CORDIS EXPRESS

With policy news thin on the ground during the summer months, we open this week's CORDIS Express with some exciting results from two large research projects, and a look at a recent survey suggesting that certain groups are at risk of excusion as the information society develops. We also have details of a new research alliance in Germany, and a new CORDIS service on energy research in FP7.

Extra irradiation increases success of breast cancer treatment, finds European study

A European study has found that an extra 'boost dose' of irradiation after surgery for breast cancer decreases the likelihood of the cancer returning. The study involved following more than 5,000 breast cancer patients for 10 years. The team found that the boost dose led to a 40% reduction in the risk of tumour recurrence, with young women benefiting the most from the extra irradiation.

Computer professionals see e-exclusion risk for older people

Respondents to a recent survey on e-inclusion have indicated that they see older people and those with lower levels of education as at risk of being left behind as the information society develops. Some 72% of those responding to the survey from the European Computer Driving Licence Foundation (ECDL) said that the ageing population is at risk of being excluded due to the development of the information society.

Study sheds light on pain-killing role of oestrogen

Swedish scientists have shed new light on how the hormone oestrogen affects how sensitive we are to pain. According to one of the authors of the study, Jan-Åke Gustafsson of the Karolinska Institute, the findings could lead to the production of a whole new class of analgesic drugs.

PRO INNO-Learning Platform publishes good practice call

The INNO-Learning Platform has published a call for applications for the identification and selection of good practices in six innovation policy areas: innovation in services; cluster policies; USA state aid regulations; public procurement schemes; innovation vouchers; innovation raising schemes.

CORDIS launches Energy Research information service for FP7

Increasing global demand for energy to power economic growth requires the development of cost-effective technologies for a more sustainable energy economy for Europe and the world. Assisting the actors involved in this ambitious objective, CORDIS, the Community Research and Development Information Service, has launched a new information service on Energy Research in the Seventh Framework Programme (FP7).

University and Research Centre create research alliance

Two of Germany's top research bodies have joined forces to create the 'Jülich Aachen Research Alliance' (JARA), in what a government minister has described as a 'forward-looking' move. The agreement between Aachen University and Jülich Research Centre was signed on 6 August in Düsseldorf. Together, the establishments have a budget of more than €900 million.

Summer school: nuclear receptor signalling

A summer school on nuclear receptor signalling (from molecular mechanisms to integrative physiology) will take place on the Greek island of Spetses from 26 to 31 August. The summer school is intended to give participants an integrated view of recent concepts and methodological progress in the analysis of nuclear receptor signalling pathways. It is intended for PhD students and post docs.

Building knowledge in communities

A conference entitled 'communities building knowledge: innovation through citizens' science and university engagement' will take place from 30 August to 1 September in Paris, France. The conference will provide a forum to discuss and share information on community-based research, carried out in both community and academic settings.

Governing regional innovation strategies: call for tenders

The European Commission's Regional Policy DG has published a call for tenders for a study on governance methods for regional innovation strategies. The focus of the study will be the governance of regional innovation strategies, financed in their totality or partly by the structural funds. The study will demonstrate the different concepts and approaches to regional innovation governance, and their strengths and weaknesses in the given political, institutional and socio-economic context.

Medical research cluster seeks partners for FP7 projects

The Nanomedic cluster is a platform of innovative companies and research organisations with expertise in the research, development and production of new medical products, technologies and analytical methods. Specialisations in the group include wound covers, tissue engineering, targeted drug therapy and gene therapy. The group seeks partners for collaboration in FP7 projects. Their ideal partner would have a strong R&D background and have project ideas in the fields of regenerative medicinal products, targeted drug delivery or gene therapy.

BIOCOP: monitoring food for chemical contaminants

Monitoring the levels of chemical contaminants in foodstuffs is an important and complex issue. The BIOCOP (New technologies to screen multiple chemical contaminants in foods) project, which is funded under the Sixth Framework Programme, is using a range of technologies to provide consumers, regulators and industry with long-term solutions to the problems associated with chemical contaminants. Tests are being developed by experts in a range of chemical contaminants, and the involvement of SMEs in the project will ensure that all technologies developed will be fully exploited.

CatCam reveals cats' secret life

Consumer electronics may not be the cutting edge of blue sky research that people expect from Finally and Briefly, but when coupled with ingenuity and a slightly obsessive desire to know what your cat gets up to AT ALL TIMES, then it can be turned to surprisingly innovative and informative uses...