Press information: Liz Allen on 01904 724533, Hilary Layton on 01904 432029
Health research showcased
The Second Hull York Medical School research conference showcasing research from around the region will take place at York Racecourse on Thursday 10 March.
The conference brings together researchers from the whole North Yorkshire and Humber NHS region and from the two parent universities of HYMS.
Specialist sessions will focus on child mental health research, sexual health, cardiac rehabilitation, musculoskeletal research, primary care aspects of the mental health problems of older people, clinical biosciences, and knowledge transfer partnerships. The opportunity to further develop clinical trials capacity in the region will also be discussed.
Dr Charles Lacey from the York NHS Trust is working on the development of new HIV prevention technologies. In the sexual health session he will describe early safety studies of a new vaginal microbicide and the design of a large-scale effectiveness trial.
Another HYMS-supported project is research evaluating a supervised exercise programme for preventing falls. Professor Jennifer Klaber-Moffat from the University of Hull works with a team across the region. Their recent work has evaluated exercise programmes for the relief of neck and back pain.
Professor Gary Green from the newly-established NeuroImaging Centre at the University of York will outline advanced neuroimaging techniques and their applications.
The keynote speaker at the conference is Dr Russell Hamilton, Deputy Director for Research and Development at the Department of Health. He has a specific responsibility for cancer research.
About 200 NHS and University staff are expected at the conference. At the end of the conference, Bioscience Yorkshire in association with Science City York, will host a joint session with HYMS to discuss the potential for collaborative research and knowledge transfer.
Dr Liz Allen, Research Development Co-ordinator for the region said: "The key to this conference is the extraordinary networking of clinicians and academics engaged in health research. It brings very exciting opportunities for collaboration and demonstrates the breadth and quality of research in this region."
The Dean of HYMS, Professor Bill Gillespie said: "HYMS is delighted with the interest that has been shown from researchers, development agencies and industry across the region, and we look forward to seeing innovative ideas, developing from the contacts that will be made."
ENDS
Notes for editors:
HYMS is a partnership of the Universities of Hull and York and the NHS in the region.
Science City York was recognised as one of Britain's 'Science Cities' in Chancellor Gordon Brown's pre-budget statement on 2 December 2004. Science City York is a partnership between City of York Council and the University of York. It is at the heart of the economic development strategy with the objective of growing York as an internationally recognised science and technology base.
Exhibitors at the conference include:
Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Hull
Centre for Reviews and Dissemination
North Yorkshire Alliance Research and Development Unit
Medipex Ltd
Science and Technology Studies Unit, University of York
Northern Lincolnshire and Goole Hospitals NHS Trust R and D Department
Technology Development Group, Hull and East Yorkshire Hospital Medical Physics Service
Yorkshire and Humber Public Health Observatory
Hull and East Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust R and D Department
