BioScientifica News Feed

Research Associate - Imperial College London Department of Surgery and Cancer

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 12:00:00 GMT

Added via www.jobs.ac.uk

The Imperial College London Division of Cancer is a 300-strong group of scientists, doctors and technical staff engaged in basic and translational cancer research.

As part of a new Cancer Research UK funded 5-year programme grant based in the Cancer Centre, this Research Associate position will work on a project titled Notch and gamma secretase as targets for treatment. The project will involve elucidating signaling mechanisms activating notch-induced genes and the exploitation as possible targets to reverse endocrine resistance in breast cancer.

The successful candidate will hold a PhD or equivalent qualification in biochemistry, pharmacology or a related subject. Experience with in vivo models and pharmacological assays involved in drug development is desirable. The deadline for applications is 30 August 2010. For more information please follow the link below.

Further details

NIHR Health Technology Assessment programme - commissioned calls for proposals

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 12:00:00 GMT

The National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment (HTA) programme produces independent research about the effectiveness of different healthcare treatments and tests for those who use, manage and provide care in the NHS.

A new comissioned call for proposals has been released, whereby the NIHR HTA programme identifies key areas where clinical practice needs to be assessed and funds proposals that will best address the issues.

Included in the current commissioned call for proposals are screening for diabetic eye disease, mineral supplementation in the elderly and MRI in the staging of cancer.

The deadline for initital submission of proposals is 13.00, 1 September 2010. Please follow the link below for more information.

NIHR HTA programme

A new website for the British Thyroid Foundation

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 12:00:00 GMT

The British Thyroid Foundation is a charity dedicated to supporting people with thyroid disorders and helping their families and people around them to understand the condition.

Their website has been completely redesigned and updated, and we hope this will allow them to reach out to all those who need their help. Featured on the new website is a wealth of information on the thyroid gland and associated conditions, as well as updates on all the British Thyroid Foundation's campaigns and events.

You can visit the new website by following the link below.

British Thyroid Foundation website

Calcium pills 'increase' risk of heart attack (BBC News Online, 29 July 2010)

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 12:00:00 GMT

A meta-analysis of trials on calcium supplementation published in the British Medical Journal has found that calcium supplementation can increase the risk of heart attack by 30%. The study excluded trials where vitamin D was co-administered with calcium.

Full article

The mystery of healthy fat people (AlphaGalileo, 29 July 2010)

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 12:00:00 GMT

A team of researchers from Spain and Cambridge has produced new data to further characterise the role of inflammation in the development of type 2 diabetes and help explain why obesity does not always lead to insulin resistance and beyond.

Full article

Consultant in Diabetes/Endocrinology/General Medicine - Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Trust

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 12:00:00 GMT

Added via www.healthjobsuk.com

A new position at the Wolfson Diabetes and Endocrinology Clinic, part of the renowned Institute of Metabolic Science, Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge has become available for a GMC-registered clinician who has or will shortly receive a Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT).

The position will mainly focus on the provision of care to diabetic outpatients. Furthermore the Institute of Metabolic Science has a broad research programme which the successful applicant will be expected to take part in, and community clinic work and cooperation with local GPs will also feature in the role.

The deadline for applications is 27 August 2010. For more information please follow the link below.

Further details

NIHR Clinical Lecturer in Endocrinology/Diabetes (NTN(A) attached)

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 12:00:00 GMT

Added via www.clinicalacademicjobs.org

The University of Sheffield has opened applications for two new National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Clinical Lecturer posts. They are seeking highly motivated individuals, already familiar with research methodologies (i.e. already having completed an MD/PhD) and wishing to excel in both their clinical and academic training. Candidates must be eligible for or already hold a National Training Number.

The posts will be awarded to the two best candidates who apply for the posts in two of six possible specialties (endocrinology/diabetes being one). The Academic Unit of Diabetes, Endocrinology & Metabolism (AUDEM) at Sheffield is currently involved in research into type 1 diabetes, endocrine autoimmunity and neuro-endocrinology.

The deadline for applications is 31 August 2010. For more information please follow the link below.

Further details

NIHR Academic Clinical Fellowships - Round 2

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 12:00:00 GMT

The National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Academic Clinical Fellowships are aimed at those who, in the early stages of their specialty training, demonstrate outstanding potential for a career in academic medicine.

Fellows will undertake a three year specialty training post that incorporates academic training, and during this time will receive support in preparing applications to higher research degrees to follow on from the experience gained whilst on the fellowship.

Recruitment is via the deaneries, although please follow the link below to find out more about the fellowship programme. A number of posts in diabetes and endocrinology are available country-wide. The deadline for applications to this round of recruitment is 31 March 2011.

NIHR Academic Clinical Fellowships

Cochrane Review Incentive Scheme 2010

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 12:00:00 GMT

Designed to stimulate production of systematic reviews where appropriate, the Department of Health-funded Cochrane Review Incentive Scheme offers small incentive payments (in almost all cases of £5,000) to Cochrane Review Groups (CRGs) for preparing key new or updated Cochrane reviews by agreed dates. Over the past six years, 113 awards have been made.

These are intended to be applied at the discretion of Co-ordinating Editors in ways that will facilitate and possibly accelerate activity that is already planned or underway. Up to 20 further awards of £5,000 are expected to be made during 2010 (though, in very exceptional cases, a higher incentive payment may be agreed).

The deadline for submission of proposals is 5pm, 17 September 2010. Please follow the link below for more information.

Further details

The Science of Risk - Lloyd's Research Prize

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 12:00:00 GMT

In order to examine and develop the role that academic research can play in the risk management industry, Lloyd's have this year opened a competition for academics entitled 'The Science of Risk'.

Young researchers, PhD students and Postdocs are welcome to submit recently published papers that for example develop new ways of measuring risk, identify new risks, reduce the impact of existing risks etc., which will be assessed under five categories (endocrinologists may be most interested in the biology category).

A £2000 prize is available for the winner of each category, with an additional £3000 awarded to the best paper overall. The deadline for submissions to the prize is 15 October 2010. To view the eligibility and judging criteria, and find out more about the prize, please follow the link below.

Further details

Research Registrar in Bone Health & Metabolic Bone Disease - Trinity College Dublin

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 12:00:00 GMT

The Bone Unit at St James’s Hospital and Trinity College Dublin is seeking to appoint a Research Registrar on a one-year fixed-term contract working on a collaborative research project to facilitate the undertaking of novel research, principally into the effects of therapeutic agents for osteoporosis on bone health and nutritional status.

The position would ideally suit a medical registrar with a minimum of 3 years post-qualification clinical experience. The position will chiefly require patient assessment, treatment and evaluation of medical patients, whilst the research aspect will provide an excellent introduction to the field of clinical research.

The deadline for applications is 6 September 2010. Applications will only be accepted via e-recruitment through the Trinity College Dublin website, where you can also find out more information about the post (please follow the link and use the keyword 'bone' in the form).

Health group sues FDA over antimicrobial soap (Reuters, 28 July 2010)

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 12:00:00 GMT

The National Resources Defense Council, a non-profit environmental group, has filed a suit against the US Food and Drug Administration for failing to establish safe conditions of use for the anti-microbial soaps triclosan and triclocarban, which are claimed to cause a number of health problems including disruption of thyroid and sex hormone production.

Full article

Indian minister warns of fruit and veg hormone injections (AFP, 28 July 2010)

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 12:00:00 GMT

An Indian health minister has highlighted a growing practice by Indian farmers of injecting fruit and vegetables with the hormone oxytocin before sale to make them seem plumper, and warned of its potential dangers.

Full article

Staff Nurse, Endocrinology - Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 12:00:00 GMT

Added via www.healthjobsuk.com

Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust are seeking a dynamic and motivated registered nurse with a desire to develop leadership skills to join the team at their newly refurbished Acute Medical Ward. The Ward has a special interest in the treatment of diabetic patients.

Successful candidates will gain experience in endocrinology as a speciality as well as experience in looking after patients with general medical disorders.

The deadline for applications is 9 August 2010. For more information please follow the link below.

Further details

Biology and Education

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 12:00:00 GMT

The Society of Biology is the single unified body for all biosciences in the UK. A new article by Mark Downs, CEO of the Society of Biology, addresses the issue of education in biology.

Mark highlights the importance of students' continued familiarity with practical skills throughout education, retaining excellent teachers within the field of biology to engender interest in the topic from an early age, and maintaining that interest by promoting healthy and stimulating career paths for all those working in the biosciences.

You can view the full article, alongside other updates from the Society of Biology, by following the link below.

Articles by Mark Downs

Vacancies on the SfE Public Engagement Committee

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 12:00:00 GMT

Are you passionate about communicating science to the general public? Would you like to work with the Society to highlight the fascinating world of endocrinology to a whole new audience? If so, we need your help! We are looking for four SfE members to sit on our Public Engagement Committee to provide input on our science communication strategy and activities. The term of office will start on 1 January 2011 and will last for four years. We currently have vacancies for the following positions: 2 x Public Events Representatives, 1 x Media Advisory Representative, 1 x Careers and Education Representative. The deadline for nominations is Friday 17 September 2010. Full details and nomination forms are available at the link below. If you would like any further information, please contact jennie.evans@endocrinology.org

Public Engagement Committee webpage

Overweight pregnant women are target of new guidelines (BBC News, 27 July 2010)

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 12:00:00 GMT

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence has issued new guidelines to address concerns from pregnant women over the advice they are given on weight loss.

Full article

Diabetes costs 'out of control' (BBC News Online, 26 July 2010)

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 12:00:00 GMT

Researchers from Cardiff University have suggested that a large rise in spending on drugs to control blood sugar is not fully explained by a rise in the number of people with type 2 diabetes, but is also due to a rise in the use of more expensive diabetes therapies.

Full article

Clinical Research Associate - University of Cambridge Institute of Metabolic Research

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 12:00:00 GMT

The newly-created Institute of Metabolic Research at the University of Cambridge is looking to recruit a Clinical Research Associate to work on a study investigating why some obese people become insulin resistant whilst others do not.

Possession of MRCP(UK) or its equivalent is essential, and the post would suit a doctor completing F2 or a junior SpR/ST1-3 wanting to gain experience in clinical and translational research.

The deadline for applications is 17 September 2010. For more information please follow the link below.

Further details

Research Assistant - University of Bristol Henry Wellcome Laboratories for Integrative Neuroscience and Endocrinology

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 12:00:00 GMT

Added via www.jobs.ac.uk

An enthusiatic Research Assistant is sought at the University of Bristol's Henry Wellcome Laboratories for Intergrative Neuroscience and Endocrinology. The successful applicant will assist the Pricinple Investigator Prof Craig A McArdle in his research into gonadotrophin-releasing hormone receptor (GnRHR) signalling.

The role will involve a number of standard molecular and cellular biological techniques, as well as automated fluorescence microscopy. The study will look at the pulsatility of GnRH, and the findings may help to improve the basic understanding of the treatment of infertility and some hormone-dependent cancers.

The deadline for applications is 09.00am, 19 August 2010. For more information please follow the link below.

Further details

Lecturer/Tutor Diabetes Nursing - King's College London

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 12:00:00 GMT

Added via www.jobs.ac.uk

The Florence Nightingale School of Nursing and Midwifery at King's College London are looking to recruit a well qualified nurse with specialist experience in diabetes nursing to become a Lecturer/Tutor in Diabetes Nursing. The successful applicant will work closely with Professor Angus Forbes (FEND Professor of Diabetes Nursing) to develop the School and partner Trusts as a centre for diabetes related nursing research and teaching.

Applicants for a Lectureship must hold a doctoral degree or be close to submitting their thesis and ideally be research active. Experienced nurses who hold a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Nursing or a related subject will also be considered for the role of Tutor.

The deadline for applications is 6 August 2010. For more information please follow the link below.

Further details

Update on libel reform - First reform of the new Parliament? Libel Reform Campaign respond to Lord Lester's Libel Reform Bill

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 12:00:00 GMT

The Society for Endocrinology is pleased to inform you that reforms to the UK's defamation laws are currently in progress.

On 9 July 2010 Lord Lester of Herne Hill's Defamation Bill received a second reading in the House of Lords. The Bill's intentions are to bring UK defamation law - which is being widely criticised for its chilling effect on academic debate - into line with modern means of communication.

This represents a serious commitment by the UK Government to amend what is a drastically outdated set of laws, and is welcomed by all those who signed the petition at the Libel Reform Campaign. You can read more about the Bill, and sign the Libel Reform Campaign petition, at the link below.

Libel Reform Campaign

Researchers Block Stress Responses In Cancer Surgery Patients To Save Lives (Medical News Today, 23 July 2010)

Fri, 23 Jul 2010 12:00:00 GMT

A Tel Aviv University research group will soon begin a clinical trial to look at the potential of blocking stress hormones to improve survival rates during surgery for colon cancer.

Full article

Study Suggests Link Between Metabolic Disease, Bone Mass In Mice (Medical News Today, 23 July 2010)

Fri, 23 Jul 2010 12:00:00 GMT

Research published in the journal Cell has demonstrated a unique communication between pancreas and bone cells through a number of metabolic hormones.

Full article

Bone 'turnover' link to diabetes (BBC News Online, 23 July 2010)

Fri, 23 Jul 2010 12:00:00 GMT

US scientists have shown a link between osteocalcin, a hormone involved in bone turnover, and the development of type 2 diabetes.

Full article

2011 European Calcified Tissue Society grants

Fri, 23 Jul 2010 12:00:00 GMT

Applications for the 2011 round of grants from the European Calcified Tissue Society (ECTS) are now welcome. 6 grant awards are available:

ECTS PhD Studentship - for first year PhD students.

ECTS Postdoctoral Fellowship - for young researchers.

ECTS Career Establishment Award - for new independent researchers.

ECTS/Amgen gsk Bone Biology Fellowship - for any scientist or clinician.

ECTS Iain T Boyle Award - for young scientists.

ECTS/Servier Fellowship - for young scientists or clinicians.

Applicants to all the awards must be members of ECTS working in a field relevant to bone biology. The deadline for all applications is 12 November 2010, except for the ECTS/Servier fellowship whose application deadline is 11 November 2011. For more information please follow the link below.

Further details

Roche sticks to 2010 goals despite earnings miss (Reuters, 22 July 2010)

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 12:00:00 GMT

Following a series of disappointments for it's breast cancer drug Avastin (generic name bevacizumab) in both the UK and US this month, Roche resolves to maintain its 2010 outlook.

Full article

Diabetes drugs offered fresh start (Nature News, 21 July 2010)

Wed, 21 Jul 2010 12:00:00 GMT

A paper in the journal Nature discusses ways in which new drugs may be developed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes in obese people, following the recent implications of an increased risk of heart-attack with Avandia (generic name rosiglitazone).

Full article

Increases In Leptin May Promote Colorectal Cancer (Medical News Today, 21 July 2010)

Wed, 21 Jul 2010 12:00:00 GMT

New research published in the journal Endocrine-Related Cancer has shown that the hormone leptin is able to increase the growth, survival and resitance to certain chemotherapy treatments in colorectal cancer stem cells. This link may help to substantiate the link between obesity and colorectal cancer, and provide new treatment options in this increasingly common disease.

Full article

European Commission 7th Framework Programme - 51 new calls for proposals

Wed, 21 Jul 2010 12:00:00 GMT

On 20 July 2010, the European Commission's 7th Framework Programme for funding research and innovation released 51 calls for proposals for funding.

Funding for a massive range of initiatives is available, in particular the Health projects within the Cooperation category, which have either one- or two-stage application processes. Both emphasise collaboration with Small and Medium size Enterprises (SMEs), but they differ in the specific projects that they seek to fund. The details of each initiative can be found in the call fiche by following the links below.

The deadline for application to the single-stage procedure is 1700 CET, 10 November 2010. The deadline for initial applications for the two-stage procedure is 1700 CET, 13 October 2010. Please follow the links below for more information.

Single-stage: FP7-Cooperation-Health-2011-single-stage

Two-stage: FP7-Cooperation-Health-2011-two-stage

A full list of open calls can be found at the FP7 Calls page.

ERC Starting Independent Researcher Grant

Wed, 21 Jul 2010 12:00:00 GMT

The European Research Council (ERC) is now accepting applications to its Starting Independent Researcher Grant, open to early career researchers of any nationality working - or moving to work - in host institutions in Europe.

This year the eligibility criteria has been extended to allow those with between two and twelve years post-PhD experience to apply, and during this time they would be expected to have demonstrated potential to progress to a Principal Investigator position by having an impressive publication record, with at least one important publication without the participation of their PhD supervisor.

Normally the grant amounts to up to ?1.5 million (although additional relocation funds can be awarded) for up to 5 years. The deadline for applications to the life sciences grant is 1700 CET, 9 November 2010. For more information please follow the link below.

Further details

TSH stimulation and PET scanning

Wed, 21 Jul 2010 12:00:00 GMT

In general, thyroglobulin (Tg) and a radioactive scan correlate well with each other in follow-up studies for differentiated thyroid carcinoma after thyroid remnant ablation. To maximise radioiodine uptake in malignant thyroid cells, it is necessary to elevate TSH cells by the withdrawal of thyroid hormone therapy or, more recently to use recombinant human TSH. However, whether PET scanning for the detection of Tg-positive and scan –negative metastases for DTC should be performed under TSH stimulation remains controversial.

Ma et al. searched the MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane library for prospective controlled trials using TSH stimulation as an intervention. A meta-analysis was carried out using the Review Manager software. Seven prospective controlled studies with 168 patients were found. PET scans taken under TSH stimulation altered clinical management in 9% of patients in 5 paired studies.

The data analysis undertaken by the authors indicates that TSH stimulation should be recommended for DTC patients undergoing PET scanning. Ma et al. (2010), European Journal of Endocrinology, in press (published online on 19 May 2010).

Read the full article at DOI: 10.1530/EJE-10-0256.

Last chance for members to pay their 2010 membership fee!

Wed, 21 Jul 2010 12:00:00 GMT

In accordance with the ESE Byelaws all members who did not pay their 2010 membership fee by 30 June 2010 will now be lapsed and will no longer receive their membership benefits.

If you have forgotten to pay your membership then please do so on-line from the ESE membership renewal page urgently. If you have any questions then please contact the ESE Secretariat at info@euro-endo.org.

Male fetuses ignore their stressed-out mothers (New Scientist, 20 July 2010)

Tue, 20 Jul 2010 12:00:00 GMT

A study from the University of Adelaide, Australia has found that high maternal cortisol levels can affect the birth weight of female fetuses, which is not seen in male fetuses.

Full article

Research Fellow - University of Nottingham

Mon, 19 Jul 2010 12:00:00 GMT

Added via www.jobs.ac.uk

Applications are invited for the above post for a collaborative research project between the University of Nottingham and the Rowett Institute, University of Aberdeen, investigating the central mechanisms that underpin seasonal cycles of food intake and body weight. The investigation builds upon recent discoveries in the Siberian hamster on the involvement of thyroid hormone in the hypothalamic control of seasonal metabolism. The project will involve surgical approaches for hypothalamic delivery of viral agents to manipulate gene expression, metabolic, physiological and behavioural assessment of hamsters.

Candidates must have practical experience of in vivo experimentation and stereotaxic surgery in rodents and hold a Home Office licence. They must also have a relevant background in energy metabolism and neuroendocrinology.

The deadline for applications is 16 August 2010. For more information please follow the link below.

Further details

Society of Biology education strategy

Fri, 16 Jul 2010 12:00:00 GMT

Dr Mark Downs, Chief Executive of the Society of Biology, has written to all Member Organisations to highlight the Society's commitment to education. Please find his letter below:

"Everybody is an education expert – at least that’s what many people think: after all we are all 'customers' of education systems and processes at some point in our lives. The reality, however, is that education policy and practice is enormously diverse and equally complex, ranging from engaging young primary school children through to vocational and academic qualifications. There are a multitude of acronyms and a confusing array of institutions involved.

"The Society of Biology is an active participant in education issues. As well as influencing policy, we also have a key role in helping with interpretation of the jargon that so often surrounds education debates. With that in mind, the Society will be holding a seminar this autumn to help any of our members who are not experts, get under the skin of education policy and how exams are set and assessed, perhaps helping to answer the hotly debated issue as to whether exams really are getting easier.

"It is a good time to create momentum around education. Michael Gove, our Minister for Education has already indicated a likely shift to more 'traditional' A Levels, with the abolition of AS exams along the way. The exam regulator OFQUAL has rejected the examining boards’ proposals for new specifications for the GCSE examinations and the Qualifications & Curriculum Development Authority (QCDA) is to be abolished. These are significant changes that need to be monitored and influenced.

"During the course of this year, the Society has been working with our Member Organisations to create a strong voice for biology, working both independently and with the other sciences, especially through SCORE (Science Community Representing Education). There has been real progress with the proposed new specifications for biology progressing much further than some of the other disciplines. In the past, some have positioned biology as the easy option, especially amongst the sciences. But the evidence shows exactly the opposite. According to a range of independent measures, biology scores as one of the hardest A levels. In terms of relative grading, it is two grades 'harder' than some other disciplines. But we need to be careful to ensure biology stays relevant and focused on skills, not just knowledge. Practical training has always been under threat. It is more complicated in biology than many of the other sciences and certainly at university level, becomes extremely expensive. As the new coalition Government starts to review spending cuts across the public sector, the Society will be campaigning hard to ensure biology doesn’t lose out. It would be all too easy for Government and the university sector to move away from hands on practical skills in the laboratory and in the field in favour of the cheaper option of demonstrations or videos. For that reason, practical skills will continue to be a focus of our work at all levels. The Practical Biology website has proved increasingly valuable to biology teachers and we now need to ensure it grows and becomes sustainable.

"As well as influencing formal education policy all learned societies must help show that the sciences are exciting as well as contributing significantly to our society and the economy. How often have we heard that it was an inspirational teacher that attracted someone into the study of biology? In a world of limited resources, we must make sure that teachers continue to be strongly supported with continual professional development available and resources easily accessible to help them make the current curriculum as engaging as possible, providing opportunities for study outside of core material to enrich learning. The Society of Biology will be pushing this independently, and through SCORE, and working closely with other institutions such as the National Science Learning Centre to ensure material is as widely available as possible.

"Having succeeded in engaging students in studying biology, there is a further challenge of ensuring they maintain their association with the subject. To do that we need interesting and relevant careers material to help make choices. With this in mind, the Society is pulling together new resources for careers but will aim not to reinvent the wheel. Our Member Organisations have a wealth of material which needs to be drawn together and made available to all biologists, not just those in particular disciplines."

Dr Mark Downs, FSB, Chief Executive, Society of Biology. July 2010

Society of Biology website

Metformin blocks colon cancer

Wed, 14 Jul 2010 12:00:00 GMT

Many studies link a high calorie diet to an increased risk of colorectal cancer. Studies of diabetic cancer patients receiving metformin suggested the drug improves outcomes.

Algire and colleagues observed that a high calorie diet increases insulin levels, increases expression of fatty acid synthase (FASN) and increases colon tumour growth in mice. Metformin reduced insulin levels, thereby reducing expression of FASN. In addition, they suggest metformin may have some direct antiproliferative activity on tumour cells. Algire et al. (2010), Endocrine-Related Cancer 17, 351-360.

DOI: 10.1677/ERC-09-0252

The SfE public website - writers and reviewers wanted!

Wed, 14 Jul 2010 12:00:00 GMT

You and Your Hormones - the Society's new public website project - is taking shape.

A large number of articles have been written and returned to us and a massive thanks goes out to those of you who were involved in this. There are still many more topics to be covered, and anyone who is thinking of working with the media, the public, a journal, or just wants something a little unique for their CV should certainly get involved: email public@endocrinology.org.

Not too keen on writing but still want to help? Get in touch with us at the address above and you can take part in the review stage of the project, gaining valuable experience in the peer review process at the same time.

You and Your Hormones

Big hips 'impair' women's memory, a study finds (BBC News Online, 14 July 2010)

Wed, 14 Jul 2010 12:00:00 GMT

Research published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society has further characterised the effects of the different types of body fat, finding that fat carried around the hips is more detrimental to women's memory than that carried elsewhere. The study authors propose that this is due to greater production of oestrogen by belly fat than by hip fat.

Full article

Universities shun Europe's drug initiative (Nature news, 13 July 2010)

Tue, 13 Jul 2010 12:00:00 GMT

Nature news reports that a number of universities and research institutions are calling for a revision to the Intellectual Property policy of the European Commission's Innovative Medicines Joint Technology Initiative, a 7th Framework Programme-funded strategy. The complainants say that the policy is unbalanced towards industries - which collaborate on projects as an essential part of the initiative - and the cost of participation too high.

Full article

Liberating the NHS - Government publishes White Paper on reforms

Tue, 13 Jul 2010 12:00:00 GMT

A new Government White Paper outlines dramatic changes that will soon take place within the NHS. A central feature of the paper is the simplification of the service's structure: Strategic Health Authorities and Primary Care Trusts will be abolished and control of provision of services and the health budget will be transferred to local consortia of GPs.

The Paper also addresses the provision of care by the NHS: a shift from central to local control facilitates a more patient-led system, and appraisal of services by patients will be included in a reformed Outcomes Framework. Furthermore, relaxation of financial regulations on NHS trusts will encourage 'social enterprise'.

Full BBC News article

White Paper - Equity and Excellence: Liberating the NHS

Chief Executive Officer - Society for Experimental Biology

Tue, 13 Jul 2010 12:00:00 GMT

Experimental Biology is the study of the form and function of animals and plants at all levels of organisation from the molecular and cellular to the whole organism. It therefore encompasses a wide variety of life sciences and directly contributes to developments in agriculture and medical sciences.

As the CEO, the successful applicant will provide clear leadership and direction to the Society's staff, supporting the Council to deliver strong governance, and raising the charity's profile and influence.

Well-established leadership skills are required for the role, as well as a working knowledge of financial management and a background in life sciences. The deadline for applications is 20 August 2010. For more information please visit the Society for Experimental Biology homepage.

TM Ramsay Postdoctoral Fellowship - Prince Henry's Institute, Australia

Tue, 13 Jul 2010 12:00:00 GMT

Prince Henry’s Institute (PHI) is an independent, internationally recognised centre for endocrine research affiliated with Monash University, Australia. There is a strong emphasis within the Institute on endocrinology, reproductive health, cancer, obesity, bone health and cardiovascular disease.

The Institute is offering the TM Ramsay Postdoctoral Fellowship, to begin in 2010/11 for up to 2 years for individuals wishing to work within a research group, or independently. It is intended that this Fellowship will provide a young researcher with a sound opportunity to begin a scientific career.

The deadline for applications to the fellowship is 27 August 2010. For more information please follow the link below.

Further details

Conference grant deadline 15 August 2010

Tue, 13 Jul 2010 12:00:00 GMT

The Society for Endocrinology is pleased to offer grants of up to £500 for attendance at overseas conferences, thanks to support by the Clinical Endocrinology Trust. The second round of applications for 2010 support travel to conferences that end before 15 December 2010.

The deadline for this round of applications is 15 August 2010. Please follow the link below for information on the grant and how to apply.

SfE Conference Grants

SfE response to a news story on bisphenol A: 'Sex and shopping - how retail therapy really is bad for men's health and fertility' (Daily Telegraph, 29 June 2010)

Tue, 13 Jul 2010 12:00:00 GMT

Professor Richard Sharpe, convenor of the SfE Endocrine Disruptors Special Interest Group, has responded to an article in the Daily Telegraph, 29 June 2010, which reported that shopping could cause impotence in men through the effect of the substance bisphenol A, which can be found in the ink of some till receipts.

Full response

Specialty Certificate Examination in Endocrinology and Diabetes: 2010 Update

Mon, 12 Jul 2010 12:00:00 GMT

A total of 174 candidates sat the second diet of the examination held on 30 June 2010; 97 (56%) were in a UK training programme and 19 candidates had taken advantage of the free re-sit scheme. These numbers are a marked increase on last year when only 39 candidates in total sat the examination. Results are expected to be available on the MRCP website in the week ending 30 July 2010.

Diabetes UK RD Lawrence fellowship

Mon, 12 Jul 2010 12:00:00 GMT

Added via www.Naturejobs.com

Diabetes UK - the leading charity for people with diabetes in the UK - welcomes applications to its prestigious career development fellowship from exceptional scientists with a future in diabetes research. Designed for those with between 3 and 6 years post-graduate research experience, the fellowship lasts for up to 5 years with the salary being paid at appropriate university scales.

The deadline for applications is 5pm, 1 November 2010. For more information please follow the link below.

Further details

PhD Studentship - Plasticiser Phthalates, Endocrine Disrupters & Composite Breakdown Materials in Dental Patients

Mon, 12 Jul 2010 12:00:00 GMT

Added via www.jobs.ac.uk

Based at Peninsula Medical and Dental School, Plymouth, this 3 year PhD studentship will look into the extent to which paediatric and adult dental patients are exposed to chemicals such as phthalates and bisphenol A (BPA) during the course of treatment. Evidence suggest that these chemicals may interfere with hormonal systems, hence they have been dubbed 'endocrine disrupting chemicals.'

The post will involve chromatographic (LC-MS/MS) analysis of biological samples and potentially, advanced mathematical modelling of data obtained. Applicants with a science background (BDS, BMBS, BSc Biomedical Sciences/Biology/Pharmacology/Chemistry or similar) and an aptitude for mathematics are desirable.

The deadline for applications is 4pm, 6 August 2010. For more information please follow the link below.

Further details

Weight-loss schemes help patients 'more than the NHS' (BBC News Online, 12 July 2010)

Mon, 12 Jul 2010 12:00:00 GMT

A study from the Medical Research Council has suggested that patients recommended for weight-loss programmes may acheive better results if they are referred to a 'slimming club' style scheme instead of the current NHS programme.

Full article

Peer Review in Endocrinology

Fri, 09 Jul 2010 12:00:00 GMT

The Society runs an interdepartmental peer review scheme for clinical endocrinology departments. A recent evaluation of those centres already peer reviewed revealed 58% of recommendations had been achieved, including 17 new staff appointments (see Prof John Bevan’s article in The Endocrinologist).

To request a visit or for further information please contact Debbie Willis (debbie.willis@endocrinology.org), Dr Petros Perros (petros.perros@nuth.nhs.uk) or visit the interdepartmental peer review webpage.

Willetts announces delay in the REF impact assessment (Society of Biology News, 9 July 2010)

Fri, 09 Jul 2010 12:00:00 GMT

In his first keynote address to the Royal Institution on 9 July 2010, Minister of State for Universities and Science David Willetts outlined his plans to keep the UK at the forefront of scientific advancement. The Society of Biology have produced a report on the address (see link below), highlighting in particular his intentions to postpone an update to the Research Excellence Framework pending further debate on how research impact can be properly assessed.

Society of Biology report

UK's NICE rejects Roche's Avastin in breast cancer (Reuters, 8 July 2010)

Thu, 08 Jul 2010 12:00:00 GMT

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence has released draft guidelines to recommend against NHS provision of Roche's Avastin (generic name bevacizumab) for advanced breast cancer, stating that clinical trials of the drug produced "uncertain evidence".

Full article

Update: US panel rejects Roche's Avastin for breast cancer (Reuters, 20 July 2010).

Clinical Excellence Awards 2011

Thu, 08 Jul 2010 12:00:00 GMT

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 2011 round. Please contact debbie.willis@endocrinology.org if you wish the Society to support your nomination.

All applications for Society support must be submitted by Friday 10 September 2010.

Further information is available for members in England at: www.dh.gov.uk/ab/ACCEA/index.htm.

In Scotland: www.shsc.scot.nhs.uk/shsc/default.asp?p=71.

In Wales: www.wales.nhs.uk/page.cfm?pid=3928.

In Northern Ireland: www.dhsspsni.gov.uk/clinical_excellence_awards_scheme.

Call for Young Endocrinologists' Prize Lectures

Thu, 08 Jul 2010 12:00:00 GMT

The Society awards two prize lectures to young endocrinologists. There is one basic science and one clinical prize lecture – each attracting an honorarium of £2500.

To be eligible for the basic science lecture, members need to be less than 6 years post-PhD or have yet to complete a PhD. To be eligible for the clinical lecture, members need to have not yet completed their clinical training.

Winners will be asked to present their lectures - which can be on any subject under the general heading of Endocrinology - during the Society’s BES meeting. The lecture is likely to relate to an area of personal endocrine research, either in progress or recently completed. Next year’s meeting takes place on 11-14 April in Birmingham.

To enter for a Prize Lecture, abstracts should be sent via email to members@endocrinology.org marked for the attention of Mrs Chris Davis no later than Friday 1 October 2010. Please follow the link below for more information.

Young Endocrinologists' Prize Lectures 2011

Interesting environment wards off cancer (Nature news, 8 July 2010)

Thu, 08 Jul 2010 12:00:00 GMT

A study published in the journal Cell has found that mice placed in an 'enriched' environment have a greater ability to prevent the progression of injected cancer cells. The researchers also present evidence showing that the hormone leptin may have a part to play in this protective effect.

Full article

Diabetes UK launches new online diabetes risk test

Wed, 07 Jul 2010 12:00:00 GMT

Developed by Diabetes UK - the charity for people with diabetes - and in collaboration with the University of Leicester and the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, the new Diabetes Risk Score test enables concerned individuals to gain an informed measure of their risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

The test consists of 7 questions on established risk factors such as BMI, waist circumference, age and family history, and summarises the results into a simple low to high risk end score. Also featured throughout the test are 9 case studies, which adds a more personal touch and enables people taking the test to identify with their level of risk and gain advice on what to do next.

You can find the Diabetes Risk Score test by following the link below to the Diabetes UK website.

Diabetes UK Diabetes Risk Score

Frontline First - A new RCN initiative to protect frontline services and improve patient care

Wed, 07 Jul 2010 12:00:00 GMT

The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) has launched its new website Frontline First, which aims to protect and improve frontline services in the NHS during the anticipated spending cuts.

At Frontline First, nurses can use their intimate experience of frontline services to expose cuts that affect patient care, highlight where there is waste in the system, and bring nurse-led innovations that save money and improve patient care to the attention of the wider community.

This website therefore will act as the primary channel for information, which can then be used by the RCN to inform decisions on spending cuts. To visit the website and have your say, please follow the link below.

Frontline First

Link between inactivity and obesity queried (BBC News Online, 7 July 2010)

Wed, 07 Jul 2010 12:00:00 GMT

A non-intervention prosepctive cohort study following 202 Plymouth children over a period of 4 years has provided further information towards establishing where the causality lies, if any, in the link between obesity and physical activity.

Full article

E3 Senior Leaders

Tue, 06 Jul 2010 12:00:00 GMT

14–15 October at the University of Warwick Conference Centre.

Places are still available for Senior Leaders, an advanced communications and management skills training course for consultants who have been in their consultant post for at least 5 years. This 2-day bespoke high level training experience will explore organisational excellence, the power of the team and focus on developing the skills of the individual to become an agile and effective leader - to register for the E3 initiative and the Senior Leaders course, visit the E3 website: www.e3endocrinology.org.

E3 has been initiated and funded by Pfizer Ltd working with a range of healthcare professionals specialising in endocrine care, and is being delivered in association with the Society for Endocrinology and the British Society for Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes.

Hospital hyperglycemia may predict future diabetes (AlphaGalileo, 6 July 2010)

Tue, 06 Jul 2010 12:00:00 GMT

A Croatian team of researchers has found a significant association between presenting with hyperglycaemia whilst being treated for acute illness in an Intensive Care Unit, and developing type 2 diabetes or glucose intolerance in later life.

Full article

New guidelines for reporting research on animals

Mon, 05 Jul 2010 12:00:00 GMT

The National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement and Reduction of Animals in Research (NC3Rs) has produced guidelines in the form of a checklist on reporting one's research in animals. The 'ARRIVE' guidelines were prompted by the NC3R's view that incorrect reporting of animal research impacts badly upon a paper's clinical and scientific relevance, and its subsequent usefulness to the scientific and medical community.

Full article

What are the symptoms of male menopause? (CORDIS News, 5 July 2010)

Mon, 05 Jul 2010 12:00:00 GMT

A European Union 5th Framework Programme-funded study has linked nine symptoms to low testosterone production in men. The findings could help to guide treatment with supplementary testosterone.

Full article

Melanocortin blockade attenuates cardiac cachexia

Fri, 02 Jul 2010 12:00:00 GMT

Chronic heart failure (CHF) is a major public health problem in western countries, with an incidence approaching 10 per 1000 per year in those aged 65 years or older. The prognosis of CHF patients is significantly worsened by the development of cachexia. Data from a number of studies support a critical role for the central melanocortin system in the pathogenesis of cachexia of chronic disease.

Scarlett et al. show that, in murine and rat models of heart failure, chronic blockade of central melanocortin signalling using genetic and pharmacological techniques is able to attenuate the metabolic manifestations of cardiac cachexia. Scarlett et al. (2010), Journal of Endocrinology 206, 121-130.

Read the full article online at DOI:10.1677/JOE-09-0397.

Neonatal nicotine exposure programs leptin resistance

Fri, 02 Jul 2010 12:00:00 GMT

Epidemiological studies show that maternal smoking during pregnancy might be a risk factor for childhood obesity and hypertension. Experimental data suggest that exposure to nicotine, the main addictive compound in tobacco smoke, during gestational and lactational periods, is responsible for increased adiposity in offspring.

As previous studies show that there is a high rate of relapse among women, de Oliviera et al. investigated the effects of perinatal nicotine exposure on intermediary metabolism in a rat model. They found that nicotine exposure during lactation programmes rats for adipocyte hypertrophy in adult life as well as for leptin and insulin resistance. De Oliviera et al. (2010), Journal of Endocrinology 206, 55-63.

Read the full article online at DOI: 10.1677/JOE-10-0104.

Medical Research Council Lifelong Health and Wellbeing Pilot Studies

Fri, 02 Jul 2010 12:00:00 GMT

The Medical Research Council (MRC), in collaboration with other Research Councils and Health Departments, offers funding under its Lifelong Health and Wellbeing (LLHW) Programme to support projects that address major ageing-related challenges that exist in the UK today.

Applications for areas where there is a need to build on the evidence base are particularly encouraged, and include (but are not limited to) mental health and wellbeing, resilience for successful ageing, and age-related conditions to promote and facilitate independence in later life. LLHW Pilot Studies support investigations into the feasibility of future cross-disciplinary projects, based on current supporting evidence and high-impact potential outcomes.

The deadline for applications is 15 September 2010. For more information please follow the link below.

MRC LLHW Pilot Studies

ECE 2011 - Abstract submission now open!

Thu, 01 Jul 2010 12:00:00 GMT

The 13th European Congress of Endocrinology will be held on 30 April - 4 May 2011 in Rotterdam, The Netherlands.

On-line abstract submission for the congress is now open and will close on 7 January 2011. This year's congress received more abstract submissions than ever before, and we hope that ECE 2011 will continue in this trend to provide another high quality scientific programme of lectures and poster presentations.

ECE 2011

Environmental toxins affect the body's hormone systems (AlphaGalileo, 1 July 2010)

Thu, 01 Jul 2010 12:00:00 GMT

On 21 June 2010, veterinary surgeon Marianne Kraugerud defended her doctoral thesis entitled "Endocrine disruption by persistent organic pollutants: effect studies using in vivo and in vitro models" at the Norwegian School of Veterinary Science. The thesis looked at the effects of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) and perfluorinated compounds (PFC) on steroid hormone systems.

Full article

European research funding explained

Wed, 30 Jun 2010 12:00:00 GMT

The Parliamentary Office for Science and Technology (POST) have published a new document outlining the European Commission's research funding programme, known as the 7th Framework Programme or FP7.

Within you will find information on the history and structure of FP7, the current and past involvement in the Programmes by UK academia and industry, and future considerations to be made by the UK in the next Programme (FP8), work towards which is currently taking place. Anyone seeking FP7 funding may find it helpful to familiarise oneself with the Programme throught this factsheet.

FP7 has been a major funder of UK research since it began in 2007, and will no doubt continue to be a significant contributor to science and technology in the UK until it ends in 2013, when it will be replaced by the next Programme. You can view the POST factsheet or the CORDIS website (through which FP7 funding is coordinated) by following the links below.

POST factsheet

CORDIS

Senior Research Fellowships in Clinical Science - Wellcome Trust

Tue, 29 Jun 2010 12:00:00 GMT

The Wellcome Trust's Senior Research Fellowships in Clinical Science provide established researchers that show great potential with the opportunity to gain further research skills and experience, with the ultimate aim of enabling the fellow to reach the standards required of a lead investigator.

Applicants should be a clinical scientist with a medical, dental, veterinary or clinical psychology qualification and have no more than 15 years' clinical and research experience from the date of their first medical, dental, veterinary or British Psychological Society-accredited psychology qualification (with some exceptions). A research degree (PhD/MD), together with evidence of advanced (postdoctoral) research training (typically at least three to five years) and a consistently substantive publication record, is expected.

The preliminary deadline for applications is 6 September 2010. For further information and an application pack please follow the link below.

Senior Research Fellowships in Clinical Science

Announcement: New impact factors of the ESE?s official journals

Thu, 24 Jun 2010 12:00:00 GMT

The new impact factors for ESE's official journals have now been announced.

The impact factor for European Journal of Endocrinology remains extremely strong at 3.539. This is not far short of its record-breaking figure for the previous year, withstanding a significant increase in the number of papers it published which would normally depress the impact factor. This is an extraordinary achievement for the journal. The recent invigoration in the programme of commissioned review articles, together with the strict policy on acceptance rates should stand the journal in good stead in future years. The five-year impact factor also remains impressive at 3.796.

Journal of Endocrinology’s impact factor has risen slightly to 2.860 and the underlying five-year figure is 3.045. Journal of Molecular Endocrinology has held firm at 3.221. JME’s energetic commissioning of review articles has proved very successful over the last year and a half, so this should position it well for future impact factors. JOE has also recently begun to increase its review content, similarly bolstering its prospects.

Endocrine-Related Cancer continues to give the strongest showing of ESE’s four journals at 4.282. Its five-year figure remains robust at 5.683.

ESE journals are on-line at http://www.euro-endo.org/journals.

Canon Foundation in Europe research fellowships

Wed, 23 Jun 2010 12:00:00 GMT

Each year the Canon Foundation in Europe awards up to 15 fellowships to highly qualified researchers in Europe or Japan. The fellowship involves an exchange programme where European researchers travel to a host institution (of the fellow's choosing) in Japan to pursue their research and learn new skills and techniques, and vice versa.

Proposals from all disciplines are welcome, and the fellowships offer financial support of up to Euro 27,500. The deadline for applications is 15 September 2010. For further information please follow the link below.

Further details

European Society for Clinical Investigation Awards 2011

Wed, 23 Jun 2010 12:00:00 GMT

Applications are open for the 2011 European Sociaty for Clinical Investigation Awards. Two grant awards, basic/translational and clinical, are available to those researchers that have made an exceptional contribution to clinically-oriented biomedical research in Europe.

Receipt of an award, which stand at Euro 10,000 each, signifies a long track record of truly innovative research that has significantly improved modern medicine. Self-applications and nominations by others are both accepted, and must be received by 15 September 2010. For more information please follow the link below.

Further details

How do I access my free EJE on-line? A reminder for ESE members...

Wed, 23 Jun 2010 12:00:00 GMT

ESE members receive free on-line access to European Journal of Endocrinology with their 2010 membership. To access your EJE on-line please go to www.bioscialliance.org and enter your ESE membership number and password. This is the same password members use to enter the members section of the ESE website.

Once logged onto www.bioscialliance.org please scroll down the page. On the right hand side click the link to EJE on-line. The next page will show two green ticks, if your page does not show two green ticks please contact the ESE Secretariat (address below). If you are showing two green ticks please click on ?Free member access to EJE on-line?. This will take you to EJE on-line.

If you have any further queries please do not hesitate to contact the ESE Secretariat at info@euro-endo.org.

European Young Active Research meeting

Wed, 23 Jun 2010 12:00:00 GMT

The 12th Annual Meeting of Young Active Research (YAR) will be held on 1-3 October 2010 in Dusseldorf, Germany. The YAR initiative was founded during the annual meeting of the German Endocrine Society (DGE) in 1999 and aims to increase the mutual exchange between young scientists working in the field of endocrinology. Further information can be found at the link below.

YAR website

Write for the SfE public website!

Tue, 22 Jun 2010 12:00:00 GMT

You and Your Hormones is an exciting new project by the Society for Endocrinology that aims to become the leading online resource for scientific and medical information on all aspects of endocrinology.

To do this, we need your help. We are looking for endocrinologists with a real enthusiasm for communicating their science to write and review the information provided on the website - in this way we can make sure that the public are getting the best and most up-to-date information available.

If you have a passion for public engagement and want to exercise your skills (and furnish your CV with something pretty unique!), contact the SfE Public and Media Relations team at public@endocrinology.org. Whether you're a thyroid surgeon, a lab-dwelling PhD student or an endocrine nurse, your expertise can make a real difference.

You and Your Hormones

European Science Federation Research Networking Programmes

Tue, 22 Jun 2010 12:00:00 GMT

On 1 July 2010, the European Science Federation will open a call for proposals to its 2010 round of Research Networking Programme funding. The grant programme funds networking activities - namely those that bring together scientists and professionals from different places to meet and exchange ideas.

The activity should address a major scientific issue at the European level, and can take the form of a meeting, exchange programme, training event, or other networking activity.

For full details of the grant programme and the eligibility criteria, please follow the link below. Applications open on 1 July and close on 14 October 2010.

Further details

Health Innovation Challenge Fund - Wellcome Trust

Mon, 21 Jun 2010 12:00:00 GMT

The Wellcome Trust's Health Innovation Challenge Fund has been developed in partnership with the Department of Health and seeks to fund solutions to key challenges for the benefit of patients in the NHS and beyond.

The current round of funding welcomes proposals to overcome challenges in the management of chronic diseases - those for which a 'cure' does not exist at present and that can only currently be controlled.

The scope of the current round is therefore huge and those with research interests in endocrine conditions (which fall under the 'chronic' category in the majority of cases) are encouraged to apply. The dealine for preliminary applications is 1 October 2010. For more information please follow the link below.

Further details

TRPC1-Orai1-STIM1 in hyperparathyroidism

Mon, 14 Jun 2010 12:00:00 GMT

Primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT) is the second most common endocrine disorder in the western world. While the underlying uncoupling of parathyroid hormone secretion from elevated serum calcium which causes pHPT is understood, the mechanism responsible for the control of parathyroid cell intracellular Ca2+ has not been identified from the many which have been proposed. Lu and colleagues report that L-type voltage operated Ca2+ channels are not involved, and produce strong evidence that a complex of transient receptor potential canonical 1 (TRPC1), Ca2+ release-activated Ca2+ modulator 1 (Orai1), and stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1) is the key mechanism regulating intracellular Ca2+ in human parathyroid cells. Lu, M et al. (2010). Journal of Molecular Endocrinology, 44, 285-294.

DOI: 10.1677/JME-09-0138

CypB in PRL signalling

Mon, 14 Jun 2010 12:00:00 GMT

Evidence increasingly demonstrates of role for prolactin (PRL) in the pathogenesis of human breast cancer. Cyclophilin B (CypB) is a binding partner necessary for the transactivation of PRL-responsive genes involved in breast cancer. In this study, Fang and colleagues used siRNA to examine the effect of CyB knockdown in PRL-stimulated breast cancer cells. They conclude that the absence of CypB significantly impairs PRL-induced gene expression in breast cancer cells, resulting in reduced cell growth and migration. Fang, F et al. (2010). Journal of Molecular Endocrinology, 44, 319-329.

DOI: 10.1677/JME-09-0140

SfE BES 2010 prize lectures on the web

Fri, 11 Jun 2010 12:00:00 GMT

Those of you that did the unthinkable and missed out on the prize lectures at this year's SfE BES conference, never fear! You can now listen to each lecture online with the accompanying slide show. The lectures are:

Society for Endocrinology Dale Medal Lecture, Professor Stephen O'Rahilly (Cambridge) - Common metabolic disease: lessons from the extremes.

Society for Endocrinology Transatlantic Medal Lecture, Professor Shlomo Melmed (Los Angeles, US) - Pathogenesis of pituitary adenomas.

Society for Endocrinology Medal Lecture, Professor Wiebke Arlt (Birmingham) - The hitchhiker's guide to the steroid galaxy.

Society for Endocrinology Hoffenberg International Medal Lecture, Professor Takashi Yoshimura (Nagoya, Japan) - Molecular and endocrine mechanism of seasonal reproduction in birds and mammals.

British Thyroid Association Pitt-Rivers Lecture, Professor Anthony Weetman (Sheffield) - Thyroid associations.

Clinical Endocrinology Trust Lecture, Professor Peter Clayton (Manchester) - Ubiquitination - the 'kiss of death' for human growth.

The lectures can be accessed from the SfE members' section.

SfE Endocrine Nurse Update - website now live!

Tue, 08 Jun 2010 12:00:00 GMT

The website for the SfE Endocrine Nurse Update is now live. This innovate new course, taking place on 27-28 September 2010 in Stratford-upon-Avon, will deliver a programme of lectures by nurses from across the spectrum of endocrinology and is suitable for trainee and senior endocrine nurses alike. The Update will address current practice and new developments in endocrine nursing through lectures, posters and case presentations. Places on this course are limited to 40, so book now to avoid disappointment!

Further information is available at the website below or contact the SfE conference team on +44(0)1454 642 240 or email conferences@endocrinology.org.

Endocrine Nurse Update 2010

Attendees also have the option of applying for one of three travel grants for the Endocrine Nurse Update. For further information see the link below:

Travel grants

SfE BES 2010 conference award winners

Fri, 04 Jun 2010 12:00:00 GMT

SfE would like to offer a huge congratulations to all those that presented their work at the SfE BES conference in March. During the conference the following prizes were awarded: Young Endocrinologist (YE) prize lecture (basic) - Dr Vicki Smith, YEP1; YE prize lecture (clinical) - Dr Alia Munir, YEP2; YE best oral communication (basic) - Mahsa Javid et al., OC3.6; YE best oral communication (clinical) - Alexander Lawson et al., OC3.8.

Annette Louise Seal Award, Addisons Self Help Group (winner) - Susan Stewart et al., P340; Annette Louise Seal Award (runner-up) - Jean Munday et al., P331; Association for Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Disorders (AMEND) Young Investigator award - Angela Taylor et al., OC3.3; AMEND Young Investigator award (joint winner) - Zehra Ozfirat et al., OC2.4; British Thyroid Association award - Nadia Schoenmakers et al., OC3.5; Clinical Endocrinology Trust (CET) best nurse abstract - Violet Fazal-Sanderson et al., P406; CET best basic abstract - Nicholas Buss et al., OC1.5; CET best case presentation - Mars Skae et al., OC2.7; CET best clinical practice/governance and case report abstract - Elizabeth Walker et al., OC3.8.

Best overall basic poster - Irina Grigorieva et al., P16; Best basic poster 1 - Sian Piret et al., P177; Best basic poster 2 - Charlotte Boughton et al., P239; Best basic poster 3 - Greg Lewy et al., P124; Best basic poster 4 - Isabel Huang-Doran et al., P169; Best overall clinical poster - Roland Stimson et al., P358; Best clinical poster 1 - Rochan Agha-Jaffar et al., P101; Best clinical poster 2 - Jan Idkowiak et al., P231; Best clinical poster 3 - Barbara Alberts et al., P116; Best clinical poster 4 - Tom Hopkins et al., P120.

Well done all!

3rd SfE Regional Clinical Cases Meeting - Website now live!

Fri, 04 Jun 2010 12:00:00 GMT

The third SfE Regional Clinical Cases meeting, held in association with the South East Region Endocrine Club, will take place at the Park Inn Hotel, Lansdowne Place, Brighton on 10 December and will consist of ten oral communications and a number of poster presentations made up from high scoring submitted abstracts. Accepted abstracts will be featured on the Society’s website and appear in the delegates’ programme book. The evening will be brought to a close with a prize giving ceremony and reception.

All information will be available at the website below. Please note, the deadline for submission of cases will be Monday 4 October 2010. For more information about the Society’s Regional Clinical Cases meetings, or to make a proposal to host your own, please download an application form.

SfE Regional Clinical Cases website

SfE Obesity Management Symposium - for the endocrinologist, 9-10 September 2010

Fri, 04 Jun 2010 12:00:00 GMT

One of the major aims of the Society for Endocrinology is to develop the role of endocrinologists in the delivery of services for severely obese patients. The key to this is the training of future endocrinologists in the area of obesity and metabolism. To this end, the Society’s Obesity Special Interest Group (convened by Dr Sadaf Farooqi (Cambridge) and Professor John Wilding (Liverpool)) has developed a national symposium that will focus on practical aspects of obesity management and service delivery. The second symposium will be held at the Institute of Metabolic Science, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge.

The programme for the two days is now available on the website along with more information and details on how to register.

The total number of delegates has been limited to 40 to ensure that a collegiate atmosphere is generated that will provide an effective forum for networking with peers and faculty, so we recommend you register as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

SfE Obesity Management Symposium

From Brain Drain to Brain Gain - The Morebrain Project

Wed, 02 Jun 2010 12:00:00 GMT

Mobility of researchers is a driving force for innovation through collaboration, yet this can sometimes lead to a shortage in research expertise through excessive export - a phenomenon termed brain drain.

An EU-funded project is looking to understand the factors that influence researchers to move between countries, called the 'Morebrain project'. As a researcher you are invited to take 15 minutes to complete an online survey that will give some insights into the push and pull incentives behind researchers' mobility decisions.

You can take part in the Morebrain project by following the link below.

The Morebrain project

Research Fellowships - Diabetes UK

Wed, 26 May 2010 12:00:00 GMT

Added via Naturejobs.

Diabetes UK is accepting applications from scientists with three to six years' postdoctoral experience to their prestigious research fellowships. The fellowships can last up to five years, and candidates may apply for research funding of up to £14,000 per year on top of the fellowship salary (which is paid at appropriate university scales).

The deadline for applications is 5pm, 1 November 2010. For more information please follow the link below.

Further details

RCP Samuel Leonard Simpson fellowships in endocrinology

Tue, 25 May 2010 12:00:00 GMT

Applications are now open for the 2010 round of the Royal College of Physicians' (RCP) prestigious Samuel Leonard Simpson fellowships in endocrinology. The fellowships encourage the exchange of ideas and techniques through travel.

Up to £8000 is available which may be awarded to one or more fellow(s). Applications will be considered from suitably qualified UK cadidates wishing to travel abroad or from those abroad wishing to visit the UK. To apply for the fellowship please go to the RCP website by following the link below. The deadline for applications is 1 September 2010.

Further details

1st ESE Clinical Update - case submission deadline 17 September

Wed, 19 May 2010 12:00:00 GMT

The ESE Clinical Update Course is the first in an annual programme of international residential events providing essential training for all trainees and an update for established endocrinologists. The event is designed not only to give a vigorous update on current clinical practice but also to encourage networking between trainees and established endocrinologists.

The 1st ESE Clinical Update will be held at the Porto Palacio Congress Hotel in Porto, Portugal from 22-24 October 2010.

The Clinical Update course website is now live and registration is open. Register before the early bird deadline - 3 October 2010 - to get a reduced registration fee.

Call for cases: prospective delegates are expected to submit clinical case studies for presentation and discussion at the ESE Clinical Update interactive workshop sessions. Further details and a utility for submitting cases online can be found at the Clinical Update course website. The deadline for submission of cases is 17 September 2010.

ICE/ECE 2012 - save the date

Mon, 17 May 2010 12:00:00 GMT

The 15th International Congress of Endocrinology will be held jointly with the 14th European Congress of Endocrinology on 5-9 May 2012 in Fortezza Da Basso, Florence, Italy.

To register your interest in ICE/ECE 2012 please contact ece2012@endocrinology.org stating your name and country of residence.

Wellcome Trust New Investigator Awards

Wed, 05 May 2010 12:00:00 GMT

Open to researchers who are no more than five years from appointment to their first academic post, the Wellcome Trust New Investigator Awards provide support to talented young scientists that have already demonstrated significant achievements in their field and show a similar forward-thinking and innovative approach to the future.

The awards provide funding of between £100,000 to £425,000 per year for up to seven years, depending on the scientific needs of the applicant's research. Applications are welcome from UK and nationals of certain other countries (follow the link below for full eligibility criteria).

Applications open on 1 October 2010 and will close on 22 November 2010. Please follow the link below for more information.

Further details

SfE Clinical Update 2010 - registration now open!

Wed, 28 Apr 2010 12:00:00 GMT

Registration for the upcoming SfE Clinical Update is now available on the SfE website. The Clinical Update programme provides essential training for all trainees and new consultants in endocrinology and diabetes, covering the JRCPTB national curriculum over a three year period. 2010 sees the start of a new cycle.

This year the SfE Clinical Update will take place on 8-10 November at the Bristol Marriott Royal Hotel, Bristol. The three day programme comprises lectures and workshops based around the presentation of routine cases by delegates. This mixed format ensures the generation of an excellent collegiate atmosphere that promotes an effective forum for networking with peers and more established endocrinologists.

The early bird deadline for registration is 4 October 2010. However, this highly successful, premier clinical training course has been over subscribed in the past, and registration will be on a first come, first serve basis, so book now to avoid disappointment! For further information, contact conferences@endocrinology.org.

SfE Clinical Update 2010

Postgraduate Essay Prize - deadline 13 September 2010

Mon, 26 Apr 2010 12:00:00 GMT

This competition is open to all students registered for a higher degree in the UK or Ireland at the time of essay submission (eg a Masters course or research degree such as MPhil/PhD/MDRes or equivalent).

The essay should be on an endocrine subject, and must be topical and assessable so that it can be readily understood by an educated lay person. The essay must also enhance the public understanding of the subject.

A £1000 prize is available to the winning entrant, and a number of runner-up prizes and highly commended certificates will also be issued.

The deadline for applications is 13 September 2010. For full eligibility criteria and further information please follow the link below:

SfE Postgraduate Essay Prize

The British Thyroid Foundation Research Award

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 12:00:00 GMT

The British Thyroid Foundation supports patients of thyroid conditions by providing information, raising awareness, setting up local support groups and funding research. Each year they offer an award of £10,000 to enable medical researchers to supplement existing projects or for pump priming existing research ideas.

The award is designated for a project specifically directed to the study of thyroid disorders, or an investigation into the basic understanding of thyroid function. Studies funded through this funding stream are eligible for inclusion in the NIHR Clinical Research Network Portfolio and therefore able to access NHS support via the NIHR Clinical Research Network infrastructure.

The closing date for applications is 31 August 2010. Please folow the link below for more information.

Further details

Sibutramine (Reductil) - information from MHRA

Fri, 19 Feb 2010 12:00:00 GMT

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has completed a review of sibutramine (Reductil, a treatment for obesity) after new study data raised concerns about its cardiovascular safety. The review has found that the benefits of sibutramine do not outweigh the risks of cardiovascular reactions in clinical use. The EMA’s Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) has recommended suspension of the marketing authorisation for this medicine across the European Union. Further details can be found below; this information was sent to healthcare professionals through the NHS Central Alerting System on 21 January. Further information will also be available at:

http://www.mhra.gov.uk/NewsCentre/CON068470

http://www.ema.europa.eu/

Further information (pdf) (67kb)

Open Access

Fri, 19 Feb 2010 12:00:00 GMT

The Society's policy on the conditions under which articles are accepted for publication in its journals.

Follow Society for Endocrinology on Twitter!

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 12:00:00 GMT

You can now follow SfE news and announcements on Twitter, the free social networking and micro-blogging service.

Twitter allows to you keep up-to-date with the latest news from SfE including upcoming events, grant deadlines and important announcements.

News and announcements from SfE: http://twitter.com/Soc_Endo.

Society Grants

Mon, 11 May 2009 12:00:00 GMT

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

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 12:00:00 GMT

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.

Prizes and awards website