ESE Election for Executive Committee now open

Voting is now open in the ESE Executive Committee member election. All eligible voters have received full voting instructions by email. The vote is now open and will be closed on Tuesday 22 April 2008 at midnight (00:00) Greenwich Mean Time. The ESE would like to take this opportunity to advise you of the following points regarding the voting process: a) The opening and closing of the vote is fully automated. b) The results will only be available to the ESE's auditor, Chantrey Vellacott DFK. No one else will have access to this information. c) The results will be passed from Chantrey Vellacott DFK to the ESE President and to the Chair of the Nominations Committee once the vote has closed. d) The ESE Secretariat will have access to the voters list only. This is required in case of any questions regarding a members vote. The voting is anonymous and the ESE Secretariat will not know who has been voted for. Thank you for your participation in this important election process. If you have any questions then please email info@euro-endo.org. To view the candidate details please click on the links below.

Professor Johannsson

Professor van der Lely

ESE Membership applications

All applications for Ordinary membership are formally approved by the ESE Executive Committee and by the full membership at the Annual General Meeting. The closing date for new applications to be approved at the 2008 AGM is 1 April 2008. The online application form is available at the link below. Applications received after 1 April 2008 are still welcome, and you will still receive all membership benefits, but they will not be formally approved until after the 2008 AGM. Please urge your colleagues to join before 1 April 2008.

ESE membership application form

Program Exchange in Endocrinology Expertise of the Section/Board of Endocrinology

In order to facilitate within Europe the exchange of trainees specialising in Endocrinology and to harmonise and improve the training of the new endocrinologists, the Section/Board of Endocrinology of the UEMS (Union Europeenne des Medecins Specialistes) and Novo Nordisk A/S have set up a fellowship program called '3E', the Exhange in Endocrinology Expertise. The Exchange in Endocrinology Expertise program will support candidates for an assignment in a leading centre in endocrinology, diabetes and metabolism in Europe. The task will include both clinical practice and research, leading to publication. Although on average, the assignment duration is 6 months, the length of the period will be dependent to the requirement of each individual project. Whenever possible, the assignment should include both clinical practice and research. Publication should be sought, and if not relevant a report has to be written at the end. Novo Nordisk would like to present the Section/Board of Endocrinology a list of topics of interest within diabetes that could be a source of inspiration for potential future candidates. In 2008, the project will pilot up to 6 candidates. The selection of the candidates will be done by a Committee from the Section/Board of Endocrinology and by external reviewers according to well defined criteria of eligibility approved by both organising parties. The criteria for a candidate to be selected are the following: at least one publication in a peer-reviewed journal; recommendation from the head of department; language - incompatibility of language should be avoided (The UEMS Committee will evaluate case by case isf the knowledge of the recieving centre language is necessary); education - a minimum of one year in the speciality of endocrinology education up to five years after end of speciality education; motivation proven with a specific project proposal including an interesting topic, a proposal of centre and feasibility letter from the receiving centre. It is up to the candidate to choose a specific centre with in the list of the RQE (Recognition of Quality in Endocrinology) accredited centres by the Board of Endocrinology and to initiate the first contacts to investigate feasibility of the prohect prior to the submission of the application. The RQE centres are listed on the website of the Section/Baord of Endocrinology. The budget for the fellowship will cover the salary, the travel expenses (one return trip) and potentially research expenses like bench fees. Fellowship applications should be sent to the following address before 30 March 2008: Prof Rolf C GAillard, President Section/Board of Endocrinology of UEMS, Service d'endocrinologie, diabetologie et metabolisme, University Hospital (CHUV), CH-1011 Lausanne, Switzerland.

UEMS Section of Endocrinology

5th Postgraduate Course in Clinical Endocrinology

The 5th Postgraduate Course in Clinical Endocrinology will be in held in Vilnius, Lithuania from 17 - 19 April 2008. Further information, including the course programme and registration details can be found at the link below.

Conference website

European Society of Endocrinology prize winners

ESE would like to announce the 2008 winners of the Geoffrey Harris and European Journal of Endocrinology prizes. The Geoffrey Harris prize is intended for established workers in the field of basic or clinical neuroendocrinology, and is generously support by Ipsen. We are pleased to announce that the 2008 prize is awarded to Professor George Chrousos (Athens, Greece). Professor Chrousos will give a lecture at the ECE 2008 opening ceremony, 17.30 - 19.30 on Saturday 3 May 2008.

The European Journal of Endocrinology prize is awarded to a candidate younger than 45 years who has significantly contributed to the advancement of knowledge in the field of endocrinology through publication. The recipient of this prize for 2008 is Professor Claes Ohlsson (Göteborg, Sweden). Professor Ohlsson will give a lecture at the ECE 2008 opening ceremony, 17.30 - 19.30 on Saturday 3 May 2008, and will also write a review paper to be published in European Journal of Endocrinology. Further information about the ECE, including the programme and registration details, can be found at the link below.

ECE 2008 website

ECE 2008

The 10th European Congress of Endocrinology is being hosted by the German Society of Endocrinology and will be at the International Congress Center (ICC) in Berlin from 3-7 May 2008. Attendees are expected from all over the world to learn from the latest advances in endocrine research and clinical care presented by the thought leaders in the field. The POC has actively worked to put together a programme of scientific excellence that will be attractive to all professionals interested in endocrinology and metabolism. To register on-line or to find out more information, please click on the link below.

ECE 2008

2008 Annual General Meeting

The next ESE AGM will be held on Tuesday 6 May 2008 at the ECE 2008 in Berlin. The draft agenda will be circulated to members in due course. If you have any questions, please contact the ESE Secretariat on info@euro-endo.org.

ECE 2009

The 11th European Congress of Endocrinology will be hosted by the Society of Endocrinology and Metabolism of Turkey (SEMT) and will be held in Istanbul, 25-29 April 2009. Please click on the link below for more information.

ECE 2009

'Testosterone link' to depression (BBC Online, 4 March 2008)

A study has found that older men who have lower levels of the male sex hormone testosterone in their blood could be more prone to depression.

Full article

Drugs in Water Could Affect Human Cells (Associated Press, 10 March 2008)

Researchers have found that small amounts of pharmaceuticals in drinking water can exert powerful effects on human cells.

Full article

Diesel exhaust inhalation stresses your brain (AlphaGalileo, 11 March 2008)

Researchers have shown that an hour of inhaling exhaust fumes can induce a stress response in the brain's activity.

Full article

New guidance on the effects of cancer treatment on reproductive functions

The Royal College of Physicians, The Royal College of Radiologists and the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists in the UK have published new guidance on the effects of cancer treatment on reproductive functions. Approximately 11,000 patients in the 15-40 age group are diagnosed with cancer each year, and for many of these younger cancer patients fertility is or will become extremely important. The report aims to improve standards of management of fertility for these patients, calling for nationwide provision and funding, and for a scientific approach to future developments. More information is available via the link below.

RCP website

10th International Consensus Conference on Adrenal Insufficiency

The 10th International Consensus Conference will take place in Florence, Italy, on 17-18 April 2008. This year, the conference will enable international experts to present their different points of view on the topic of "Diagnosis and management of adrenal insufficiency in the critically ill". The debate will focus on many aspects relating to the diagnosis and management of this common problem, with the final objective being to reach a consensus on the best approach and optimal care for these patients.Online registration for this conference is now available. For more information, please click on the link below.

Conference website

International Congress of Endocrinology - Registration now open

The International Congress of Endocrinology 2008 is taking place on 8-12 November 2008 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This meeting is the most comprehensive international gathering of endocrinologists, endocrine scientists, trainees and students worldwide. Online registration for this event has now opened. You can also submit abstracts online. The closing date for abstract submission is 31 May 2008. More information on this conference is available at the link below.

Conference website

VII International Meeting on Cancer Induced Bone Disease 2008

The VII International Meeting on Cancer Induced Bone Disease 2008 is being held on 29 June - 2 July 2008 at Heriot Watt University, Edinburgh, UK. For further information, please contact Kate Openshaw at BioScientifica on +44 (0)1454 642 240 or email conferences@endocrinology.com. More information is available at the link below.

Conference website

5th Annual Conference of the German Joint Society for Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (DGKL)

The 5th Annual Conference of the German Joint Society for Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (DGKL)in cooperation with the Austrian Society of Laboratory Medicine and Clinical Chemistry (ÖGLMKC), Association of German Laboratory Physicians (BDL), Professional Association of Natural Scientists in Laboratory Diagnostics (BNLD) and Association of Diagnostic Manufacturers (VDGH) is taking place on 21-24 September 2008 in Mannheim, Germany. The 2008 annual meeting will focus on the role of laboratory diagnostics as a medical core competence in research and patient care. More information on this conference is available at the link below.

Conference website

The association between serum parathyroid hormone and bone mineral density, and the impact of smoking: the Tromsø Study

Parathyroid hormone (PTH) is the main regulator of calcium homeostasis, and plays an important role in regulation of bone mass. Decreased bone mineral density (BMD) has been shown in subjects with primary and secondary hypoparathyroidism. Previous epidemiological studies showing conflicting results in subjects with primary and secondary hypothyroidism have failed to adjust for smoking. This is important as even moderate smoking can cause a decrease in serum parathyroid hormone levels. In a cross-sectional study by Sneve et al., serum PTH and BMD were measured and a questionnaire completed covering lifestyle factors including smoking status and alcohol consumption. The paper reports on the fifth Tromsø Study, a population based study from which complete datasets, comprising of two questionnaires, x-ray absorptiometry of the hip and forearm, and serum PTH measured from non-fasting subjects, were available in 2810 subjects (1442 males and 1368 females). Statistically significant relationships between BMD and serum PTH levels, age, and body mass index were found at the hip. BMD at the hip, distal and ultradistal forearm was found to be significantly higher in male current non-smokers than in smokers, when adjusted for age and other factors. In former smokers of both genders there was a significant negative relationship between BMD at the hip and the number of years smoked. Male subjects showed a positive relationship between BMD and the number of years since cessation of smoking. This study, to the authors' knowledge, represents the largest known population-based study into serum PTH and BMD. The authors concluded that PTH is a significant negative predictor of BMD at the hip in both genders and the effect of smoking was found to be time rather than dose dependent, and more pronounced in men. Sneve, M., Emaus, N., Joakimsen, R.M., Jorde, R. European Journal of Endocrinology, 158, 401-409. DOI: 10.1530/EJE-07-0610

EMBO Installation Grants

The aim of this new scheme is to strengthen science in participating EMBC member states. At present applications are accepted from Croatia, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Portugal, Poland and Turkey. The grants will help scientists to relocate, set up their labs and rapidly establish a reputation in the European scientific community. The scheme is entirely funded by the participating EMBC member states and successful applicants receive an annual support of EUR50,000 for three to five years. Each participating country sets an upper limit to the number of grants available per year. The scheme will be administered by the EMBO Young Investigator Programme. Institutions and successful job candidates apply together to gain funding beyond normal start-up packages. The commitment and support of the receiving institute during and beyond the tenure of the grant is regarded as an essential part of the scheme and is meant to ensure continued support of the academic career of the recipient. EMBO will administer the annual distribution of grants to the recipients. Successful applicants will be eligible to apply to the EMBO Young Investigator Programme once they meet existing requirements. The deadline for applications is 15 April 2008. For more information, please click on the link below.

Grant website

ESPE Clinical Fellowship

The Clinical Fellowship of the European Society of Paediatric Endocrinology (ESPE) aims to promote the development of patient care, clinical management and clinical research in paediatric endocrinology through a training programme in a European Clinical centre. The ESPE Clinical Fellowship offers two options described as follows: 1. Long-Term Clinical Fellowship to support the training of paediatricians in paediatric endocrinology coming from a country where possibilities for such training are not present or insufficient as well as to introduce them into clinical research. The training period is 6 to 12 months. The training is provided by European Centres with a highly recognised reputation in Clinical Paediatric Endocrinology. 2. Short-term Clinical Fellowship to support appropriate training of qualified paediatric endocrinologists in a specific area of paediatric endocrinology coming from a home centre and/or home country where possibilities for such training are insufficient. The training period is 3 months. The training is provided by European Centres with a highly recognised reputation in Clinical Paediatric Endocrinology. The deadline for applications is 31 May 2008. You can find out more information by clicking on the link below.

ESPE Clinical Fellowship

International Society of Endocrinology - ICE Brazil 2008 Travel Grants Application and Procedure

The International Society of Endocrinology are launching their Travel Grant Award scheme to support endocrinologists in training (35 years of age or under) to attend ICE 2008 to be held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 8-12 November 2008. More information on travel grant application procedures, together with the application form, will shortly be available on the website links below. The deadline for the receipt of completed applications is 31 May 2008. For further information, please email info@endosociety.com.

International Society of Endocrinology website

ICE 2008 website

European Science Federation Call for Proposals

The 2008 Call for EUROCORES theme proposals is now available on the European Science Foundation website. The deadline for submitting proposals is 2 June 2008, 18:00 CET. In response to ESF's annual call for EUROCORES theme proposals, "bottom-up ideas" are invited as the first step in the creation of new thematic and large scale European Collaborative Research Programmes in and across all scientific areas. Theme proposals are NOT large scale research proposals (such as Integrated Projects) but they are proposals for the creation of new Research Programmes dealing with complex and broad topics. For each of these Programmes an Open Call for proposals will be developed inviting proposals for Collaborative Research Projects. More information is available at the link below.

Theme proposal website

Growth Hormone Society Research Fellowships 2008

The Growth Hormone Research Society intends to award two Research Fellowships in 2008 to promote international exchange of scientific and clinical research expertise in any area of GH-related research. Awards of US$ 50,000 will provide personal salary support and travel costs for a post-doctoral scientist or clinical training fellow wishing to pursue a research project for one year in a host institution of their choice. For further details and an application form, see the GRS website at the link below or contact the GRS office at grs@AFDM.AU.DK. The closing date for receipt of applications is 30 June 2008.

Growth Hormone Research Society website

If you have any feedback on the content of the alert, email: jennie.evans@endocrinology.org

Please feel free to pass this email alert on to anyone you think may be interested.