News

Press Release: Graduates making a real difference to regional biopharma industry

Haley — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 13:42:14 +0100

News Item Date

17 Mar 2010

News Item Text

Highly-skilled graduate interns are proving to be a huge success with biopharmaceutical companies in the South East, as they reach the halfway point of an important scheme which began last September.

Managed by the Universities of Reading and Surrey the £1.3 million project, jointly funded by both institutions, the Higher Education Funding Council for England's Economic Challenge Investment Fund (ECIF) and the South East England Development Agency (SEEDA), aims to address the immediate and long-term skills and knowledge needs of the biopharmaceutical industry in the region.

The 11-month internships are intended to develop and retain skilled staff within the UK biopharma industry. They are supporting companies of all sizes in moving forward with projects in a time of downsizing, recruitment freezes and challenging economic conditions. Interns are gaining invaluable industrial experience, skills and knowledge in areas of key interest to the industry itself.

Reading's expertise and leading Knowledge Transfer Centre means the University enjoys a hugely successful relationship with industry, which has proved to be instrumental in the success of the scheme.

Amanda Harding , 28, graduated from the University of Aberdeen and is one of 18 interns on the scheme working at Green Biologics in Abingdon.

Amanda said: "Working for a small company has given me a great opportunity to interact with and learn from all members of the team, from those in the lab to the company executives. My communication skills are continually improving as a result of attending and presenting my data at regular project meetings and at informal company meetings. One of the best things about this internship is the experience of being part of the team and contributing to the company's commercial success."

Preben Krabben, Green Biologics supervisor, said: "One of the biggest changes moving from an academic position to an industrial position is communications, time, and project management. The University of Reading and Surrey have provided a very good and eye opening work-shop on time management and communication."

"Amanda's work has enabled us to easily discriminate a large number of naturally occurring butanol producers, and she has developed transformation protocols for further augmenting their natural capacity of butanol production."

Adewale Raji, 27, graduated from Imperial College London and is one of three interns working at Pfizer in Kent.

He said: "I have been able to work with and learn from influential and seasoned experts in the pharmaceutical research industry through real life drug-discovery projects. If it wasn't for the ECIF scheme, I wouldn't have had the opportunity to apply my mathematical skills in a pharmaceutical research company so early on in my career."

David Fox, Director of External Chemistry Partnerships at Pfizer commented: "All of our interns have already made important contributions to our drug-discovery projects and have helped us to establish new scientific links with the Universities of Reading and Surrey. We have been particularly impressed by the quality of the interns and the level of support they have received from the universities."

In April, 12 new interns will begin working in various regional biopharma industries, this time on short term projects of 5 months.

ECIF Project Manager Sofie Verzylbergen commented: "We are very pleased to be able to offer these additional internships as they will allow us to compare the impact of shorter term and longer term placements in industry. This research will be incorporated in the final evaluation for the Reading-Surrey ECIF project and will help shape future collaborative projects."

In the long term, the project will allow the universities and their industrial partners to learn more about how graduates can be helped to manage the transition from university to work in biopharma. The project will also help to gain a better understanding of industry skills gaps and make recommendations on how universities and industry might work together to help address these.

For further information please click here or contact

Contact Name

James Barr

Telephone

0118 378 7115

Email

j.w.barr@reading.ac.uk

Attachments

HICFund - Opportunities for SMEs in Healthcare & Technology

Haley — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 14:47:32 +0100

News Item Date

17 Mar 2010

News Item Text

The Health Innovation Challenge Fund (HICF) is a scheme of up to five years supported by up to £100 million contributed in equal measure by the Department of Health (DH) and the Wellcome Trust (WT).

The two funders are collaborating to stimulate the creation of innovative healthcare products, technologies and interventions, and facilitate their development for the benefit of patients in the NHS and beyond. The HICF will have a succession of thematic calls for proposals, each selected to focus on unmet needs in healthcare relevant to the NHS, and will support innovative developments that are within three to five years of launch or adoption.

The HICF is positioned as a translational funding mechanism. Proposals will therefore be supported by the HICF to the stage where the product, technology or intervention has been sufficiently developed to be attractive for either:

Follow-on development by 3rd parties, including both commercial and not-for-profit organisations or;
Is ready for adoption, whether by procurement or other non-commercial route, national healthcare providers (including the NHS in England)

Funding is to be targeted at a later stage is the development pathway than is traditional for basic science projects. The objective of the HICF is to support successful applicants through the development pathway up to product and healthcare intervention launch and introduction into usage, thus overcoming the gap in the availability of development funding.

Key aims are:

Encourage innovative products for patient benefit
Improve the uptake of new technological advances into patient management pathways
Integrate the clinical research, informatics and product development communities

The Wellcome Trust is a UK-based biomedical research charity with the mission to foster and promote research in order to improve human and animal health.

The Department of Health is a Government Department which, aims to improve the health and wellbeing of people in England.

For more information, please contact

Contact Name

Simon Bradshaw

Telephone

020 8943 7316

Email

simon.bradshaw@hicfund.org.uk

Attachments

Save the date: UKTI's IBIZ 2010, October 6- 7, ExCeL London, running alongside Innovation Expo 2010

Haley — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 13:53:21 +0100

News Item Date

17 Mar 2010

News Item Text

EXPO 2010, held at ExCel on October 6 – 7, will be even bigger and better than last year’s event with more exhibitors, more seminars and 10,000 attendees expected.

EXPO 2010 will help drive the adoption and diffusion of innovation by encouraging and inspiring thousands of people who have influence over the adoption of innovation in the NHS to interact with the latest innovative thinking, evidence and best practice.

UKTI will be running the IBIZ 2010 Innovation Business Innovation Zone, alongside the Expo. Whilst the Expo focuses on driving the adoption and diffusion of innovation in the NHS, IBIZ 2010 will attract an international audience of buyers along with UK companies demonstrating excellence in medtech and biotech.

International Opportunities
We will recruit 100 buyers from 25 markets, joined by Commercial Officers from each market. One-to-one meetings will be available with buyers and Commercial Officers to make the most of potential business opportunities.

Seminar Programme
A seminar programme will be held focusing on topics including telecare, NHS procurement, aid funded business and regenerative medicine. There will also be a programme of overseas market briefings including a special focus on US opportunities for UK medtech companies.

Exhibitor Showcases
Exhibitor showcases will be available to UK medtech and biotech companies demonstrating excellence and innovation. Stand space will be available in 3m x 4m units and we are looking to assess demand for space from sector organisations and UK companies.

Investment Pitches
We are working up plans to run a national investment opportunity along the lines of ‘Dragons Den’, giving pre-selected SME’s the opportunity to receive mentoring and pitch to potential investors at IBIZ 2010.

As this is still in the planning phase, any thoughts you may have on the potential demand for IBIZ 2010 space amongst companies from your organisation or region would be welcome. We will be sending further updates on IBIZ 2010 as our plans progress, do contact us if there’s anything you’d like to discuss.

Contact Name

Merton Murrell

Telephone

Email

merton.murrell@ukti.gsi.gov.uk

Attachments

Medica 2010 - Space in the UK Pavilion Now on Sale

Haley — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 13:46:33 +0100

News Item Date

17 Mar 2010

News Item Text

The ABHI is pleased to inform you that bookings are now being taken for this year’s Medica exhibition.

Medica is the leading global exhibition for the medical sector. Every year it draws exhibitors ranging from world market leaders to innovative small firms, from over 100 nations. This year Medica is looking at increasing the 4,324 exhibitors from 2009. Last year also saw visitor numbers topping 138,000 with more expected for the 41st show in 2010. The show provides exhibitors with the opportunity to both develop and maintain business relationships in one location over the 4 days making it very time and cost effective.

Last year the ABHI took 100 companies within the UK pavilion. Due to the popularity of the show we would like to remind you that stands are available on a first come, first serve basis and so would advise you to book as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Benefits of participation in the UK pavilion at Medica include:

Government grants worth £1,000 from UK Trade & Investment
An excellent location to attract buyers, manufacturers and distributors to your stand
Marketing, press and promotion opportunities for your business
Exclusive use of the ABHI UK pavilion support stand offering refreshments, meeting areas, internet access
High quality, custom, UK stand design complete with furniture, electricity, carpeting and lighting package
Expert advice and support from dedicated ABHI staff prior, during and post-exhibition
Access to receptions, networking events, business meeting events at the exhibition

The deadline for applications is Friday 2nd April 2010. After this date ABHI will be unable to guarantee space in the UK pavilion.

To book a stand
Booking forms should be signed and faxed to 020 7960 4361 or emailed to exhibitions@abhi.org.uk Please note that the demand for space is very high meaning the exhibition can sell out in a matter of weeks. Please ensure that if you intend to exhibit, you send your signed application to us as soon as possible.

For more information on Medica 2010 please look on the ABHI website

Contact Name

ABHI Exhibitions

Telephone

Email

exhibitions@abhi.org.uk

Attachments

University of Brighton Internship Programme

Haley — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 15:25:20 +0100

News Item Date

16 Mar 2010

News Item Text

The University of Brighton Internship Programme enables employers to recruit a graduate at a minimal wage cost for a period of 37 hours per week for up to six weeks. Other time schedules can be negotiated as long as it doesn’t exceed the total number of hours. The University of Brighton will award a grant of £6 per hour towards wage and employer costs.

The funding is being provided by the government who are anxious to see that talented graduates who have not found graduate level work or any employment since graduating during the recessionary years of 2008 and 2009 are given opportunities to use their skills.

For further information please click here or contact

Contact Name

Katherine Hope

Telephone

01273 642855

Email

careers@brighton.ac.uk

Attachments

The London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine MSc programme

Haley — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 13:46:23 +0100

News Item Date

15 Mar 2010

News Item Text

The London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine is pleased to announce funding opportunities for EU/UK Masters Applicants in for the following MSc programmes:

MSc Biology & Control of Disease Vectors

The London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine has an outstanding international reputation in public health and tropical medicine and offers world class masters and research degrees. Seeking to offer challenge, choice and individual learning, the School is particularly noted for the excellence of its postgraduate medical training. Our academic staff are leading experts in their fields giving students unparalleled access to their knowledge and experience. The courses are recognised by national and international employers attracting highly motivated graduates and experienced professionals.

For further information on any of the scholarships offered, please contact;

London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine
50 Bedford Square
London
WC1B 3DP

Contact Name

London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine

Telephone

020 7299 4649

Email

registry@lshtm.ac.uk

Attachments

Opportunity in Korea for medical devices and materials for dental and orthopaedic sectors

Haley — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 13:11:56 +0100

News Item Date

15 Mar 2010

News Item Text

Oscotec a Korean bone specialised bioengineering company, has shown interest in importing medical devices and materials for dental and orghopaedic sectors from the UK, looking to distribute those products in Korea. The company got listed on the KOSDAQ (Korean NASDAQ) in 2007.

The CEO of the company is planning to visit Europe in May and is looking to visit UK on the 6th & 7th May.

If you would like to to see the CEO of Oscotec please contact the Seoul UKTI Trade Officer

Contact Name

Youngju Kim

Telephone

Email

Youngju.Kim@fco.gov.uk

Attachments

Press Release: InterSystems expands services and support for healthcare providers in Italy

Haley — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 12:01:27 +0100

News Item Date

11 Mar 2010

News Item Text

InterSystems Corporation today announced a strategic expansion in the Italian healthcare technology market with the acquisition of Prosa srl, a part of Gruppo Sistema SpA. A long-time InterSystems technology partner, Prosa is based in Cesena, and provides a wide range of implementation and support services to healthcare organizations in Italy, primarily those located in the Emilia Romagna and Veneto Area regions.

“InterSystems is absolutely committed to providing the highest levels of service and support to its customers in the Italian market,” said Jean-Pierre Giannetti, InterSystems Country Manager for Italy. “Building on our close and highly successful association with Prosa, which extends over 15 years, we felt that it was the appropriate time to expand our direct relationship with the healthcare providers that are using InterSystems’ advanced software technologies. This will ensure that our customers, who include many of the most innovative hospitals in Italy, can realize maximum benefit from our latest healthcare software advances.”

Prosa CEO Massimo Rocchi commented that “InterSystems’ decision to strengthen its direct relationship with Italian healthcare customers is the next logical step towards ensuring the highest customer satisfaction. The team from Prosa will bring new depth to InterSystems’ expertise in local implementation, project management and maintenance of critical hospital systems. The results for healthcare end-user organizations will be extremely significant and highly positive.”

InterSystems is the global leader in software for connected healthcare, with major electronic health record projects under way in multiple countries including Sweden, Scotland, Holland, England, Chile and Brazil.

For further information please comtact

Contact Name

Alex Heeley

Telephone

0207 861 3838

Email

A.heeley@defacto.com

Attachments

Accessing TSB Regenerative Technology Millions

Haley — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 11:33:46 +0100

News Item Date

11 Mar 2010

News Item Text

SEHTA and The Technology Strategyy Board recently ran a seminar on Accessing TSB Regenerative Technology Millions.

The seminar took place on Wednesday 10th March 2010 at Leatherhead Food Resesrch.

Please click here to view the agenda

To view the presentations please click on the relevant speaker

Dr David Parry, CEO, SEHTA
Dr Zahid Latif, Lead Technologist in Medicines and Healthcare, TSB

For further informaiton please contact

Contact Name

Claire Ansett

Telephone

0845 130 8179

Email

claire.ansett@sehta.co.uk

Attachments

The 2010 Bupa Foundation Awards Nominations

Haley — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 12:15:41 +0100

News Item Date

11 Mar 2010

News Item Text

The call for entries for the 2010 Bupa Foundation Awards are now open.

The prize is £15,000 per award - apply today.

Closing date for entries is 1 July 2010.

For further infiormation please click here or contact

Contact Name

Kate Higton

Telephone

Email

bupafoundation@googlemail.com