A new strategy for knowledge transfer for 2004-10 is under discussion, including plans to bid for up to £2.4m (over two years) for knowledge transfer activities through the Higher Education Innovation Fund.

Three priorities have been identified: to extend the range and scope of professional development activities; to make further contributions to the prosperity of the region through support for business clusters and a new White Rose Research triangle; and to sustain and develop the infrastructure which underpins Leeds KT activity.

Matched funding may be available from Yorkshire Forward or the European Regional Development Fund. For more information contact Pro-Vice-Chancellor David Hogg or Gill Holt, head of the knowledge transfer unit.

Training for GPs and practice nurses on weight management has limited impact and does not improve weight loss in their patients, new research from Leeds has found. Helen Moore and colleagues from the centre for research in primary care evaluated the impact of training in obesity management given to general practice teams.

Nearly 850 obese patients were involved in the study across forty-four general practices, half of which were control practices which continued to give normal care to their patients. After 12 months there was no significant difference in weight between the two groups.

“It will soon look profoundly stupid not to have the computer in the exam room,” keynote speaker Professor Tim O’Shea told the University’s first learning and teaching conference earlier this month. The Leeds alumnus and principal of the University of Edinburgh addressed more than 300 staff from Leeds and other universities.

More than 50 papers and 12 posters were submitted to the event. Conference organiser Professor Pauline Kneale said: “There was a real buzz around on the day and the keynote speakers were a real highlight.”

Pro-Vice-Chancellor for learning and teaching Professor Alan Pearman said: “I am delighted by the success of the conference and would like to thank all involved, particularly Christine Talbot and Professor Pauline Kneale. That such a large number of colleagues chose to attend is an indication of the commitment across the campus to enhancing the quality of learning and teaching at Leeds.”

...Professor Malcolm Povey who was omitted from the list of creators of the ‘batcane’ in the last Reporter.