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The Biology and Business of Stroke – University of Reading

Some of the country's foremost experts on stroke will gather at the University of Reading on Wednesday 14 December to discuss the latest research into stroke, which is the third biggest killer and the leading cause of disability in the UK. A wide range of research areas will be discussed at the workshop, called 'The Biology and Business of Stroke'. Speakers will consider the latest approaches to the diagnosis and management of stroke, such as the role of diet and medical drugs. They will also look at how stroke is treated and how that might change in the future with the development of new technologies and stem cell research. The workshop has been organised by the Thames Valley Life Sciences Network (1) and SPARC – the Strategic Promotion of Ageing Research Capacity (2). SPARC is a pioneering scheme which encourages young researchers to take an interest in the need of older people and an ageing population. It is led by Professor Peter Lansley, of the School of Construction Management and Engineering at the University of Reading, and Dr Richard Faragaher, from the School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences at the University of Brighton. Professor Lansley said: "With some 250,000 people living with long-term disability as a result of stroke in the UK, it is a vital research area. Various departments at the University of Reading have worked on stroke-related research, including academics in Cybernetics, Pharmacy, Psychology and Health & Social Care. This workshop will give a good overview of the recent advances in approaches to improving the care of those who have suffered a stroke." As well as academics, the workshop will be attended by business and public sector policy makers, health and social care practitioners and representatives from national charities such as the Stroke Association and Help the Aged. There will also be people coming who have themselves had a stroke. Professor Lansley added: "There is an excellent cross-section of people attending this event so it's an ideal opportunity for dialogue and for all of us to learn more about stroke – and how it can be prevented and treated." End Notes for editors 1. Thames Valley Life Sciences Network (TVLSN) is a networking group for life science professionals working in the Thames Valley. TVLSN works to promote and stimulate innovation and enterprise in the life sciences both within industry and academia by providing opportunities for which like-minded professionals can form relationships and project partnerships. To this end, TVLSN provides science focussed networking events and on-line networking through its membership directory. TVLSN membership covers professionals working in the biotechnology, pharmaceutical and food industries as well as academics, service providers and suppliers. TVLSN strives particularly to support the growth of small businesses through its Business Clinic services and relationships with the Reading Enterprise Hub. The synergy between TVLSN and SPARC is an obvious one and TVLSN seeks to work with other networking groups in order to bring maximum value to its members. More information about TVLSN and its events is available at http://www.tvlsn.org. 2. SPARC (Strategic Promotion of Ageing Research Capacity) is a new initiative funded by the Engineering & Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC). A key activity is working in partnership with the users of research - intermediaries of all types in business, health and social services, charitable and other organisations as well as directly with older people and their carers. In addition to organising workshops over the next three years SPARC will provide up to 30 pump-priming awards to newcomers to ageing research in the fields of design, engineering and biology. For more information, see http://www.sparc.ac.uk The 'Biology and Business of Stroke' workshop takes place at the Nike Lecture Theatre in the Agriculture building on the University of Reading's Whiteknights campus between 9.30am and 4.30pm on Wednesday 14 December. Members of the media are welcome to attend the event, but must confirm attendance beforehand. Contact: -Craig Hillsley, Press Officer, The University of Reading T: 0118 378 7388, E: c.hillsley@rdg.ac.uk -Professor Peter Lansley, Director of SPARC, The University of Reading T: 0118 378 8202, E: p.r.lansley@rdg.ac.uk