via rdfunding.org.uk. The Ipsen Fund has been established by Ipsen Limited to support advances in the clinical management of diseases with a neurological or endocrine basis. The aim of the Fund is to support advances which will result in better patient care in the UK.

The Ipsen Fund Medical Lecture/Seminar/Symposium Award aims to help fund the cost of putting on a medical lecture, seminar or symposium. Educational grants are available to support high-quality medical symposia and seminars focusing on neurological or endocrine-based conditions, especially in those areas of therapeutic interest to Ipsen Limited. Grants of up to £5,000 are available for a single event. Organisers are required to plan the costs of their proposed programme so as to ensure that any expenditure exceeding this amount is met from another source, which should be disclosed on the application form.

Applications will be accepted all year round. The Award Secretariat can be contacted on tel: 01753 627777. Further details can be found at the link below.

Award details

Samuel Leonard Simpson Fellowships in Endocrinology

Via rdfunding.org.uk. Applications are invited for the Samuel Leonard Simpson Fellowships in Endocrinology. These were established in honour of Dr Samuel Leonard Simpson, a pioneer of British endocrinology. Their purpose is to enable endocrinologists to learn new techniques and acquire new experiences, ideas and stimulation through travel and the exchange of ideas. Applications are considered from suitably qualified people in the UK wishing to make visits abroad, or from those abroad wishing to visit the UK. Up to £10,000 is available, which may be awarded to one or more candidates. The closing date for applications is 1 September 2009.

RCP website

AMEND Julia Dunn Fund for Nurses to attend National Endocrine Nursing Conference 2009

The aim of the Julia Dunn Fund is to encourage UK-registered nurses to learn about multiple endocrine neoplasia and/or the endocrine tumours associated with MEN thus enabling them to better understand their patients and thereby enhancing patient care. The Fund, run by the Association for Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Disorders (AMEND), is named after the late MEN1 patient, Julia Dunn and is made possible thanks to the generosity of the Dunn Houghton Charitable Trust.

Registration fees are available for up to 3 nurses to attend the Society for Endocrinology’s National Endocrine Nursing Conference 2009. The conference will take place at the University of Northumbria on 7-9 September 2009, and this year will focus on the Thyroid gland. An application form and further details can be found by clicking on the link below. The closing date for applications is 1 September 2009.

Julia Dunn Fund

Academy of Medical Sciences Foulkes Foundation Medal

Via rdfunding.org.uk. The aim of this award is to bring recognition to an individual for excellence in research in the biomedical sciences and inspire and encourage others to pursue a career in biomedical research. Awarded every two years, the medal is named after Dr Ernest Foulkes, who during the post 2nd world war years became increasingly aware of the need in medical research for more medical doctors who were trained in both scientific and clinical medicine, who would be able to translate new scientific knowledge into clinical practice and to direct scientific research towards medically important goals.

The winner will be awarded a medal and prize of £1,000 and be invited to give a lecture at an Academy of Medical Sciences event. Nominations for the 2009 medal are now open with a closing date of 18 September 2009. Nominations should be made via a letter to the Academy summarising the nominee's principal achievements and their significance and impact. Further details can be found at the link below.

Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists Joseph Hoet Research Award 2009

The Diabetes Pregnancy Study Group (DPSG, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists) has announced the sixth Joseph Hoet Research Award (JHRA) to be presented at their annual meeting in Rome, Italy, 25-28 September 2009. The JHRA award is awarded for excellence in research in the field of diabetes and pregnancy (basic or clinical) and contribution to the advancement of knowledge in the field. The award consists of a commemorative plaque, a diploma certificate and Euro 5,000, sponsored by Novo Nordisk Pharma. The award is open to candidates not less than 50 years of age on 1 January 2009. The recipient of the prize will be expected to deliver the Joseph Hoet Lecture during the annual DPSG meeting. For further information about the awards, please contact Dr Per Ovesen at the Aarhus University Hospital in Denmark by email at Per.Ovesen@dadlnet.dk. The closing date for applications is 25 September 2009.

Climb Research Grants

Climb, the charity supporting children living with inherited metabolic diseases has opened applications for 2010/2011 round of research grants. Research proposals are requested in the area of inherited metabolic disease and in particular on carbohydrate and glycosylation disorders. At this stage, Climb are asking for applicants to submit outline proposals including timescales and costing estimates. If initial project proposals are deemed appropriate, full applications will be requested. Further details can be found on the Climb website below. The deadline for initial outline applications (including budget) is 30 October 2009.

Climb Research Grants

ISE travel grants to attend ICE 2010

Endocrinologists who have demonstrated effectiveness in endocrine research can now apply for International Society of Endocrinology (ISE) travel grants to attend the ICE 2010 meeting, Kyoto, Japan. The procedure for applying together with an application form can be found at the ISE website below. The closing date for applications is 31 October 2009.

ISE website

Sir Henry Wellcome Postdoctoral Fellowship scheme

Preliminary applications are now being accepted for the Wellcome Trust Sir Henry Wellcome Postdoctoral Fellowship scheme, which supports the most promising newly qualified postdoctoral researchers. This scheme is for newly qualified postdocs with a burning biomedical research question to investigate. It provides a chance to begin an independent research career and work in some of the best labs in the UK and overseas.

The awards, first made by the Trust in 2007, support the most promising newly qualified postdoctoral researchers by providing £250 000 over four years to cover their salary, research costs and travel/subsistence. These awards may be taken up from July 2010. Preliminary applications must be received by 2 November 2009 and full applications will be invited by 1 December 2009, for completion by 1 February 2010. Candidates should have no more than 12 months' postdoctoral experience by February 2010. Further details can be found by clicking on the link below.

Miscellaneous News

Mandelson announces 10,000 extra university places (Guardian, 20 July 2009)

Lord Mandelson has announced 10,000 extra places for students to study science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects at university this autumn.

RCP Linacre Lecture 2010

The Royal College of Physicians are inviting applications to deliver the Linacre Lecture 2010. Applicants must be Members or Fellows of the Royal College of Physicians of London under the age of 40 on 30 September 2009. They should submit 8 copies of: I. An abbreviated CV, including present appointment and a list of personal publications and papers in press relevant to the lecture. II. A synopsis of the proposed lecture (about 500 words) describing the subject and the extent to which the work is original. Ideally the lecture should include a proportion of original unpublished work in a balanced account of the subject suitable for a general medical audience. If work has been carried out in collaboration or under supervision, approval by those colleagues must be obtained before the application is submitted. The name of the applicant should be in the top right hand corner of each copy of the synopsis.

Applications should be submitted to: Academic Registrar, Royal College of Physicians, 11 St Andrews Place, Regent’s Park, London. NW1 4LE, Tel: 020 7935 1174 Ext. 564, Fax: 020 7224 0719, Email: trustfunds@rcplondon.ac.uk, by the 30 September 2009.

RCP London

AMGEN Roadshow 2009

Amgen Ltd invite you to this educational event to be held at The Royal Society, 6-9 Carlton House Terrace, London SW1Y 5AG, on Wednesday 23 September 2009 at 18.00. During this meeting, Dr David Hosking will introduce the current clinical perspectives on Primary Hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) and clinical indications for medical management of the condition. In addition Professor Claudio Marcocci will present pivotal trial data that ultimately led to the license for a new medical treatment option for non-surgical PHPT patients. Places at this meeting are limited. To register your attendance and for further information, please contact Kara Townsend at karat@amgen.com.

1st Basic Postgraduate Course of the European Society of Endocrinology

The 1st Basic Postgraduate Course of the European Society of Endocrinology will be held on 24-26 September 2009 in Torino, Italy. The course aims to be a high level course on basic research with deep discussions, where both speakers and students participate in an interactive manner. In particular the course is addressed to all researchers interested in deepening their knowledge in basic research, translational medicine biology and biotechnology, related not only to endocrinology but also to other fields such as cancer, immunology, and cardiovascular system. Further information, including the scientific programme and registration details can be found at the website below.

The Pituitary Foundation 3rd Annual Strawberry Line Walk

The Pituitary Foundation is holding the 3rd Annual Strawberry Line Walk. This one is extra special as we’re celebrating our 15th Anniversary this year! We need to raise as much money (and awareness) as possible. Last year, we raised over £7,000 and this year, our goal for this event (as well as others across the UK) is £15,000! WE NEED YOUR HELP! This year the walk will take place on Saturday 26 September 2009 with a 10:30am start. We have reduced the length of the walk to 6 miles (Yatton to Winscombe). A registration form and sponsorship form can be found on The Pituitary Foundation website below. You can also donate online at the link below.

The Pituitary Foundation also has other walks taking place across the country during Pituitary Awareness Week (20-27 September 2009) - click on the link below for full details.

The Pituitary Foundation

Donate online

Diagnosing Addison's

The Addison's Disease Self Help Group has a new leaflet developed by their clinical advisory panel called 'Diagnosing Addison's'. Written for the GP, it describes the early signs of Addison's and advises GPs on how to screen patients for urgent/non-urgent referral to the endocrinologist. The leaflet complements our advisory panel's earlier GP leaflet, 'Caring for the Addison's patient', which outlined the role of the GP in providing regular care for the diagnosed patient, including their role in after-hours emergency care. These GP leaflets are available on their website at the link below.

Diagnosing Addison's

Other International Conferences