Collaborative research cited by UNICEF

Collaborative research between the School of Medicine and the School of Health Science has been cited by UNICEF. Focused on the effect of drugs administered during the third stage of labour on the success of breastfeeding at 48 hours, the paper, entitled Associations of drugs routinely given in labour with breastfeeding at 48 hours: analysis of the Cardiff Births Survey, was originally published in the BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology. For more information, view the paper or the UNICEF citation or contact Dr Sue Jordan.

School Communications Manager wins HEFCW scholarship

Communications Manager for the School of Medicine, Sian Newman, has won a scholarship from HEFCW, the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales, to attend the Spring Institute in Communications and Educational Fundraising organised by CASE Europe. Sian hopes that this opportunity will provide valuable information and insight for the School's future plans. For more information, contact Sian Newman.

School colleagues encouraged to undertake online Health and Safety training

School of Medicine colleagues are encouraged to follow the lead of Professors Gareth Morgan, Professor Rhys Williams and Paul Roberts - all of whom have already completed the University's online Health and Safety training. Head of School Professor Gareth Morgan is keen to keep up the high standard of training within the School and retain the lead that the School has set across the University, with an additional forty training units recently added for the School in response to demand. To undertake your training online, visit the Swansea University Safety Learning Portal and log in using the first part of your University email address as your user name and the password 1234 (you are encouraged to change this password immediately after entering the site). For more information, contact Dr Jo Bishop.

Cardiff Medical School to host British Society for Immunology seminar this week

Wednesday 17th March, 1.00pm in Seminar Room UG16, Henry Wellcome Research Institute: Professor Peter Lane, MRC Centre for Immune Regulation, University of Birmingham – Lymphoid tissue inducer cells and CD4 memory again! Hosted by South Wales Immunology Group. For more information, contact Dr Matthias Eberl or, if you wish to meet Professor Lane before or after his talk, contact Eddie Wang.

ILS novel protein used in collaboration with Aberystwyth University

Research into microbial enzymes from good bacteria that enable the growth of probiotic organisms on the prebiotic carbon source fructan, a poly-fructose, has been published in Bioresource Technology (IF4.5). By bioinformatics, molecular modelling and protein engineering, a Lactobacillus fructanase was produced as an active soluble core without peptidoglycan binding or other protein motifs. Besides producing greater insight into the growth of probiotic bacteria on a substrate-type not digested by human enzymes, industrial and commercial applications exist for these enzymes and the prebiotics themselves. One proof of principle was using the novel polypeptide to enable yeast, that lacks fructanase, to grow on grass juice and produce bioethanol. For more information, contact Professor Steven Kelly.

Martel CM, Warrilow AG, Jackson CJ, Mullins JG, Togawa RC, Parker JE, Morris MS, Donnison IS, Kelly DE, Kelly SL. Expression, purification and use of the soluble domain of Lactobacillus paracasei beta-fructosidase to optimise production of bioethanol from grass fructans. Bioresour Technol. 2010 Feb 11. [Epub ahead of print].

7/60: the 60-second news bulletin from the UK BioPharmaMarket

Click here to read the summary of the last 7days' news from the British biotech and pharma industry, all listed by category to make it easy to scan in just 60 seconds. 

Council for Science and Technology publishes A Vision for UK Research

Sponsored by the Science and Innovation Minister to the Department for Business Innovation and Skills, Lord Drayson of Kensington, the Council for Science and Technology (CST) has published A Vision for UK Research. The report makes recommendations to Government that focus on the value of research to the UK, making people the focus and translating research into economic and social value. This is recommended reading for all colleagues. For more information, view the report. 

E-procurement and E-business support for the Health Technology Sector event announced

Friday 26th March 9.30 – 2.30pm in Cardiff (venue TBC) –E-procurement and E-business support for the Health Technology Sector. Hosted by MediWales, this event will profile the new e-procurement process for NHS and Welsh Assembly Government contracts with the latest tools and technologies in website design. Welsh Assembly e-business programmes are designed to help companies identify, procure and implement new ICTs to better enable businesses to be more efficient, cost effective and ultimately profitable through improved use of technology and better management information processes. The event will include a presentation and workshop on the 'Digitally Networked Business' project and give attendees an opportunity to discuss and shape e-business support for the health technology sector. To register, download a MediWales registration form or, for more information, contact Debbie Laubach. 

CHIRAL workshop for injury research taking registrations

Tuesday 20th April 10am – 1pm in the National Waterfront Museum, Swansea – Developing Trauma Outcome Research: A Workshop. Hosted by the Collaboration for Accident Prevention and Injury Control (CAPIC), Thematic Research network for emergency and UnScheduled Treatment (TRUST) and the West Wales Organisation for Rigorous Trials in Health (WWORTH) based at the School of Medicine, this Workshop aims to stimulate forward thinking in the planning of a programme of work to develop injuries research in Wales. It will be led by Professor Ronan Lyons and Mr Ian Pallister and, supported by TRUST and WWORTH, it is FREE TO ATTEND. For more information, view the Flyer for Developing Trauma Outcome Research: A Workshop or download the  Workshop Registration Form .  Alternatively, contact Sherry Jenkins. 

BioWales 2010

Being held on 17th and 18th March in the Vale Hotel, near Cardiff, BioWales 2010 is fast approaching.  The Institute of Life Science will be exhibiting and has registered a group booking. If you are planning to attend and require any materials for one-to-one meetings, please contact the ILS Team to discuss. For more information, contact Emma Turner

Swansea-Cardiff research named as Editor's Choice in Journal of Injury Prevention

Together with a colleague at Cardiff University, Sarah Rodgers, Steven Macey and Ronan Lyons have used high resolution Ordnance Survey data to assess the distribution of traffic calming features across several regions in Wales and England. The authors found that there is substantially more traffic calming in deprived areas, but on the whole there are very few roads with traffic calming. Since traffic calming measures have been found to decrease child pedestrian injuries by up to 70% in some areas, there is scope for more and the data should be released to the public to see if this helps to increase calming provision. They are delighted that the editor, Brian D Johnston has picked this article to be editor’s choice in the current edition of Journal of Injury Prevention. For more information, contact Dr Sarah Rodgers.

Rodgers SE, Jones SJ, Macey SM, Lyons RA.Using geographical information systems to assess the equitable distribution of traffic-calming measures: translational research.  Injury Prevention 2010;16:7e11. doi:10.1136/ip.2009.022426.   

7/60: the 60-second news bulletin from the UK BioPharmaMarket

Click here to read the summary of the last 7days' news from the British biotech and pharma industry, all listed by category to make it easy to scan in just 60 seconds. 

Kuecept Ltd becomes ILS’s first Affiliate

Kuecept Ltd, a specialist drug delivery technology company, has been announced as the first company to sign up as an Affiliate of the ILS. The ILS Affiliate Scheme is specifically designed to encourage life science and healthcare companies to access the expertise and state-of-the-art facilities and is set to significantly increase the company cluster that is growing up in the region. Open to all companies working in the life science and healthcare sectors, with a particular emphasis on potential high-growth organisations wishing to establish a foothold in the south west Wales region, its benefits include a hot-desk facility in the ILS plus access to laboratories, specialist facilities, equipment, academic and business expertise and the use of meeting and conference amenities. For more information, read the full news release or contact Sian Newman. 

ILS welcomes Professor Sir Nicholas Wright

The School of Medicine is delighted to welcome Professor Sir Nicholas Wright to the ILS this Thursday, 4th March. The Warden of Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, his research interests include cancer; pathology and histopathology; histological misdiagnoses in any area; medical negligence where a histopathological report is needed ie reconstruction of the prognosis of undiagnosed or misdiagnosed tumours; and intestinal stem cells. As part of his visit, he will be holding this week's Biomed Seminar at 12.30pm in the ILS Seminar Room. For more information, contact Dr Gareth Jenkins.

CHIRAL workshop for injury research announced

Tuesday 20th April 10am – 1pm in the National Waterfront Museum, Swansea – Developing Trauma Outcome Research: A Workshop. Hosted by the Collaboration for Accident Prevention and Injury Control (CAPIC), Thematic Research network for emergency and UnScheduled Treatment (TRUST) and the West Wales Organisation for Rigorous Trials in Health (WWORTH) based at the School of Medicine, this Workshop aims to stimulate forward thinking in the planning of a programme of work to develop injuries research in Wales. It will be led by Professor Ronan Lyons and Mr Ian Pallister and, supported by TRUST and WWORTH, it is FREE TO ATTEND. For more information, view the Flyer for Developing Trauma Outcome Research: A Workshop or download the  Workshop Registration Form .  Alternatively, contact Sherry Jenkins. 

Materials and medicine seminar announced

Thursday 4th March 12.30 – 4.30pm in Technium Springboard, Cwmbran –The Interface between Materials and Medicine Seminar. For those wanting to learn more about the interface between medicine and materials as well as European opportunities for technology transfer in this and many other fields. Speakers include Dr Cathy Holt of Cardiff University - Motion analysis applications: From objective classification of global human movements to analysis of the micro- movements of teeth and skin; Dr Owen Guy of CNH at Swansea University - Nanomaterials: Technology  and applications in healthcare; and Steve Patterson, Performance Engineering Specialist at Enterprise Europe Network Wales - Technology Transfer - Opportunities in Europe. For more information, visit BIC Innovation or, to register, visit www.mnw.org.uk and select Diary of Events.

Cardiff Medical School seminars announced for March

Thursday 4th March, 1.00pm in Lecture Theatre 2, New Lecture Theatre Building: Professor Simon Jones, Department of Infection, Immunity & Biochemistry, Cardiff School of Medicine – Inflammation and the cytokine network. For more information, contact Dr James Matthews.

Wednesday 10th February, 1.00pm in Seminar Room, Henry Wellcome Research Institute: Dr Menna Clatworthy, Department of Medicine, Cambridge Institute of Medical Research, University of Cambridge – Immune inhibition: infection versus autoimmunity.  Hosted by Nephrology. For more information, contact Dr James Matthews.

Thursday 11th February, 1.00pm in Seminar Room, Henry Wellcome Research Institute: Professor Alicia El-Haj, Institute for Science & Technology in Medicine, Keele University – Engineering cells for clinical therapies.  For more information, contact Dr James Matthews.

BioWales 2010

Being held on 17th and 18th March in the Vale Hotel, near Cardiff, BioWales 2010 is fast approaching.  The Institute of Life Science will be exhibiting and has registered a group booking. If you are planning to attend and require any materials for one-to-one meetings, please contact the ILS Team to discuss. For more information, contact Emma Turner.   

7/60: the 60-second news bulletin from the UK BioPharmaMarket

Click here to read the summary of the last 7days' news from the British biotech and pharma industry, all listed by category to make it easy to scan in just 60 seconds.  

Presentation and Book Signing at ILS

Tuesday 23rd Feb 2010 at 5pm in the ILS Seminar Room - Presentation and Book Signing.  Max Pemberton, author of “Trust me I’m a Junior Doctor” and “Where Does it Hurt?”, will give a presentation on his books, which provide a humorous but thought provoking insight into early years of clinical practice and the ups and downs of being a junior doctor.  A book signing will follow.  Everyone welcome.

TSB New Funding Opportunities announced for Regenerative Medicine

The Technology Strategy Board (TSB) has announced that £6 million will be invested in further regenerative medicine research and development through forthcoming funding calls.  In response, the HealthTech and Medicines KTN will be hosting workshops to support the funding calls, which will take place on Thursday 4 March, in Manchester, and Wednesday 24 March, in London.  The KTN would like to invite its members who are interested in Regenerative Medicine to attend the workshops, joining  experts from industry, health and leading KTN groups and find out more about the latest opportunities for regenerative medicine based healthcare. These workshops are open to any UK industrialist, academic or clinician working in the area of regenerative medicine and there is NO CHARGE to attend.  For further information, visit the HealthTech and Medicines KTN website or to register contact Narpal Sihra.

Health and Medical Library Team drop-in session at ILS

Tuesday 23rd February 11am – 2pm in the ILS Foyer – Health and Medical Library Team drop-in session.  The University’s Health and Medical Library Team will be on hand to discuss and advise on library related queries, such as Literature Searching, which can assist the preparation of a literature review whether as part of a research bid, as part of a project report, or even a systematic review;  Impact Factors, which can identify high impact journals to target for publication using ISI Journal Citation Reports; Search Skills Development, including workshops on PubMed, Cinahl, Zetoc, EndNote, and Web of Knowledge from introductory to Advanced level; and Current Awareness, a service which can help to develop current awareness services for research groups or individuals or set up journal alerts notifying you of contents of the latest issues of specific journals.  For more information, or if you cannot attend the session, contact the Health and Medical Library Team. 

School of Medicine Staff versus Student Sports Day

Saturday 27th February from 9am in the Swansea University Sports Centre – Staff versus Student Sports Day.  Staff and students alike are invited to take part a trio of events –The Medical Netball Championship Cup, Staff vs Student Basketball and the MDU Charity Shield.  Entry costs £5 with spectators charged £2 and the Swansea-Gambia Link will be selling refreshments at the Astro turf pitches. All proceeds go to charity.  To sign up, contact the Team Captains: Phil Maull for The Staff; Lynzi Owen for Swansea team genetics; Chris Marshall for The Medics 1st Year; Dave Davies for The Medics 2nd Year; and Maz Page for The Cardiff based Swansea Medics.  For more information, view the Sports Day Poster or contact Phil Maull. 

School of Law seminar

Tuesday 22nd February at 11am in Room G41, School of Law – Law and Neuroscience seminar.  Professor Dennis Patterson of Swansea University, European University Institute and Rutgers University will present Law and Neuroscience.  For more information, or to request a copy of the paper, contact Dr Bebhinn Donnelly. 

7/60: the 60-second news bulletin from the UK BioPharmaMarket

Click here to read the summary of the last 7days' news from the British biotech and pharma industry, all listed by category to make it easy to scan in just 60 seconds. 

BioWales 2010

Being held on 17th and 18th March in the Vale Hotel, near Cardiff, BioWales 2010 is fast approaching.  The Institute of Life Science will be exhibiting and has registered a group booking.  For more information, contact Emma Turner. 

DNA Damage group awarded Unilever funds

The DNA Damage group at the ILS has been awarded £199,000 from Unilever to extend its current research programme, which is looking at mechanisms involved in DNA damage induction. Received as a result of the excellent progress made by the group in its previous project, the award will provide an additional two years funding for Dr Anna Seager, to further investigate aspects of chemical mutagenesis and protective mechanisms against DNA damage, as well as for a three-year PhD studentship for the group, to expand some of the work into new areas. For more information, contact Dr Gareth Jenkins. 

Combined academic staff assembly and School forum well received

The new combined academic staff assembly and School forum, held last Wednesday 10th February was well received by those who attended from across the School. In place of the two separate sessions, the aim of the combined session is to encourage collaboration across all levels, as well as across disciplines and bring all of the School’s staff together on an equal footing. An update was provided on ILS Phase Two, teaching activity, research grants, campus expansion and School budget as well as the new facilities at Pennard, which are due to open very soon. With thanks to Conference Services not only for the cakes and refreshments but also a very informative Presentation to the School of Medicine for which feedback would be very much appreciated (download the Presentation feedback form ). For more information, contact Sian Newman.

Hot Topics in Psychiatry conference announced

Friday 23rd April 2010 at The Dylan Thomas Centre, Swansea - Hot Topics in Psychiatry. Hosted by the Welsh Psychiatric Society (WPS), in collaboration with the Royal College of Psychiatrists, this conference will welcome a range of presentations including: Mental capacity and human rights by Professor Phil Fennell of Cardiff University; Personality disorder services by Professor Nicola Gray of Pastoral Cymru Ltd; Non-pharmacological therapies for people with dementia by Professor Bob Woods of Bangor University and a title to be confirmed by Professor Sonia Johnson of University College London. As part of the conference, research poster abstracts may be submitted by Friday 19th March 2010. Deadline for registrations is Friday 16th April 2010. For more information, contact Anne-Marie Hutton or, to register online, visit the WPS website.

Cardiff Medical School seminars announced for February

Thursday 18th February, 1.00pm in Seminar Room, Henry Wellcome Research Institute: Dr Silvia Deaglio, Lymphocyte Signaling Unit, University of Torino Medical School & Research Center for Experimental Medicine (CeRMS) in Torino, Italy – Nucleotide metabolizing (ecto)-enzymes in the maintenance and progression of chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Hosted by Haematology. For more information, contact Dr James Matthews.

Thursday 25th February, 1.00pm in Seminar Room, Henry Wellcome Research Institute: Professor Jannie Borst, Netherlands Cancer Institute in Amsterdam, The Netherlands –T cell costimulation by TNF receptor family members, molecular basis and potential for clinical application. Hosted by Immunology. For more information, contact Dr James Matthews.

BioWales 2010

Being held on 17th and 18th March in the Vale Hotel, near Cardiff, BioWales 2010 is fast approaching. The Institute of Life Science will be exhibiting and has registered a group booking. If you are planning to attend and require any materials for one-to-one meetings, please contact the ILS Team to discuss. For more information, contact Emma Turner

Reproductive immuno-biology group discovers endometrial pathogenic E. coli

Led by Professor Martin Sheldon as part of a BBSRC Research Development Fellowship, the reproductive immuno-biology group has discovered endometrial pathogenic E. coli (EnPEC). These EnPEC cause pelvic inflammatory disease in cattle but also establish disease in model organisms. A paper on the work has been published in PLoS ONE. For more information, contact Professor Matin Sheldon.

Sheldon IM, Rycroft AN, Dogan B, Craven M, Bromfield JJ, Chandler A, Roberts MH, Price SB, Gilbert RO and Simpson KW. Specific Strains of Escherichia coli Are Pathogenic for the Endometrium of Cattle and Cause Pelvic Inflammatory Disease in Cattle and Mice. PLoS ONE 5(2): e9192. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0009192. 2010 Feb 12.

Combined academic staff assembly and School forum this week

Wednesday 10th February 2010, 3pm, at the ILS Seminar Room - Combined academic staff assembly and School forum.  As part of a fresh start to the new year for the School of Medicine, Professor Gareth Morgan would like to propose a new forum for sharing information across the School.  The new combined academic staff assembly and School forum, to be held termly, will replace the two separate sessions with a view to encouraging collaboration across all levels, as well as across disciplines.  Gareth hopes that the combined academic staff assembly and School forum will bring all of the School’s staff together on an equal footing and that all will gain more from the feedback and discussion that arise. With thanks to Conference Services, tea, coffee, juice, fruit and cakes will be provided from 2.45pm in the ILS Atrium.  An agenda is attached but, for more information, contact Sian Newman.

Collaborative research gains International Health Links Funding

An application for funding from the International Health Links Funding Scheme (IHLFS), part of the British Council, has been successful. The collaborative two-year project between Ola During Children's and Princess Christian Maternity Hospitals, Freetown and the Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Local Health Board aims to build on an existing link between the two organisations. As laboratory services are essential to providing good medical care, the team will be working to improve the accuracy, reliability and impact of routine laboratory diagnostic procedures in biochemistry, haematology and parasitology. Activities will include short exchange training visits for laboratory staff between the institutions and the provision of some essential equipment suited to the environment in Freetown. In the longer term, it is hoped to extend the programme to other UK-Africa Health Links. For more information, contact Dr Angela Allen. 

UKTI/Office of Life Sciences Regional Roadshow Event taking place this week

Tuesday 9th February, 9.00am - 1.30pm at Novotel Hotel Atlantic Wharf, Cardiff – UKTI/Office of Life Sciences Roadshow Event.  UKTI has teamed up with Office for Life Sciences (OLS) to tour around the UK, promoting the UK Life Sciences Sector.  In collaboration with MediWales and International Business Wales, a Welsh leg of this tour has been organised and Chief Medical Officer, Dr Tony Jewell, will give the welcome address.  The event will give attendees the chance to find out how the Office of Life Sciences, a new ministerial department set up to support the life sciences and health technology sector, is bringing industry, academia and the NHS together and providing support for the sector in an increasingly competitive global market.  Opportunities on the day will include workshops, information on accessing business funding during the downturn, access to one-to-one support from International trade advisors from IBW, a Q&A session with national influencers and decision makers, exhibition and event training sessions and a networking lunch.  There will be representation at the event from members of the School of Medicine and ILS and limited places may still be available. For more information, visit the Roadshow website.  

ILS hopes for UK wide life sciences super cluster featured in local press

Following the UK government's announcement of plans for a new UK Life Sciences Super Cluster last week, the opinions of the ILS on the pioneering initiative have been featured in the South Wales Evening Post. Supported by £1 million of investment, the super cluster aims to bring together industry, academia and the NHS to help deliver the next generation of medicines and technologies needed to support people suffering from chronic diseases. This proposal aligns well with the vision and mission at the ILS, in particular with the development of ILS Phase Two, which promises to further the School of Medicine's close collaboration with both industry and the NHS. More detailed information should become available from the Office of Life Sciences (OLS), which, in collaboration with UK Trade and Invest (UKTI), will be hosting a roadshow event in Cardiff next week (see above). For more information in the meantime, contact Sian Newman.  

Mental Health Research Network Cymru announces fourth annual conference

Friday 26th February at The Dylan Thomas Centre, Swansea – Celebrations and New Directions.  This is the fourth annual conference hosted by the Mental Health Research Network Cymru (MHRNC). As part of the conference, there will be a research poster competition with prizes for best in category. Applications to display organisational, promotional, or project information are welcome. For more information, visit the MHRNC website or contact Zoe Abbott. 

TRUST announces conference and call for abstracts

Wednesday 18th March, 10am-4pm, at Mercure Holland House Hotel, Cardiff – Improving Quality and Safety in Emergency and Unscheduled Healthcare: Raising the Stakes.  Hosted by the Thematic Research network for emergency and UnScheduled Treatment (TRUST), based at the School of Medicine and led by Professor Helen Snooks, this conference aims to stimulate forward thinking, collaboration and discussion through presentations and workshops. Through presenting the latest research findings and policy developments surrounding quality and safety in emergency and unscheduled care, this conference will promote and enhance awareness and address the challenges of implementing new approaches. There is also a call for abstracts on research, audit and service/policy evaluation in the field of emergency and unscheduled care for poster presentation. All abstracts will be peer-reviewed anonymously and prizes awarded for excellence. The deadline for submission is Monday 22nd February. For more information, visit the TRUST website or contact Moira Morgan. 

Applications open for 2010 Women In Science fellowships

L’Oréal UK and Ireland, the UK National Commission for UNESCO, the Royal Institution of Great Britain, and the Irish National Commission for UNESCO, have partnered together to provide a dedicated UK and Ireland For Women In Science Fellowship Programme for women scientists at postdoctoral level to enable and/or facilitate promising scientific research in the life or physical sciences. Four Fellowships will be awarded in 2010 to outstanding female postdoctoral scientists to assist them with their research. The Fellowships, each worth £15,000 (equivalent € for candidates in Ireland), are tenable at any UK or Irish university or research institute to support a 12-month period of research. The fellowship money can be spent in any number of innovative ways to enable women scientists to further their careers and facilitate world class research - such as buying equipment, paying for childcare or funding travel costs to an overseas conference. Deadline for application is midnight on Wednesday 6th April. For more information, or to apply, visit the Women in Science fellowship website. 

BioWales 2010

Being held on 17th and 18th March in the Vale Hotel, near Cardiff, BioWales 2010 is fast approaching.  The Institute of Life Science will be exhibiting and has registered a group booking. If you are planning to attend and require any materials for one-to-one meetings, please contact the ILS Team to discuss. For more information, contact Emma Turner. 

Combined academic staff assembly and School forum

Wednesday 10th February 2010, 3pm, at the ILS Seminar Room - Combined academic staff assembly and School forum.  As part of a fresh start to the new year for the School of Medicine, Professor Gareth Morgan would like to propose a new forum for sharing information across the School.  The new combined academic staff assembly and School forum, to be held termly, will replace the two separate sessions with a view to encouraging collaboration across all levels, as well as across disciplines.  Gareth hopes that the combined academic staff assembly and School forum will bring all of the School’s staff together on an equal footing and that all will gain more from the feedback and discussion that arise.  More details and an agenda will be posted in next week's News Bulletin. For more information in the meantime, contact Sian Newman.

ILS welcomes announcement of UK wide life sciences super cluster

Last week, the UK government announced plans for a new UK Life Sciences Super Cluster, supported by £1 million of Government investment. Bringing together industry, academia and the NHS, it will help deliver the next generation of medicines and technologies needed to support people suffering from chronic diseases. This proposal aligns well with the vision and mission at the ILS, in particular with the development of ILS Phase Two which promises to further the School of Medicine's close collaboration with both industry and the NHS. The initiative will be pushed forward through the Office of Life Sciences (OLS), which was established by Prime Minister Gordon Brown in January 2009 to support a thriving UK environment for the life sciences. The OLS, in collaboration with UK Trade and Invest (UKTI), will be hosting a roadshow event in Cardiff next week (see below) where more detailed information should become available. For more information in the meantime, contact Sian Newman. 

UKTI/Office of Life Sciences Regional Roadshow Event taking place next week

Tuesday 9th February, 9.00am - 1.30pm at Novotel Hotel Atlantic Wharf, Cardiff – UKTI/Office of Life Sciences Roadshow Event.  UKTI has teamed up with Office for Life Sciences (OLS) to tour around the UK, promoting the UK Life Sciences Sector.  In collaboration with MediWales and International Business Wales, a Welsh leg of this tour has been organised and Chief Medical Officer, Dr Tony Jewell, will give the welcome address.  The event will give attendees the chance to find out how the Office of Life Sciences, a new ministerial department set up to support the life sciences and health technology sector, is bringing industry, academia and the NHS together and providing support for the sector in an increasingly competitive global market.  Opportunities on the day will include workshops, information on accessing business funding during the downturn, access to one-to-one support from International trade advisors from IBW, a Q&A session with national influencers and decision makers, exhibition and event training sessions and a networking lunch.  There will be representation at the event from members of the School of Medicine and ILS and limited places mat still be available. For more information, visit the Roadshow website. 

Institute of Health Research to host controversies in contemporary mental health seminar

Wednesday 10th February, 1-3.30pm, at Room 126, Glyndwr Building, Swansea University – Controversies in Mental Health.  Hosted by the School of Health Science's Institute of Health Research, this seminar will welcome two speakers – Dr Liam Clarke, Reader in Mental Health at the University of Brighton, who will present Educating Tracy: A Psychiatric Solution to ‘Nursing Angst,  followed by Professor Peter Beresford, Director of the Centre for Citizen Participation in Brunel University, who will present Models of mental health: from the regressive to the progressive. For more information, view the  Controversies in Contemporary Mental Health flyer or contact Sue Hughes. 

BioWales 2010

Being held on 17th and 18th March in the Vale Hotel, near Cardiff, BioWales 2010 is fast approaching.  The Institute of Life Science will be exhibiting and has registered a group booking. If you are planning to attend and require any materials for one-to-one meetings, please contact the ILS Team to discuss. For more information, contact Emma Turner. 

ILS researchers publish metabolomic paper in Applied and Environmental Microbiology

Streptomycete bacteria produce many important antibiotics used in medicine and cytochromes P450 have pivotal roles in their biosynthesis and efficacy.  In a National Institutes of Health (USA) funded, multi-centre collaboration – including the Centre for Cytochrome P450 Diversity and the Streptomyces Group in the ILS and the Medical School and Centre of Mass Spectrometry, Vanderbilt University, USA – researchers have identified and characterised a novel P450 of unknown function.  Approaches to probe its role included in vitro metabolism of fatty acids coupled to lipidomic profiles of wild-type and mutant knock out strains.  The work is published in Applied and Environmental Microbiology, a journal of the American Society of Microbiology ranked number one in Microbiology by Eigenfactor. For more information, contact Professor Steven Kelly or Professor David Lamb.

Lamb DC, Lei L, Zhao B, Yuan H, Jackson CJ, Warrilow AG, Skaug T, Dyson PJ, Dawson ES, Kelly SL, Hachey DL, Waterman MR.  CYP102 from Streptomyces coelicolor A3(2): a novel fatty acid hydroxylase encoded as a heme domain without a N-terminal redox partner. Appl Environ Microbiol. 2010 Jan 22. [Epub ahead of print] 

The School of Medicine and POWIS

Wednesday 27th January 2010, 2.30pm at the ILS Seminar Room: The School of Medicine and POWIS - the Prince of Wales Innovation Scholarship scheme.  All School of Medicine staff and ILS Client Organisations are warmly invited to attend this seminar.  Presented by Professor Marc Clement, School of Medicine, it will offer an opportunity to find out more about POWIS, an exciting and very promising new way for industry and academia to work together for exceptional mutual benefit. POWIS is a recent development from the University of Wales, designed to give outstanding graduates the best opportunities by linking their doctoral research with companies and higher education institutions in Wales.  Marc will present for approximately 30 minutes before taking questions. For more information, contact Sian Newman.

Combined academic staff assembly and School forum

Wednesday 10th February 2010, 3pm, at the ILS Seminar Room: Combined academic staff assembly and School forum.  As part of a fresh start to the new year for the School of Medicine, Professor Gareth Morgan would like to propose a new forum for sharing information across the School.  The new combined academic staff assembly and School forum, to be held termly, will replace the two separate sessions with a view to encouraging collaboration across all levels, as well as across disciplines.  Gareth hopes that the combined academic staff assembly and School forum will bring all of the School’s staff together on an equal footing and that all will gain more from the feedback and discussion that arise.  More details and an agenda will be posted in the News Bulletin in the weeks leading up to the forum. For more information in the meantime, contact Sian Newman. 

Applications now open for 2010 DECIPHer Studentships

DECIPHer (Development and Evaluation of Complex Interventions for Public Health Improvement) is now accepting applications for studentships on a wide range of topics in the fields of: social sciences, dentistry, medicine, law, economics, health information, public health, geography, statistics, qualitative and quantitative health services research, psychology and sociology. DECIPHer is a UKCRC Public Health Research Centre of Excellence made possible through a strategic partnership between Cardiff, Bristol and Swansea Universities in collaboration with other key organisations.  It leads and facilitates research of international excellence, placing emphasis on involving young people and the public, tackling health inequalities, creating new research capacity and maximising impact on, and engagement with, policy and practice in the UK and beyond.  Of nine studentships available, one is to be allocated in Swansea University under the supervision of either Dr Sarah Rodgers or Professor Keith Lloyd on any topic in which they specialise – view the studentship fact sheet for more information on these topics as well as details about funding, eligibility and the application process.  Closing date for applications is this Friday, 29th January 2010.  For more information, contact Dr Sarah Rodgers by email or on 01792 602308 (extension 2308).  

Registration open for UKTI/Office of Life Sciences Regional Roadshow Event

Tuesday 9th February, 9.00am - 1.30pm at Novotel Hotel Atlantic Wharf, Cardiff – UKTI/Office of Life Sciences Roadshow Event.  UKTI has teamed up with Office for Life Sciences (OLS) to tour around the UK, promoting the UK Life Sciences Sector.  In collaboration with MediWales and International Business Wales, a Welsh leg of this tour has been organised and Chief Medical Officer, Dr Tony Jewell, will give the welcome address.  The event will give attendees the chance to find out how the Office of Life Sciences, a new ministerial department set up to support the life sciences and health technology sector, is bringing industry, academia and the NHS together and providing support for the sector in an increasingly competitive global market.  Opportunities on the day will include workshops, information on accessing business funding during the downturn, access to one-to-one support from International trade advisors from IBW, a Q&A session with national influencers and decision makers, exhibition and event training sessions and a networking lunch.  For more information and to register for this event, visit the Roadshow website.  

Participation needed in Welsh skills survey

As part of the University’s commitment to the Welsh language, a University-wide audit of the Welsh language skills of staff is being conducted this week whereby each member of staff will receive an online questionnaire to complete.  It is hoped that the survey will provide an accurate picture of the University’s Welsh language skills and will highlight both areas that are already doing well and those that need to be strengthened.  In particular, it is likely to affect future training available to staff.  The closing date for responses is Friday 29th January and Head of School, Professor Gareth Morgan, would like to encourage everyone to take part.  For more information, contact Welsh Language Policy Officer, Rwth Williams.

BioWales 2010 – Registration extended

Being held on 17th and 18th March in the Vale Hotel, near Cardiff, BioWales 2010 is fast approaching.  The Institute of Life Science will be exhibiting and is registering a group booking so if you are interested in participating/attending please contact the ILS Team by no later than Friday 29th January. For more information, contact Emma Turner. 

IBW trade mission to China

6th – 13th March 2010 in Chongqing, China: International Business Wales Trade Mission to China.  Organised by International Business Wales (IBW), this mission is travelling to Chongqing, one of China’s most rapidly developing cities whose municipality has a population of approximately 32 million people.  The mission will coincide with the annual ‘Wales Week’ comprising of a series of showcase events to promote Wales in China, giving a good opportunity for Welsh businesses to raise their profile in South West China.  Wales has a special relationship with Chongqing - click here to find out more - and applications to attend are now being welcomed, with a deadline of Friday 19th February.  For more information, or to submit an application, contact Jonathan Walters. 

Anatomy lecturer elected to UK Anatomical Society council

Dr Jo Bishop has been elected Councillor of the Anatomical Society of Great Britain and Ireland and Trustee of the Society.  This prestigious election required the support of three ASGBI Members and took place at the society’s winter meeting in Oxford on 5th January 2010.  The Council is the governing body of the Anatomical Society of Great Britain and Ireland and plays a key role in promoting the profession, its position in the world of biosciences and its relationships with cognate disciplines. Its membership comes from throughout the area covered by the Society and also includes members from Europe and overseas, which confirms its international dimension.  Of her new position, Dr Bishop said: “I’m delighted to have been elected to such a renowned organisation in the anatomy profession.  I hope to use my new position to highlight the modern and novel ways we teach anatomy at Swansea with the support of our NHS colleagues in ABM Health Board”.  For more information, contact Dr Jo Bishop. 

ILS exhibiting at BioWales 2010

Being held on 17th and 18th March in the Vale Hotel, near Cardiff, BioWales 2010 is fast approaching.  The Institute of Life Science will be exhibiting and is registering a group booking so if you are interested in participating/attending please contact the ILS Team by Friday 22nd January.  For more information, contact Emma Turner. 

Registration open for Summative Analysis: An Introductory Workshop

QUARU, the Qualitative Research Unit at the School of Medicine, is hosting a series of half-day workshops dedicated to summative analysis, a new qualitative analytic technique designed to help researchers analyse health, social care and social scientific, textual data.  Summative Analysis is a new method designed by Professor Frances Rapport, Professor of Qualitative Health Research at the School, and is well validated across a range of research topics.  These introductory workshops will introduce the background to the method, consider its various uses and enable users to try out some of its early stages using qualitative data from survivor testimonials. Frances Rapport has already run an extensive programme of these workshops in America, teaching wide-ranging audiences of academics, researchers, students and healthcare professionals about its uses within a health research context. The workshops, entitled Summative Analysis: An Introductory Workshop, are open to all interested parties, irrespective of qualitative expertise or disciplinary background.  They are being heldon Tuesday 9th February 2010, Friday 26th February 2010 and Friday 12th March 2010, in Room 104, Technium Digital, Swansea University from 9.45am until 12pm.  Registration costs £35 (£30 for students) including light refreshments.  For more information, contact Professor Frances Rapport or, to register, contact Vicky Davies by email or on 01792 513407.

Swansea-Gambia Team to host presentation evening on findings from latest exchange trip

On Wednesday 20th January at 7pm, the School of Medicine’s second-year Swansea-Gambia Team is hosting a presentation evening in the ILS Seminar Room.  Entitled Holey Feet and a Whole Lot More!, the evening will showcase some of the many interesting points, ranging from tropical medicine to African politics, that were raised during the Swansea-Gambia Exchange Trip 2009, which saw a group of 8 second year students travel to The Gambia as part of the Swansea-Gambia student exchange.  Everyone is welcome and there will be some light refreshments.  For more information, contact Alex Clark. 

Registration open for Introductory Analysis of Linked Health Data 2010

Monday 12th – Friday 16th April 2010 at Swansea University - Introductory Analysis of Linked Health Data 2010.  The Health Information Research Unit (HIRU) for Wales, an initiative developed by Swansea University to realise the potential of anonymised routinely-collected data for health research and evaluation, is hosting a prestigious 5-day training course on the analysis of linked health data.  The course will be led by Professor D’Arcy Holman (from the University of Western Australia) who is a leading figure in the field of linked health data. He will be assisted by two associate professors: Rachael Moorin and David Preen.  This course is ideal for health and social care researchers, social scientists, clinical practitioners and health care managers who wish to improve their understanding of working with health-related routine data, and to gain the theory and skills needed to analyse linked health and social data.  For more information, contact Steph Lee or, to register online, visit the training course website. 

MedSoc to host staff-student curryoke night

To begin the new year, Swansea MedSoc has organised a staff-student curryoke night. To be held on Thursday 21st January 2010, at Pitcher and Piano on Wind Street, the aim is to see who has the most talent. Tickets, costing £10, are available from Wednesday 13th January either from the Grove Reception or directly from the MedSoc President, Katie Hurst. The price includes a curry buffet and the evening's entertainment and MedSoc drinks offers at the venue will also apply. The event is open to all staff and students as well as friends and family. For more information, contact Katie Hurst.

Mass Spectrometry group uncovers new metabolic pathway in brain

The mass spectrometry group has discovered a new pathway for cholesterol metabolism in brain. As disturbed cholesterol metabolism is closely linked to Alzheimer’s disease, discovery of this new pathway may open a new route to early diagnosis of the disease. As well as in the most recent publication in the Journal of Biological Chemistry detailed below, further details about the group’s work can be found in recent reviews and papers in both the Journal of Chromatography B and the Journal of Lipid Research. For more information, contact Professor Bill Griffiths.

Ogundare M, Theofilopoulos S, Lockhart A, Hall LJ, Arenas E, Sjovall J, Brenton AG, Wang Y, Griffiths WJ. Cerebrospinal fluid steroidomics: Are bioactive bile acids present in brain?.  J Biol Chem. 2009 Dec 7. [Epub ahead of print].  

School study cited in Wales Audit Office report

A School of Medicine study, entitled Understanding how the public chooses to make use of unscheduled care services (UPCUUCS) and led by Dr Alison Porter, was heavily cited in the recent Wales Audit Office report Unscheduled care: developing a whole systems approach, which has also been featured in the Welsh press. UPCUUCS was commissioned by the Wales Office of R&D (WORD) to be undertaken by the Mid and West Wales section of the All Wales Alliance for R&D (AWARD) and was supported also through the  Swansea led Thematic Research network for emergency and UnScheduled Treatment (TRUST). Findings from the UPCUUCS report were heavily cited throughout the WAO report, with numerous quotations and excerpts.   It is particularly pleasing to see that data derived from both the quantitative (general population survey) and qualitative (semi structured interviews and focus groups) have been quoted in the WAO report and the team behind the study is delighted that this WORD-commissioned work has been so useful such an influential document in this increasingly important policy area. For more information, contact Dr Alison Porter. 

School researchers hosting Special Session at World Congress on Computational Intelligence

18th-20th July 2010 at the Barcelona International Convention Centre in Barcelona, Spain - 2010 IEEE World Congress on Computational Intelligence. The 2010 IEEE World Congress on Computational Intelligence (IEEE WCCI 2010) is the largest technical event in the field of computational intelligence, providing a stimulating forum for scientists, engineers, educators and students from all over the world to discuss and present their research findings on computational intelligence. As part of this international event, a group of researchers from the School of Medicine, including Professor Ronan Lyons, Dr Mike Gravenor, Dr Sinead Brophy and Dr Shangming Zhou, is organising a conference Special Session entitled Computational Intelligence and Cyberinfrastructure for Complex System Modelling and Knowledge Discovery in Medical Informatics and e-Health. In advance of this session, the group welcomes submission of papers, the deadline for which is 31st January 2010. For more information, contact Dr Shamgming Zhou or download the Call for Papers (IEEE WCCI 2010 Special Session)

MedSoc to host staff-student curryoke night

To begin the new year, Swansea MedSoc has organised a staff-student curryoke night. To be held on Thursday 21st January 2010, at Pitcher and Piano on Wind Street, the aim is to see who has the most talent. Tickets, costing £10, are available from Wednesday 13th January either from the Grove Reception or directly from the MedSoc President, Katie Hurst. The price includes a curry buffet and the evening's entertainment and MedSoc drinks offers at the venue will also apply. The event is open to all staff and students as well as friends and family. For more information, contact Katie Hurst

International Swine Flu Conference announced

10th-12th March 2010 at a venue in London to be announced - International Swine Flu Conference and Workshop. Over the first two days, this inaugural conference will bring together top leaders and key decision-makers of major companies representing a broad range of industries together with distinguished scientists, public health officials, law enforcers, first responders and other experts to discuss pandemic prevention, preparedness, response and recovery. Attendees will be able to draw on first-hand best practices to create the solid business continuity plans that their companies and organisations need in order to prepare for, respond to, and survive a pandemic. Thethird day will see a series of workshops dedicated to learning how to plan, protecting your community, knowing how to respond and planning to continue. For more information, visit the Conference website. 

ILS Reader awarded £90,000 for studentship

Dr Gareth Jenkins, Reader in Gastrointestinal Cancer at the ILS, has been awarded a new grant from the National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement and Reduction of animals in Research (NC3Rs). The award of £90,000 will fund one of just five PhD studentships given throughout the whole year. Entitled The validation of defined genotoxic thresholds, leading to better in vitro risk assessments of carcinogenic potential, the PhD will investigate ways of reducing the use of animals in toxicological testing. For more information, visit the NC3Rs website or contact Dr Gareth Jenkins. 

School researcher gains PhD

Professor Frances Rapport would like to send heartfelt congratulations to Anne Seagrove, who has just achieved her Doctorate after what turned out to be an excellent PhD viva.  The two external examiners, Professor Ian Carpenter from Kent and Professor Sue Frost from Huddersfield, were extremely complimentary about Anne’s work and the defence of her thesis on innovation and modernisation in endoscopy units. For more information, contact Professor Frances Rapport.

School of Medicine Christmas Ball a roaring success

The School of Medicine Ball 2009, which took place at the Brangwyn Hall on Friday 4th December, was once again a spectacular event. More than 300 staff and students from the School attended, being treated to a Hawaiian themed extravaganza, complete with flower garlands, a surf simulator and a feast of tropical-fruit inspired food and cocktails, and the surprise entertainment went down particularly well. Photographs from the evening are now available to view and purchase at www.urpics.co.uk. For more information, contact Emma Turner. 

Two manuscripts published on neuroinhibitory systems

Professor Mark Rees and Dr Kristin Baer have recently published two manuscripts on neuroinhibitory systems. For more information, contact Dr Kristin Baer.

Waldvogel HJ, Baer K, Eady E, Allen KL, Gilbert RT, Mohler H, Rees MI, Nicholson LF, Faull RL. Differential localization of gamma-aminobutyric acid type a and glycine receptor subunits and gephyrin in the human pons, medulla oblongata and uppermost cervical segment of the spinal cord: An immunohistochemical study. J Comp Neurol. 2009 Sep 16;518(3):305-328. [Epub ahead of print]. 

Baer K, Waldvogel HJ, Faull RL, Rees MI. Localization of glycine receptors in the human forebrain, brainstem, and cervical spinal cord: an immunohistochemical review. Front Mol Neurosci. 2009;2:25. Epub 2009 Nov 4.

School lecturer scoops Welsh Deanery Best Educational Supervisor and Trainer Award

The School of Postgraduate Medical and Dental Education has honoured Mr Euan Kevelighan, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at Singleton Hospital, for his excellence in training the next generation of medical professionals across Wales. He has been named Educational Supervisor and Trainer of the year in the BEST Awards 2009. These Awards, by the Wales Deanery, are part of a new initiative recently launched by the Deanery ‘Supervising the Route to Excellence’ programme.  The programme aims to ensure excellence in medical training through the development and support of high quality Educational and Clinical Supervisors throughout Wales. All Welsh doctors in training were able to nominate the consultant or GP who they believed performed outstandingly.

Of his award, Mr Kevelighan said: “I am privileged and very honoured to have been awarded the inaugural Welsh Deanery Best Educational Supervisor and Trainer Award.  I would like to thank the Deanery for highlighting the importance of excellence in educational supervision by awarding a uniquely-crafted Welsh trophy and an educational bursary”. The School os also very proud of this achievement, with Dr Aiden Byrne adding "Euan is a very worthy winner and I hope this award goes some way to recognising his excellence as a teacher, his long term commitment to the work of the School of Medicine and his passion for making a real difference to trainees and students". For more information, contact Dr Aiden Byrne. 

School of Medicine Christmas Ball a roaring success

The School of Medicine Ball 2009, which took place at the Brangwyn Hall on Friday 4th December, was once again a spectacular event. More than 300 staff and students from the School attended, being treated to a Hawaiian themed extravaganza, complete with flower garlands, a surf simulator and a feast of tropical-fruit inspired food and cocktails, and the surprise entertainment went down particularly well. Photographs from the evening will be available to view and purchase later today at www.urpics.co.uk. For more information, contact Emma Turner.

Gates Foundation seeking new diagnostics for developing world

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is now accepting letters of inquiry for a new grant programme to develop point-of-care diagnostics for the developing world. $30 million in new grants will be available through Grand Challenges Diagnostics, a part of the Grand Challenges in Global Health initiative. The program will develop components and technologies that allow assessment of multiple conditions and pathogens at the point-of-care in a variety of settings. The Foundation is looking to fund the development and optimization of novel, accurate, feasible technologies that are low cost, easy to use, functional at high temperatures and humidity, and do not require refrigeration, reagents, water or lab equipment. Details and application instructions are available on the Grand Challenges website and letters of inquiry are being accepted online until February 16, 2010. For more information, contact Dr Vivienne Jenkins. 

Registration for International Scientific Conference on Probiotics and Prebiotics now open

Registration and abstract submission for the International Scientific Conference on Probiotics and Prebiotics - IPC2010 is now open. You can reach on-line registration and abstract submission for the conference and the satellite symposia by visiting the conference website and the the scientific programme of the conference and the pre-conference symposia on bacteriocins, gastro-intestinal models and B. subtilis can also be found online. For more information, contact Emma Turner. 

Papers published on community pharmacy practice and patient-centred professionalism

Professor Frances Rapport and colleagues have published two papers on community pharmacy practice and patient-centred professionalism. The first presents a novel, bio-photographic study highlighting the relationship between community pharmacy workspace and practice with findings disclosing workspace unfit for purpose and a workforce ill at ease with their new professional identity of undertaking complex tasks in health provision and supporting retail sales, while the second presents data from five consultation workshops with 29 community pharmacists, stakeholders and patients to examine the notion “patient-centred professionalism” in terms of pharmacists’ working day and environment, with findings indicating the phrase is being mobilised by a whole set of different interests and agendas to reshape practice, the effect of which remains both uncertain and contested. For more information, contact Professor Frances Rapport. 

Rapport F, Doel MA, Jerzembek GS. Challenges to UK community pharmacy: A bio-photographic study of workspace in relation to professional pharmacy practice. Medical Humanities. 35(2), 110-117. Doi: 10.1136/jmh.2009.002105. 

Rapport F, Doel MA, Hutchings HA, Jerzembek GS, John DN, Wainwright P, Dobbs C, Newbury S, and Trower CS. Through the looking glass: public and professional perspectives on patient-centred professionalism in modern-day community pharmacy.  Forum Qualitative Sozialforschung / Forum: Qualitative Social Research (FQS) 11(1), Art 7. 

Systematic literature review published in The Open Colorectal Cancer Journal

Dr Kym Thorne and Dr Hayley Hutchings have published a systematic literature review on the impact of the two-week rule in the NHS in increasing the pick-up rate of upper and lower gastrointestinal (GI) cancers.  They report that for colorectal cancers (CRCs), only 9.5% of patients referred by the two-week rule were eventually diagnosed with CRC whilst for patients with Upper GI cancers (UGCs) only 5.5% of patients referred by the two-week rule were eventually diagnosed with a UGC. This review builds on a review published by the same authors in 2006 in the BMC Health Services Research journal.  For more information, contact Dr Kym Thorne.   

Thorne K, Hutchings HA, Elwyn G. The Two-Week Rule for NHS Gastrointestinal Cancer Referrals: A Systematic Review of Diagnostic Effectiveness. The Open Colorectal Cancer Journal 2:27-33