British Computer Society (BCS), HC2009

Harrogate International Centre
April 2009

Miss Abi Ajose-Adeogun (Programme Manager, NCRI Informatics Initiative, Community Alliances) gave a presentation on ‘The Challenge of Creating an Information Sharing Culture in Cancer Research’ during the ‘Developing a Knowledge Sharing Culture: Is it a Grand Challenge?’ session of HC2009.

Other presenters included:

1. Dr Susan Camp, Yorkshire Centre for Health Informatics;
2. Dr. Steven Sale from Bristol Royal Children’s Infirmary; and
3. Dr. Jean Roberts from the University of Central Lancashire.

The session ended with the presenters joining a panel of experts to address how we can overcome the challenges of data sharing. The Panel members were:

1. Dr. Alan Doyle, Science Portfolio Manger, Wellcome Trust;
2. Mr. Peter Knight, Group Programme Director, NHS Connecting for Health; Research Capability Programme; and
3.  Professor Alex Gray, Cardiff University.

The conclusion from this session was that the major challenge in data sharing is not the limitation of technology but the mindset and work practices of individuals and organisations. With the need for individuals to embrace the concept of data sharing and to utilise data sharing infrastructures. This requires:
- The scientific and clinical community being willing to produce structured, annotated data;
- Organisations promoting the collection of standard (complete) minimum datasets and addressing information governance needs; and
- Management ensuring the appropriate human capital is available to support data sharing.

For more information on HC2009 visit the conference website: http://www.hcshowcase.org/

8th International Network for Cancer Treatment and Research (INCTR)

Antalya, Turkey
March 2009

Dr Stuart Bell (Section Head, NCRI Informatics Initiative, Community Alliances) was a keynote speaker at this year’s INCTR meeting with a presentation on 'Building an international, online cancer research community'.

The INCTR conference is the premier conference focusing on cancer in developing countries. Unlike most other conferences the emphasis is on making best use of existing resources, putting in place education and early detection policies, rather than new drug therapies. The delegates were very interested in ONIX, as they saw it as a way to find current information on best practice that may be unavailable, or difficult to find, in resource-limited countries. There was a very positive response to ONIX and a willingness to get involved both as users and resource providers.

For more information on INTCR visit the conference website: http://www.inctr.org/meetings/index.shtml

NCRI Informatics Initiative Shortlisted for Times Higher Education Supplement Awards 2005

The NCRI Informatics Initiative has been shortlisted in the "Research Project of the Year" category at the inaugral Times Higher Awards. The Initiative was nominated by Professor Anthony Finkelstein, a Task Force member. The decision will be announced on the 23rd November at a ceremony at the Dorchester Hotel, London. To access the associated press release click here. (October 2005)

NCRI Cancer Conference to host "Cancer Informatics" Workshop

The NCRI Informatics Initiative will host a workshop entitled "Cancer Informatics" at the NCRI Conference in October. This workshop will be co-chaired by Professor Richard Begent (NCRI Informatics) and Dr Ken Buetow (NCICB) and will include presentations from an exciting list of speakers. To view the programme for the workshop please click here. (September 2005)

NCRI Informatics Human Genetic Variation Workshop

The NCRI Informatics Unit will host a workshop on Human Genetic Variation, in Autumn 2005. To register interest or for further details click here (June 2005)

NCRI Informatics Initiative hosts Integrating Functional Genomics and Clinical Trials Workshop

The NCRI Informatics Unit recently hosted a workshop entitled "Integrating Functional Genomics and Clinical Trials", at the Royal Society of Medicine in London. The two day workshop was attended by clinical trialists, data managers, functional genomicists, computer scientists, software engineers and clinicians. The presentations from the workshop are now available to view in our new "Workshops" section. Click here to access the presentations (February 2005)

NCRI Informatics Unit relocates to Lincoln's Inn Fields

The NCRI Informatics Coordination Unit has recently relocated to new offices at Cancer Research UK (CRUK) in Lincoln's Inn Fields, London. The Unit is now located adjacent to the main NCRI Secretariat offices in Holborn. Our new contact details can be found here. To see previous news items click hereto see our new archive news section. (September 2004)

Chair of NCRI Informatics Task Force appointed

Professor Richard Begent, of the Royal Free & University College Medical School, has agreed to Chair the new NCRI Informatics Implementation Task Force. This Task Force consists of experts from a range of disciplines including computer science, cancer science and medicine and informatics. The Task Force will undertake the implementation of the NCRI Strategic Framework for the Development of Cancer Research Informatics in the UK. To find out more about the Task Force click here. (July 2004)

(March 2004)

A live webcast of a Science Writers Seminar to launch the NCICB caBIG™ Initiative was held on the 9th March 2004. To view the archived seminar go to http://www.connectlive.com/events/nci (March 2004)