Society for Endocrinology

Chemicals in environment 'damaging male fertility' (BBC News Online, 16 May 2012)

Wed, 16 May 2012 12:00:00 GMT

A study by researchers from Scotland and France published in the International Journal of Andrology looks into sperm production in sheep exposed to sewage sludge in utero through to later life.

Full article

Diabetes improved regardless of surgical procedure (Science Daily, 7 May 2012)

Wed, 16 May 2012 12:00:00 GMT

A Finnish and Swedish study presented at the International Congress of Endocrinology/European Congress of Endocrinology in Florence, Italy, looks into type 2 diabetes risks in obese people undergoing different types of bariatric surgery.

Full article

Hyperthyroidism linked to erectile dysfunction (AlphaGalileo, 9 May 2012)

Wed, 16 May 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Findings from two European studies presented at the joint International Congress of Endocrinology and European Congress of Endocrinology in Florence, Italy, suggest that men suffering from an overactive thyroid gland are at an increased risk for erectile dysfunction.

Full article

Public Event - do you know your risk of heart disease?

Wed, 16 May 2012 12:00:00 GMT

1 in 3 people die of some form of cardiovascular disease, making it the UK's biggest killer.

This free public event, which is sponsored by the Society for Endocrinology following the award of a Public Engagement Grant to Dr Yvonne Alexander (Manchester), will invite experts from the University of Manchester including Professor Ann White, Professor Rayaz Malik and Professor John Harris, as well as BBC Health Correspondent Dr Gill Jenkins, to discuss risk factors for cardiovascular disease and debate the statement "Are we doing enough to beat heart disease?" The event will be chaired by Dr Sarah Chan (Manchester) and will take place from 18.30-20:00 on Tuesday 29 May at Manchester Town Hall.

Attendance is open to all members of the public and is free, but booking is advised via the Eventbrite page or by calling 0161 275 1191 or emailing jenny.Parr@manchester.ac.uk.

For more information please download the event flyer (pdf).

Sense About Science media workshop for early career researchers

Wed, 16 May 2012 12:00:00 GMT

The Society for Endocrinology is an annual supporter of Voice of Young Science (VoYS), the early career network of science advocacy group Sense About Science.

VoYS hold a number of Standing up for Science workshops each year, which give early career researchers an introduction to science in the media. As an annual supporter we are pleased to provide five priority places to our early career (Scientist-in-training, Clinician-in-training, Nurse or Associate) members who are eligible for the next workshop, which will take place on 15 June 2012 at the Society of Biology in London.

Applicants will be selected on a first-come-first-serve basis and will receive a travel grant of up to £200 each to attend the workshop. The deadline for applications is 25 May - please follow the link below for further information and an application form.

VoYS media workshop

Scientists make groundbreaking discovery of mutation-causing genetic disorder in humans (EurekAlert, 14 May 2012)

Tue, 15 May 2012 12:00:00 GMT

An multi-national collaboration has identified a potential genetic cause of Hamamy syndrome, a rare genetic disorder marked by abnormal facial features and defects in the heart, bone, blood and reproductive cells, publishing their findings in Nature Genetics.

Full article

Lecturer in Physiology (2 posts), University of Oxford

Mon, 14 May 2012 12:00:00 GMT

The Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford wishes to appoint two lecturers in physiology to start on 1 September 2012 or as soon as possible thereafter. The successful candidates will be offered a Tutorial Fellowship at Brasenose College or at St Catherine’s College. The appointments will be initially for five years at which point, upon completion of a successful review, they will be eligible for reappointment to retirement. The salary for these posts will be on a scale from £42,883 to £57,581 a year.

The successful candidates will conduct an independent research programme complementary to the department’s research strategy which will be capable of attracting significant external research funding. You will organise and deliver high-quality teaching in epithelial physiology or endocrinology to pre-clinical medical and biomedical science students, provide supervision and research training for graduate students, and contribute to the examining and admissions processes as necessary. You will have a higher degree in basic science and will be able to demonstrate a research record of international standing witnessed by peer reviewed publications, as well as evidence of imaginative research plans and the potential to lead and manage new research initiatives.

You can find further information, including details of how to apply, at the link below, or by emailing reference@dpag.ox.ac.uk. Informal enquiries about the post should be addressed to Professor Peter Robbins, Head of Department, by emailing peter.robbins@dpag.ox.ac.uk or telephoning 01865 272471. The closing date for applications is 12.00 noon on 6 June 2012.

Job advert

Liposomal treatment against ACC

Mon, 14 May 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare neoplasm characterised by poor prognosis with only 16-38% of patients surviving more than five years after diagnosis. Studies demonstrate that cytotoxic drugs alone produce low response rates. Further, the administration of chemotherapeutic drugs is often complicated by dose-limiting side-effects. However, liposomal encapsulation can reduce this toxicity based on the modified bio distribution of the drug. This mechanism can be further amplified by active targeting. The aim of active targeting is, among other things, to achieve at best a specific internalization by the tumour cells and thereby an effective intracellular access of liposomally encapsulated drugs.

Recently, Hantel et al. initiated the development of a novel anti-insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1-R)-coupled liposomal therapy for the treatment of endocrine tumours. As adrenocortical tumorigenesis has been reported to depend on IGF signalling, they extended their studies to a preclinical model of ACC. They initiated testing of liposomal preparations in in vitro and in vivo models of ACC. Adrenocortical NCIh295 cells were used for in vitro association studies with different liposomal formulations. The results of their studies show that anti-IGF1-R immunoliposomes could represent a promising therapeutic approach for this tumour entity. Moreover, a combination of mitotane plus liposomally encapsulated cytostatic agents instead of free drugs could also be an interesting novel treatment option for ACC in the future. Hantel et al. (2012) Journal of Endocrinology 213 155-161.

Read the full article at DOI: 10.1530/JOE-11-0427

Suppressor role of AR in prostate basal cells

Mon, 14 May 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Normal adult prostatic epithelium includes three types of cells: neuroendocrine cells, luminal epithelial cells, and basal epithelial cells that are aligned along the basement membrane. Cells in the luminal layer express androgen receptor (AR), prostate-specific antigen (PSA), cytokeratin-8 (CK8), and CK18. In contrast, cells of the basal layer express CK5 and CK14, and AR expression is either undetectable or at a very low level. Under normal conditions, adult prostate epithelial cells remain in homeostasis with infrequent turnover. However, the homeostasis is broken upon androgen depletion. When an adult male is castrated, the serum testosterone level decreases rapidly and the prostate regresses with the majority of luminal epithelial cells dying through apoptosis, whereas the majority of basal epithelial cells remain alive.

Earlier in vitro studies using different prostate epithelial cell lines led to different conclusions that androgen might be able to either stimulate or suppress prostate epithelial cell proliferation. These contrasting results suggest that response to androgen deprivation treatment is different in normal luminal epithelial cells vs basal epithelial cells. Using established mouse and human basal epithelial/progenitor cells as well as an in vivo basal-ARKO (Cyp19a1) mouse model, Lee et al. report that ARs may play a negative role to suppress proliferation of basal epithelial/progenitor cells, yet AR expression also plays essential roles to drive these cells into a more differentiated state.

These results may explain why differential AR expression in different cell types within normal prostate is needed and suggest that ARs in prostate basal epithelial cells, although expressed at a very low level, are necessary to maintain the balance between progenitor cells and differentiated luminal epithelial cells. Lee et al. (2012) Journal of Endocrinology 213 173-182.

Read the full article at DOI: 10.1530/JOE-11-0474

TG2 mutants and insulin secretion

Mon, 14 May 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Transglutaminase 2 (TG2) is an enzyme with diverse biological functions. Mutations in the TG2 (TGM2) gene have also been implicated in young-onset type 2 diabetes. However, their effect on TG2 function is not fully understood. Salter et al. analysed the effect of naturally occurring mutations in TG2 on its transamidation, kinase, and GTP-binding functions and their association with GSIS. Their results indicate that all three reported mutations in TG2 differentially affect TG2 biological functions such as transamidation, kinase, and G-protein functions. This would imply that transamidation, kinase, and G-protein functions of TG2 are associated with each other and regulated in a coordinated manner.

Furthermore, their data indicates that various functions of TG2 are activated in a sequential manner during the different phases of GSIS. Reduced insulin secretion as a result of naturally occurring mutations in TG2 is most likely due to the impairment of more than one biological function of TG2. Salter et al. (2012) Journal of Molecular Endocrinology 48 203-216.

Read the full article at DOI: 10.1530/JME-11-0064

Metabolite profiling in diabetes

Mon, 14 May 2012 12:00:00 GMT

As a significant proportion of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus display few of the classical risk factors, much work has centred on finding biomarkers not associated with classical risk factors in order to improve the risk prediction for the disease. In their commentary, Karakas and Koenig discuss research by Ha and colleagues, which found a cluster of six metabolites which could improve diagnostic power.

Full article: Ha et al. (2012) Clinical Endocrinology 76 674–682 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2265.2011.04244.x

Commentary: Karakas and Koenig (2012) Clinical Endocrinology 76 615–616 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2265.2011.04298.x

Scientists uncover potential treatment for painful side effect of diabetes (AlphaGalileo, 13 May 2012)

Mon, 14 May 2012 12:00:00 GMT

A multi-national collaborative study published in Nature Medicine has investigated potential treatments for painful diabetic neuropathy.

Full article

Research Assistant, University of Glasgow

Mon, 14 May 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Via www.jobs.ac.uk. A vacancy for a Research Assistant is available at the College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow. The postholder will assist with carrying out research entitled 'Do oral contraceptives alter women's mate preferences?', a five-year project funded by the European Research Council. The project investigates the effects of hormone levels, including the exogenous hormones in oral contraceptives, on aspects of women's face, voice and body perception, such as attractiveness judgements and emotion processing. Click on the link below for more information. The closing date for applications is 29 May 2012.

Job advert

Eggs 'help prevent hunger pangs' (Press Association, 12 May 2012)

Mon, 14 May 2012 12:00:00 GMT

A study presented at the European Congress on Obesity in Lyon, France, has looked into associations between egg consumption and levels of appetite hormones.

Full article

Arena obesity pill wins over U.S. advisers (Reuters, 10 May 2012)

Mon, 14 May 2012 12:00:00 GMT

The US Endocrinologic and Metabolic Drugs Advisory Committee has provided a positive opinion to the FDA to approve the marketing application for lorcaserin for weight management in obese and overweight patients.

Full article

Paediatric Endocrinologist, Nemours Children's Hospital, Orlando, Florida, USA

Mon, 14 May 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Nemours Children's Hospital (NCH) in Orlando, Florida, USA is seeking a fourth Paediatric Endocrinologist for their expanding department. Physician candidates must be board certified or board eligible in paediatric endocrinology and eligible for unrestricted Florida medical licensure.

This position will be based at their new Lake Nona Medical City location on the NCH campus. Group call will be 1:4, and coordinated with ER call. ER call is for NCH only. Compensation will be competitive and commensurate with experience, and includes relocation.

Academic appointment is available to the University of Central Florida College of Medicine and the Florida State University College of Medicine. The department is active in research, and the diabetes program is certified by the American Diabetic Association. Click on the link below for more information and to submit a CV online. Any queries about the role should be directed to Debra Brown, Physician Recruiter, debrown@nemours.org, (407) 650-7509. The closing date for applications is 6 July 2012.

Job advert

Associate Editor required for The Endocrinologist

Mon, 14 May 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Are you interested in influencing the opinions of the Society’s membership and shaping the future of endocrinology? If so, this could be the opportunity for you!

The Society's quarterly newsletter The Endocrinologist is looking for an Associate Editor to bring their creativity and inspiration to the newsletter. The successful candidate will be working alongside Dr Miles Levy (a consultant endocrinologist at Leicester and current Associate Editor) who will take over as Editor in January 2013. Applications are welcome from any endocrine-related discipline and expressions of interest from basic scientists are particularly welcome.

The position is available from January 2013 and it is expected that the Associate Editor will go on to become the Editor after two years. If you are interested in this post, please contact Tracey Curtis at tracey.curtis@endocrinology.org.

The Endocrinologist

2012 Max Perutz Science Writing Award

Mon, 14 May 2012 12:00:00 GMT

The Medical Research Council 2012 Max Perutz Science Writing Award, in partnership with Metro, is now open for submissions. If you are an MRC-funded PhD student or early-career researcher with an interest in communicating your science to a wider audience, the Max Perutz Science Writing Award is for you.

They want you, in no more than 800 words, to tell them why your research matters in a way that would interest a non-scientific audience. Tell them about your research and why it’s important. Why does it interest you? Why should it interest the reader? Applicants must submit their writing using the entry form at the link below. The deadline for applications is 8 June 2012.

Further details

Diabetes UK Project Grants

Mon, 14 May 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Via www.rdfunding.org.uk. The purpose of the Diabetes UK Project Grant Scheme is to support larger pieces of high quality, diabetes related research.

Applications should normally be for hypothesis-driven projects. Support may be requested for up to five years. Diabetes UK Project Grants are offered to those with a tenured or permanent position within a UK institution. There is no limit to research expenses that may be requested, however all requests must be fully justified. Applicants applying for £500,000 or more must contact the office in the first instance and should normally hold substantial funding from Diabetes UK.

Any enquiries should be directed to: research@diabetes.org.uk. The closing date for applications is 1 June 2012.

Grant advert

Submit your research to Endocrine Connections

Mon, 14 May 2012 12:00:00 GMT

There has been a fantastic response to the launch of Endocrine Connections, the new Open Access journal from the Society for Endocrinology and the European Society of Endocrinology, with great feedback about our rapid peer review process.

?Communication with the Editorial Office, fair review process and particularly the extremely fast turnaround of our manuscript were impressive." – Dr Martin Weickert, University of Warwick.

This paper: Receipt to Acceptance in just 13 days!

If you have research or review papers to submit to the journal then click here to find out how. Don’t forget - we’re offering half-price Article Publication Fees to authors of the first 200 accepted papers!

Endocrine Connections

YDF-OCDEM Finishing School - 21-22 June, Oxford

Mon, 14 May 2012 12:00:00 GMT

The Young Diabetologists' Forum (YDF), part of Diabetes UK, is organising a YDF-OCDEM Finishing School for SpRs on 21-22 June at Eynsham Hall near Oxford. The course will be chaired by Professors Rury Holman and Edwin Gale and is designed for those coming towards the end of their SpR training and soon to embark on consultant careers.

This event is designed for trainees coming to the end of their training and is designed to cover cutting edge and highly specialist areas of clinical care and also to prepare for consultant interviews and consultant posts. By the end of the course delegates will have picked up tips on how to approach consultant post applications, how to perform at interview, how to negotiate a contact and how to survive as a new consultant.

Click on the link below to download the programme and to register online.

YDF-OCDEM Finishing School

SfE Regional Clinical Cases 2012 - Oxford

Mon, 14 May 2012 12:00:00 GMT

The first of our Regional Clinical Cases meetings this year will take place at the Macdonald Randolph Hotel, Oxford on Tuesday 10 July 2012 in association with the Oxford Endocrine Group.

The programme consists of talks from Professors Ashley Grossman, John Connell, Faisal Ahmed and Richard Eastell interspersed with ten oral case presentations selected from a record 41 abstracts submitted by delegates. The remaining accepted abstracts will be displayed as posters. There will be four prizes, totalling £600, awarded to two oral and two poster presenters at the evening reception.

For more information and to register for the meeting please visit SfE Regional Clinical Cases Oxford 2012. Those who have not yet started their specialist training in endocrinology (medical students, FYs, CTs/ST1 and 2) are eligible to apply for a limited number of free registration places. For more information please visit SfE Regional Clinical Cases Oxford Registration. You can also contact the conference secretariat at conferences@bioscientifica.com or call +44 (0) 1454 642 210.

Comments from delegates of previous Regional Clinical Cases meetings: ?Good varied programme with excellent external speakers?; ?Wide range of clinical topics covered and relevant talks by keynote speakers?; ?Provides junior doctors with a very good forum to present cases?

Clinical Update - 5-7 November 2012, Stratford-upon-Avon

Mon, 14 May 2012 12:00:00 GMT

The Society for Endocrinology’s Clinical Update training programme provides essential training for trainees and recently appointed consultants in endocrinology and diabetes. This year's event will take place in Stratford-upon-Avon on 5-7 November 2012.

Over a three-year period, the programme covers the national curriculum in endocrinology and diabetes and is indispensable for those preparing to sit the Federation of Royal Colleges of Physicians’ Specialty Certificate Examination. Although the 2012 event is in the third year of the cycle, attendance at previous years’ meetings is NOT a prerequisite. The preliminary programme for this year’s course is now available via the link below.

The call for cases will open on 4 June 2012 with a deadline of 1 October 2012. If you are not a member of the Society and would like to join to benefit from reduced early bird registration rates, the deadline for completing your Society membership application form is 24 September 2012.

Clinical Update 2012

PhD studentship, University of Aberdeen

Mon, 14 May 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Via www.findaphd.com. A PhD studentship is available at the University of Aberdeen to study a project entitled 'The Amino-Terminal Domain of Steroid Receptors as a Novel Drug Target: Identification and Characterisation of Small Molecule Inhibitors' supervised by Professor Iain McEwan.

Steroid hormones regulate a wide range of physiological processes from the control of reproduction to metabolism. These molecules act via intracellular receptor proteins, which function as ligand-activated transcription factors. Steroid receptors (SHRs) also represent a well validated drug target for the treatment of some of the major health concerns in the developed world including hormone-dependent cancers, inflammation and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Currently, therapeutic intervention involves blocking synthesis of the natural hormone coupled with the use of antagonists, which bind to the receptor protein but fail to activate the normal signalling cascade. However, the effectiveness of such treatments can be compromised by side-effects or the emergence of resistance to steroid antagonists. The structurally flexible N-terminal domain (NTD) of SHRs is important for receptor activity and is involved in multiple protein-protein interactions (PPi) with the transcription machinery. Recent evidence suggests that the NTD may represent an effective drug target to switch off receptor signalling by interfering with PPi, irrespective of the hormone binding status of the protein. This project will involve developing and using cell based models to identify and characterise modulators of SHR action.

Funding is provided by a BBSRC-CASE Award with TPP Global Development. Candidates should have a 2.1 or higher honours degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject. Click on the link below for more information. The closing date for applications is 1 June 2012.

Job advert

PhD studentship, Universities of Kent and Greenwich

Mon, 14 May 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Via www.findaphd.com. A PhD project entitled 'Investigations into how immunosuppressant drugs adversely affect renal medullary blood flow' is available at the Universities of Kent and Greenwich. The successful applicant will investigate whether immunosuppressant drugs decrease renal medullary blood flow (MBF) via vasa recta pericyte cells (pericytes).

It is well established that some immunosuppressant drugs are nephrotoxic, and it has been proposed they decrease MBF by an unknown mechanism. This reduction in MBF can lead to acute renal failure and ischaemic renal injury, as well as the fibrosis which is an important mechanism in the progression of chronic kidney disease. Descending vasa recta (DVR) capillaries supply essential oxygen and nutrients to the renal medulla, and thus the close regulation of DVR capillary diameter is vital for normal kidney function. The laboratory has recently demonstrated that smooth muscle-like pericytes, on DVR capillaries, respond to endogenous vasoactive agents and regulate capillary diameter in situ. This suggests that pericytes are key in the regulation of blood flow through DVR capillaries. Capillaries themselves lack contractile properties and to date only pericytes have been shown to regulate capillary diameter. Their hypothesis is that some immunosuppressant drugs prevent DVR dilation by causing renal pericyte cells to contract and DVR constrict and thus decreased MBF.

Applications are invited from students of the biomedical sciences or a related discipline expecting a 2:1 or higher. Applications should be submitted by the closing date of 30 June 2012. Further information can be found at the link below.

Job advert

Metformin in medullary thyroid cancer

Mon, 14 May 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Cancer cell metabolism is a promising target for therapy. There is increasing evidence that the antidiabetic drug metformin may have potential as an anticancer agent. This study by Klubo-Gwiezdzinska and colleagues found that metformin can inhibit the growth of medullary thyroid cancer cells through the downregulation of cyclin D1, and prevent the metastasis of medullary thyroid cancer by resensitising the cancer cells to anoikis. Klubo-Gwiezdzinska et al. (2012) Endocrine-Related Cancer 19 321-330.

Read the full article at: DOI: 10.1530/ERC-12-0046

New drug controls growth hormone (MedPage Today, 10 May 2012)

Fri, 11 May 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Novartis have announced the results of their phase III trial examining the use of pasireotide for the treatment of acromegaly. The study was presented at the joint International Congress of Endocrinology/European Congress of Endocrinology.

Full article

'Clotting risk' with contraceptives (Press Association, 10 May 2012)

Fri, 11 May 2012 12:00:00 GMT

A new study published in the British Medical Journal by Danish researchers examines how the relative risk posed to women of developing a blood clot is altered by different methods of contraception.

Full article

SfE reaction to announcement on libel reform

Thu, 10 May 2012 12:00:00 GMT

The Society is delighted to hear that the Government will be reforming the libel laws, as announced in the Queen's Speech.

Professor Ashley Grossman, President of the Society for Endocrinology, said:

?The Society for Endocrinology welcomes the announcement in the Queen’s Speech that the Government will be reforming the current libel laws and protecting freedom of speech. It is essential that clinicians and researchers are able to openly discuss and debate new scientific findings, and in particular new clinical research, without fear of prosecution. Through questioning and examining new research in detail, we can advance our understanding of scientific issues and bring improvements to public health and patient care. It is now imperative that Libel Reform Campaign partners keep up the hard work to ensure this new Bill is fit for purpose and meets the needs of all parties involved.?

For more information on the libel reform campaign, please click on the links below:

Libel Reform Campaign

Sense About Science

Congratulations to new Fellows of the Academy of Medical Sciences

Thu, 10 May 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Congratulations to the following SfE members who have been elected as Fellows of the Academy of Medical Sciences:

Professor Philippa Saunders, Director of the MRC Centre for Reproductive Health at the University of Edinburgh. Philippa is also a member of the Society's Science Committee.

Professor David Dunger, Professor of Paediatrics at the University of Cambridge.

Academy of Medical Sciences

Testosterone supplements may help male weight loss (BBC News Online, 9 May 2012)

Wed, 09 May 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Research presented at the European Congress of Obesity discusses whether testosterone supplements can assist weight loss in obese men. Check out the quotes in the story from SfE spokespeople Ashley Grossman and Richard Sharpe for our view.

Full article

Diabetes shrinks the elderly brain (AlphaGalileo, 7 May 2012)

Wed, 09 May 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Elderly people with pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes suffer from an accelerated decline in brain size and mental capacity in as little as two years according to new research presented at the joint International Congress of Endocrinology/European Congress of Endocrinology in Florence, Italy.

Full article

Gene switch in premature births may link to thyroid disease (AlphaGalileo, 8 May 2012)

Wed, 09 May 2012 12:00:00 GMT

New research may explain why premature babies are more likely to have congenital hypothyroidism. The findings presented at the joint International Congress of Endocrinology/European Congress of Endocrinology in Florence, Italy, suggest that premature birth is associated with a general misregulation of gene expression that may affect genes involved in fetal growth and thyroid function.

Full article

New imaging technique pinpoints position of rare pancreatic tumours (AlphaGalileo, 7 May 2012)

Wed, 09 May 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Researchers have found a non-invasive way to identify the exact position of very small insulinomas, thereby enabling surgeons to operate successfully to remove growths that can be less than one centimetre in diameter. The findings were presented at the joint International Congress of Endocrinology/European Congress of Endocrinology.

Full article

Genetic test may allow women at risk of postnatal depression to be identified before they develop the condition (AlphaGalileo, 7 May 2012)

Wed, 09 May 2012 12:00:00 GMT

British researchers have discovered a way of identifying which women are most at risk of postnatal depression. The findings could lead to the development of a simple, accurate blood test for the likelihood of any individual developing the condition. The research was presented at the International Congress of Endocrinology/European Congress of Endocrinology.

Full article

Diabetes link to low testosterone levels in men (BBC News Online, 3 May 2012)

Fri, 04 May 2012 12:00:00 GMT

A new study from the University of Edinburgh examines the link between low testosterone levels in men and their likelihood of developing diabetes.

Full article

Low-dose equals high-dose in thyroid ablation (MedPage Today, 2 May 2012)

Thu, 03 May 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Two studies published in the new issue of the New England Journal of Medicine report on the success rates of tissue ablation in patients with thyroid cancer using different protocols.

Full article

Evidence that BMI has an independent and causal effect on heart disease risk (EurekAlert, 1 May 2012)

Wed, 02 May 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Danish and UK scientists have published a study linking elevations in BMI with increased risks of cardiovascular disease in PLoS Medicine.

Full article

Scientists pinpoint nighttime 'urinate' protein (AFP, 1 May 2012)

Wed, 02 May 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Japanese scientists have looked into mouse circadian rhythm influences on enuresis, a need to urinate during the night, publishing their findings in Nature Communications.

Full article

Formaldehyde exposure may affect fertility in men (Science Daily, 30 April 2012)

Tue, 01 May 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Scientists from China have published a study linking occupational formaldehyde exposure with male fertility in Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.

Full article

It is goitre, not witchcraft

Tue, 01 May 2012 12:00:00 GMT

SfE is pleased to have awarded a Public Engagement Grant to Dr Olubiyi Adesina (Endocrinology and Diabetes Unit, Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria).

Dr Adesina will deliver what promises to be an enlightening lecture on the endocrinology of goitre to an audience of school children at the Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria, on 7 June 2012, addressing the belief commonly-held in Nigerian folklore that men and women with goitres are victims or practitioners of witchcraft. His lecture will be broadcast across Ogun State, Nigeria via television, radio and print media as part of a public education programme to lift the stigma associated with the condition and encourage patients with goitre to seek appropriate medical treatment.

More information on the event can be found at the SfE public event page.

Research Director, Cystic Fibrosis Trust

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 12:00:00 GMT

The Cystic Fibrosis Trust is the UK wide charity dedicated to funding research, ensuring excellent clinical care, and providing support and information for people affected by cystic fibrosis.

The Research Director will take lead responsibility for developing and implementing the Cystic Fibrosis Trust’s research strategy through a combination of basic science and translational research, working with industry and through international cooperation. Medically qualified or post graduate researcher in a relevant field you will have proven ability in project management. With excellent communication and computer skills you will be able to develop senior level relationships both nationally and internationally.

Click on the link below for a full job description and person specification. Please forward CV’s and a covering statement to recruitment@cftrust.org.uk. The closing date for applications is 7 June 2012 with interviews to be held on 14 June 2012.

Job advert

Research Manager, The Prostate Cancer Charity

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Based in our Operations Department (Hammersmith, London) the Research Manager will help oversee The Prostate Cancer Charity's expanding and extensive programme of medical research. The post holder will oversee the grant programme ensuring that the grant application processes are efficient, that through comprehensive peer review the Charity supports only the highest quality research, that the research programme is promoted internally and externally, and that programme's outputs are continually reviewed- maximising the impact of the Charity's research investment.

Click on the link below for more information.

New drug to tackle body fat problems (Science Daily, 27 April 2012)

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 12:00:00 GMT

UK scientists report that they have solved the 3D structure of the human leptin receptor, publishing their findings in Structure.

Full article

2 drugs better than 1 to treat youth with type 2 diabetes (EurekAlert, 29 April 2012)

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 12:00:00 GMT

A study on therapy for type 2 diabetes in youths (aged 10-17) is published in the New England Journal of Medicine.

Full article

Penn geneticists identify genes linked to Western African Pygmies' small stature (EurekAlert, 26 April 2012)

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 12:00:00 GMT

An international study on an African Pygmy population published in PLoS Genetics gives insights into the genetic and hormonal control of stature.

Full article

Why do the different people's bodies react differently to a high-fat diet? (EurekAlert, 26 April 2012)

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 12:00:00 GMT

A study by French researchers looks into the development of diabetes in mice with identical genetic backgrounds given a high fat diet to investigate associations with gut bacteria. The findings are published in the journal Gut.

Full article

Starting puberty very early carries risks of psychological problems, suggests new review (EurekAlert, 26 April 2012)

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 12:00:00 GMT

A review of psychological issues and medical therapy in precocious puberty in girls is published in The Obstetrician & Gynaecologist (TOG).

Full article

Tiny sharks provide glowing clue (BBC News Online, 26 April 2012)

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Researchers from Belgium have investigated the hormone prolactin as a mediator of luminescence in species of shark, publishing their findings in the Journal of Experimental Biology.

Full article

Vitamin D supplements can reduce blood pressure in patients with hypertension (AlphaGalileo, 25 April 2012)

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 12:00:00 GMT

A study from Denmark presented at the European Society of Hypertension meeting in London has investigated the use of vitamin D supplements during winter in hypertensive patients with low vitamin D levels.

Full article

Weighty Genes: UDE-scientists find new genetic variants for obesity (AlphaGalileo, 25 April 2012)

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 12:00:00 GMT

An international collaboration has published a genome-wide association meta-analysis identifying new genetic regions associated with early-onset obesity in Nature Genetics.

Full article

Novartis gets EU approval for Cushing's drug (Reuters, 25 April 2012)

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Novartis reports that the European Commission has approved Signifor (pasireotide) for patients with Cushing's disease for whom surgery is not an option or for whom surgery has failed.

Full article

Early menopause linked to higher risk of osteoporosis, fracture and mortality (EurekAlert, 24 April 2012)

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 12:00:00 GMT

A study from Sweden published in BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology follows perimenopausal women for 30 years to investigate associations between the age of menopause and the risk of osteoporosis, fracture and mortality.

Full article

Study examines subclinical hyperthyroidism, coronary heart disease and mortality risk (EurekAlert, 23 April 2012)

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 12:00:00 GMT

A Swiss study published in Archives of Internal Medicine invesitgates risks associated with subclinical hyperthyroidism.

Full article

Subclinical hypothyroidism treatment reduces ischemic heart disease event risk in younger patients (Medical News Today, 24 April 2012)

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 12:00:00 GMT

A UK study published in Archives of Internal Medicine investigates rates of ischaemic heart disease events in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism treated with levothyroxine.

Full article

Diabetes: Most NHS costs wasteful, says Diabetic Medicine (BBC News Online, 25 April 2012)

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 12:00:00 GMT

A report published in Diabetic Medicine looks at current and predicted costs of treatment for complications of diabetes mellitus.

Full article

SfE Conference Grants - next deadline 15 August 2012

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Society members can apply for conference grants of up to £500 (£750 for overseas meetings) to attend endocrine conferences. The next deadline for applications is 15 August 2012. Full details and eligibility criteria can be found at the link below.

SfE Conference grants

EU agency endorses Bristol, Astra diabetes drug (Reuters, 20 April 2012)

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 12:00:00 GMT

The European Medicines Agency has recommended approval of new type 2 diabetes drug dapagliflozin (Forxiga).

Full article

Is your liver driving your desire to eat? (Futurity, 20 April 2012)

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 12:00:00 GMT

A study on mice published in Diabetes examines a potential method of communication between the liver and brain which may influence appetite.

Full article

Why are some people more likely to get rickets? (BBC News Online, 20 April 2012)

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 12:00:00 GMT

A GP discusses contributing factors towards an increase in cases of rickets observed in the UK.

Full article

Breast cancer rules rewritten in 'landmark' study (BBC News Online, 18 April 2012)

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 12:00:00 GMT

A new system for classifying breast cancers, likened to a 'map' for diagnosis and treatment, is published in Nature.

Full article

Control faulty gene to protect weak bones (Futurity, 19 April 2012)

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 12:00:00 GMT

A UK study published in the European Journal of Human Genetics investigates a gene which may be linked to the beneficial effects of exercise on bone strength.

Full article

i4i Product Development Awards

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 12:00:00 GMT

The fourth call for National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Invention for Innovation (i4i) Product Development Awards has now opened. i4i will support projects to develop innovative healthcare technologies including medical devices, active implantable devices and in vitro diagnostic devices. i4i will also support projects which utilise and develop techniques or technologies that could have a potential impact if applied in a healthcare setting.

To apply for an award and for further details, click on the link below. The closing date for this competition is 17:00, 13 June 2012.

Further details

RCP travelling bursaries in endocrinology and diabetes mellitus

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 12:00:00 GMT

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) offer travelling bursaries for trainees in endocrinology and diabetes mellitus. The bursaries are to be awarded to trainees wishing to attend any conference organised by the RCP on, or including, endocrinology and/or diabetes mellitus, and may cover conference registration fees, standard/economy class travel and accommodation if necessary.

Up to five awards will be made throughout the year, funds permitting. Click on the link below for more information. Applications should be made in writing to the academic vice president, enclosing a CV and giving full details of the expected costs for the event to be attended. For any enquiries, please email: trustfunds@rcplondon.ac.uk.

RCP website

Opportunity for clinical members to take part in survey on working hours

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 12:00:00 GMT

The Academy of Medical Royal Colleges' Flexible Careers Committee, which comprises representatives from Academy member organisations, seeks to promote a good work:life balance for all doctors and specifically to support flexible training and less than full time training. As part of its current work programme the Committee has devised an electronic survey to identify if consultants, SAS doctors and trainees working less than full time are experiencing difficulties in their working patterns.

We would be grateful if you would complete this survey - it should only take a few minutes and should be completed by 30 June 2012. The results will be published on the AOMRC Flexible Careers Committee webpage.

Adiponectin prevents early death from metabolic syndrome

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Adiponectin, the most abundant adipokine in human plasma, has insulin-sensitising and antiatherogenic effects. Adiponectin secretion and its circulating levels are inversely proportional to body fat content. Hypoadiponectinemia is closely associated with metabolic and cardiovascular disorders in metabolic syndrome. In an earlier study, Otabe et al. had reported that transgenic expression of adiponectin significantly prolonged the lifespan of normal mice. However, many questions remain concerning the mechanism involved in the lifespan-extending effects of adiponectin.

Otabe et al. therefore conducted the present study to elucidate the mechanism involved in the longevity effects of adiponectin using KK/Ta mice, a murine model of metabolic syndrome. The lifespan of KK/Ta mice was shorter than that of control mice. Adiponectin prevented premature death in these mice without affecting body weight or daily food consumption. The longevity effect of adiponectin was not attributable to the prevention of neoplasms or cardiovascular disease, or to the upregulated Sirt1 expression. The observations in this study suggest that adiponectin may slow the accelerated aging process associated with the metabolic syndrome by inhibiting AKT signaling, thereby attenuating chronic low-grade inflammation. Otabe et al. (2012) Journal of Endocrinology 213 67-76.

Read the full article at: DOI: 10.1530/JOE-11-0329

Testosterone and nitric oxide pathway

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Research in both animals and humans, supports the concept of a protective effect of estrogens on the cardiovascular system that translates into a clinical observation that premenopausal women have lower incidences of cardiovascular disease (CVD) than age-matched men and postmenopausal women. This suggests that ovarian hormones have a protective effect on the cardiovascular system. During menopause, the contribution of sex steroids in the regulation of vascular homeostasis is altered. Based on this, it is proposed that the higher incidence of CVD observed in postmenopausal women could be due not only to alterations in cellular and molecular actions of E2, but also suitable to changes in the contribution of androgens to vascular behaviour regulation.

Campelo et al. investigated the effect of testosterone on the modulation of cellular events associated with vascular homeostasis such as vasoactive production, cell growth, and platelet aggregation. They also evaluated the molecular mechanism of action of the steroid. Their study shows that testosterone modulates vascular endothelial cell growth and platelet aggregation through its direct action on endothelial nitric oxide production. The data presented contribute to the understanding of the transduction mechanism of testosterone on vascular tissue. The evidence provided supports the hypothesis that endothelial cell behaviour could be modulated not only by E2 but also by other sex steroids. Campelo et al. (2012) Journal of Endocrinology 213 77-87.

Read the full article at: DOI: 10.1530/JOE-11-0441.

Maternal obesity and the placenta

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Obesity in pregnancy is associated with substantially increased risks for both mother and infant. The placenta plays a vital role in the regulation of foetal growth and development during pregnancy. However, placental phenotypes for maternal obesity have not been specifically studied. For this reason, Oliva et al. considered it of interest to determine the effect of pre-existing maternal obesity on the protein expression profiles of human placenta. They studied the protein expression profiles of placenta obtained from lean and obese pregnant women with normal glucose tolerance at the time of term Caesarean section.

Their study demonstrates that maternal obesity at conception affects the protein profile of human placenta, which may have implications for foetal growth and development. Proteomic analysis of placenta revealed differential expression of several proteins in patients with pre-existing obesity. These proteins are implicated in a variety of cellular functions such as regulation of growth, cytoskeletal structure, oxidative stress, inflammation, coagulation and apoptosis. These disturbances may have significant implications for foetal growth and development. Oliva et al. (2012) Journal of Molecular Endocrinology 48 139-149.

Read the full article at DOI:10.1530/JME-11-0123.

Undergraduate Achievement Award 2012

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 12:00:00 GMT

The Society for Endocrinology Undergraduate Achievement Awards have been established to encourage excellence in the study of endocrinology by undergraduate students. Departments are invited to submit applications to the Society for an award to outstanding undergraduates. The award will consist of a £300/yr grant to the department (for three years), and a certificate from the Society to the award winner.

One grant will be available to a department in any three-year period. There will be up to twelve grants available each year, awarded to eligible departments on a first come first served basis. Applications will only be considered if submitted by a paid up member of the Society for Endocrinology. Applications open on 18 June and close on 16 July 2012. Reports from previous successful applicants can be found at the link below.

Undergraduate Achievement Award 2012

Distant metastasis of thyroid cancer

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) is one of the most curable cancers and has a favourable long-term prognosis. New American Thyroid Association (ATA) guidelines recommend neck dissection and total thyroidectomy for the treatment of thyroid cancer with neck lymph node (LN) involvement, although the risk and bene?t of prophylactic neck dissection remains controversial. Huang et al. conducted a retrospective review of 1665 DTC patients with distant metastasis that underwent long-term follow-up to identify the prognostic factors of long-term survival and optimal therapeutic strategy.

They found that the prognosis of patients with distant metastasis from DTC to be favourable, especially in younger patients and in those whose Tg levels are low at initial discovery of metastasis. They further report that survival may be improved by surgical dissection of neck LNs, but do not advise repeated 131I therapy greater than 600 mCi unless there is a high probability that it would bene?t the patient. Huang et al. (2012) Clinical Endocrinology 76 439–447.

Read the full article at DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2265.2011.04231.x

Endocrine Nurse Update - 17-18 September 2012

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 12:00:00 GMT

This year, the Society's Endocrine Nurse Update will take place in Stratford-upon-Avon on 17-18 September. Further details will be available shortly via the link below, where you can also find details of the three year curriculum. Topics covered this year include: genetics; NETs; CAH; obesity; MEN1 & 2; acromegaly; hypothyroidism; thyroiditis; cushings; advanced practice workshop; nurse-led clinic workshop.

Travel grants are available to Nurse Members of the Society.

Endocrine Nurse Update

Sex steroid receptor bioactivity and breast cancer risk in postmenopausal women

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Postmenopausal women with elevated serum sex steroids have an increased risk of breast cancer. This risk is believed to be exerted through binding of the sex steroids to their receptors. Fourkala and colleagues investigated the association of estrogen receptor (ER) and androgen receptor (AR) serum bioactivity (SB) in two hundred postmenopausal women. ER? and ER? SB were significantly higher before diagnosis compared to controls. Women had a twofold increased breast cancer risk if ER? SB was high more than two years before diagnosis or if estrone was high less than two years before diagnosis.

AR showed no significant association with breast cancer, but high levels of both androstenedione and testosterone were associated with a threefold increased breast cancer risk, independent of time to diagnosis. This study provides further evidence on the association of androgens and estrogens with breast cancer. Fourkala et al. (2012) Endocrine-Related Cancer 19 137–147 (open access).

Read the full article at: DOI: 10.1530/ERC-11-0310

Writers and reviewers needed for public website

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Are you a student, clinician, nurse or basic scientist working in endocrinology? Would you like to improve your writing skills and contribute to an exciting new resource for members of the public? If so, we need your help!

You & Your Hormones is an information website covering all things endocrine and we need experts like you to ensure the content is accurate and reliable. We are looking for endocrinologists at any career level to help us with this project. We need both writers to create new content and reviewers to ensure the current content is up-to-date and accurate.

If you would like to enhance your CV and be part of this exciting public engagement project, please contact us at public@endocrinology.org for further details. In return for your help, we will publish your name on the website and in our newsletter, The Endocrinologist, and send you a contributors' pack including a certificate to acknowledge your efforts.

You & Your Hormones

Clinical Update - 5-7 November 2012

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 12:00:00 GMT

The deadline for submission of cases and early bird registration is 1 October 2012. If you are not a member of the Society and would like to join to benefit from reduced early bird registration rates, the deadline for completing your Society membership application form is 24 September 2012.

Clinical Update

Eppendorf & Science Prize for Neurobiology

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 12:00:00 GMT

The International Eppendorf & Science Prize for Neurobiology is awarded annually to one young scientist for the most outstanding neurobiological research based on methods of molecular and cell biology conducted by him/her during the past three years. Prize money of US$ 25,000 up for grabs! Click on the link below for more information. The application deadline is 15 June 2012.

Further details

Interruption in supply of Pregnyl? - update 16 April 2012

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Availability of Pregnyl® (Organon Laboratories Ltd, further information at: www.msd-uk.co.uk/products/supply/home.html)

After being made aware of the interruption in the supply of Pregnyl® (human chorionic gonadotrophin), I am pleased to offer the following update kindly provided by the Principal Pharmacist at the Department of Health.

Professor Jayne Franklyn, Chair of the Society for Endocrinology Clinical Committee said:

"The Department of Health is in regular contact with the manufacturer and understands that the disruption in supply is due to low availability of the active ingredient, human chorionic gonadotrophin, which has resulted in a limited supply to all markets. The company has a small batch of the 5000IU strength available, which they are managing carefully by supplying direct to pharmacies. They currently have no stock of the 1500IU strength. However, it seems that the problem with the raw material has now been resolved and they are expecting future deliveries of both strengths within the next two to three months but that they cannot be certain of this timeline."

16 April 2012

SfE at Cheltenham Science Festival

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 12:00:00 GMT

The Society is pleased to announce we are running two public events at The Times Cheltenham Science Festival this year. The first event will see bone experts Neil Gittoes and Juliet Compston talk about what bones are made of, how they grow and mend, what goes wrong in osteoporosis and why rickets is back on the rise. 'Bones' will take place at 12:00-13:00, Friday 15 June. Click on the link below for further details and to book tickets.

Bones

Our second event 'Evolution out of Africa' will take place at 17:00-18:00, Saturday 16 June. For this event, our speakers - Angela Clow, Mark Thomas and Jonathan Rees - will look at how humans coped with the effects of migration including how we evolved to cope with shorter days and less intense sunlight as we migrated away from the equator and nearer the poles. Follow the link below for more details and to book tickets. We look forward to seeing you all in Cheltenham.

Evolution out of Africa

We are also pleased to be sponsoring an interactive event in the Discovery Zone at the festival following the award of a SfE Public Engagement Grant to the Centre for Integrative Mammalian Physiology and Pharmacology at Imperial College London, UK. On Sunday 17 June, from 10:00-17:00, students and faculty from Imperial College London will be joined by science-based artist Dr Lizzie Burns to ask the question 'How are your hormones?'

Call for nominations for 2014 medals ? submit your nominations by 31 July 2012

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 12:00:00 GMT

The Society awards several medals annually, in recognition of outstanding contributions to endocrinology. All members are invited to make nominations using the forms available on the Society website. All nominations for 2014 medals should be completed and returned by 31 July 2012.

The Dale Medal is the highest accolade bestowed by the Society and is awarded to an individual whose studies have changed our understanding of endocrinology in a fundamental way. Previous recipients include R Evans, K Korach, E Simpson, S O’Rahilly, M Thorner, A McNeilly, S Lamberts and J Findlay.

The Society Medal is awarded to an endocrinologist working in the UK, in recognition of outstanding studies. It has previously been awarded to M Korbonits, I Farooqi, G Williams, W Arlt, A Hattersley, H Critchley, B Walker and V Chatterjee.

The European Medal, presented to an endocrinologist in mainland Europe to promote European collaboration, has previously been awarded to A Spada, J Holst, X Bertagna, B Allolio, W Wiersinga, N Skakkebaek, A Colao and C Strasburger.

The Hoffenberg International Medal (formerly known as the Asia and Oceania Medal and the International Medal) is awarded to an endocrinologist from outside the UK, to promote international collaboration. Previous recipients include F Labrie, G Karsenty, P Fuller, T Yoshimura, M Kawata, K Ho, K Morohashi and G Risbridger.

The Transatlantic Medal is awarded to an endocrinologist working in North America, and has previously been received by M Meaney, P Sassone-Corsi, J Kopchick, S Melmed, L Jameson, R Rosenfeld, B Spiegelman and D Mangelsdorf.

SfE medals

SfE Regional Clinical Cases 2012 - Leeds

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 12:00:00 GMT

We are pleased to announce that the second of our Regional Clinical Cases meetings for 2012 will take place in association with Yorkshire Endocrinology at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, Leeds on 5 December 2012.

Further details will be available shortly at the link below.

SfE Clinical Cases

Join the Young Diabetologists Forum (YDF)

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 12:00:00 GMT

The YDF is a group of registrars that organise free to attend educational courses for diabetes and endocrinology clinical trainees nationwide, including a management course, an insulin pump course and a foundation course for new starters amongst others.

Visit their website at www.youngdiabetologists.org or follow their twitter feed for the latest news and developments at @youngdiab.

Interruption in supply of Pregnyl? - update 16 April 2012

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Availability of Pregnyl® (Organon Laboratories Ltd, further information at: www.msd-uk.co.uk/products/supply/home.html)

The Department of Health is in regular contact with the manufacturer and understands that the disruption in supply is due to low availability of the active ingredient, human chorionic gonadotrophin, which has resulted in a limited supply to all markets. The company has a small batch of the 5000IU strength available, which they are managing carefully by supplying direct to pharmacies. They currently have no stock of the 1500IU strength. However, it seems that the problem with the raw material has now been resolved and they are expecting future deliveries of both strengths within the next two to three months but that they cannot be certain of this timeline.

Professor Jayne Franklyn, Chair, Society for Endocrinology Clinical Committee, 16 April 2012

Early Career Grant - deadline 27 May 2012

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 12:00:00 GMT

The Society for Endocrinology offers grants of up to £10,000 to support endocrinologists in a number of ways, including for example: resources to gain preliminary data before applying for other external funding; a specific piece of equipment; resources to finalise a project; short term salary funding.

Applicants must be fully paid up members of the Society for Endocrinology and apply within 10 years of completing their post-graduate degree (although exceptions can be made for extenuating circumstances).

The deadline for the first round of grants this year is 27 May 2012. For more information please follow the link below.

SfE Early Career Grants

Call for nominations for new committee members - deadline 31 July 2012

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 12:00:00 GMT

A number of vacancies will arise on the following committees in January 2013. The vacancies are on the: Clinical Committee, Corporate Liaison Board, Nominations Committee, Nurse Committee, Programme Committee, Public Engagement Committee & Science Committee.

Society members are encouraged to submit nominations by 31 July 2012. Full details and nomination forms can be found on the specific committee pages via the link below.

SfE committees

Career Development Workshop 2012 - FREE to trainee members!

Mon, 05 Mar 2012 12:00:00 GMT

The Society for Endocrinology is pleased to announce the first Career Development Workshop (formerly the Autumn Endocrine Retreat) which will take place in Oxfordshire from 19-21 October 2012.

The Career Development Workshop is aimed at members of the Society who are registered for PhDs or MDs, and early-career post-doctoral researchers, with an interest in pursuing a career in clinical academic or basic scientific research in endocrinology.

Registration is FREE to trainee members; further information will follow shortly. Please register your interest by emailing your full name to conferences@endocrinology.org.

Career Development Workshop

New funding for clinical endocrine audit available from the CET

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 12:00:00 GMT

The Clinical Endocrinology Trust (CET, a charity which derives its income from a profit-share of the Society’s official clinical journal, Clinical Endocrinology) has long supported Endocrine Audit projects within the UK. Recent examples include the UK Acromegaly Database, the CaHASE audit of adults with CAH, the national audit of cabergoline and valvulopathy, and a British Thyroid Association study of teenage iodine status across the UK.

The trustees now invite further clinical endocrine audit applications from Societies or Endocrine Centres. Preference will be given to projects involving multicentre collaborations. We are particularly interested in receiving applications related to areas of endocrinology the Trust has not supported previously. A sum of £40,000 is available during 2012-2013 for one or more projects judged by the trustees to be worthy of support: their decision will be final. The trustees will require that projects are commenced within six months of an award being made.

Application forms are available from judith.toon@manchester.ac.uk . The closing date for applications is 29 June 2012. Completed applications should be sent to Professor Julian Davis (CET Secretary) at: julian.davis@manchester.ac.uk. The CET looks forward to hearing from you!

SfE on JustGiving

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 12:00:00 GMT

The Society for Endocrinology is the major British society representing scientists, clinicians and nurses who work with hormones.

If you'd like to support our aims in advancing education and research in endocrinology by making a donation or holding a fundraising event please visit our JustGiving page at www.justgiving.com/endocrinology.

SfE grants, prizes & awards

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 12:00:00 GMT

The Society for Endocrinology offers a number of grants, prizes and awards which members can apply for throughout the year. Grants include: public engagement grants, lab visit grants, clinical department visit grants, sponsored seminars and poster session grants, and conference travel grants.

Prizes are offered at the SfE BES, Clinical Update and Clinical Cases meetings for oral and/or poster presentations, and students can submit essays for the Undergraduate or Postgraduate Essay Prizes. Our newest award is the JOE/JME basic science prize which is awarded at the European Congress of Endocrinology.

For details on how to apply for Society grants, prizes and awards, please visit the website below. If you have any questions, please email: grants@endocrinology.org.

Grants, prizes & awards