Social Norms in Welsh Universities: Call for proposals

The AERC will be dealing with applications for this project that will establish alcohol – related social norms of students in Welsh Universities. The project aims to explore attitudes and perceptions towards alcohol and to identify suitable interventions to address any misconceptions.

The Welsh Assembly has commissioned Drinkaware to carry out a Wales specific study in Welsh universities, which could, in future, be used as a pilot for a national study. The NUSW (National Union of Students in Wales) would like to be involved and will assist where possible. A small number of universities have been proposed for the study to provide a picture of both urban and rural campuses.

Drinkaware is looking into the development of an electronic web-based personalised feedback intervention, for which the social norms in Wales need to be established. The research and final interventions will need to be bilingual so this must be factored in to the planning process.

Up to £40,000 is available

Deadline for applications is January 6th 2010

Cilck here for further details

The AERC Seeks 5 Board Members

The Alcohol Education and Research Council was established in 1982 and administers the Alcohol Education and Research Fund, a charitable foundation established by an Act of Parliament to fund education and research projects and novel forms of help to those with drinking problems. The Council seeks to increase awareness of alcohol issues, to facilitate a reduction in alcohol related harm in society and to encourage best practice. Its aim is to make a positive difference to the ways in which society understands and uses alcohol.

We are currently seeking 5 board members who should have an interest in alcohol research, treatment and educational services. All candidates must be an active participant in the affairs of the Council, be able to act as an ambassador for the Council, have a willingness to contribute towards strategic development and have the ability to make a constructive contribution in regard to assessing grant applications and funding priorities.

In particular, we are seeking people from the public, private, voluntary or academic sectors who can bring knowledge of one or more of the following: fundraising; contacts within wealth circles or the business community; accountancy; legal; investment management; marketing and communications; public health inc. relevant funding streams; psychiatric practice in relation to alcohol-harm.

The Council will meet approximately 6-8 days a year, including 3-5 meetings, plus occasional input into consideration of grants applications etc. Initial appointments will be for 3 years. Remuneration is not payable, but members are eligible to claim allowances, at rates set centrally, for travel and subsistence costs necessarily incurred on Council business.

How to apply

If you think you have the qualities we require and want to apply for a post please call 0870 240 3802 during office hours or go to www.appointments.org.uk, quoting reference DH9100C for an information pack and application form (which are available, on request, in large type, Braille or on tape).

Closing date: 12 noon on Tuesday, 15 December 2009.

We value and promote diversity and are committed to equality of opportunity for all and appointments made on merit. We believe that the best boards are those that reflect the communities they serve. We particularly want to hear from women and people from black and minority ethnic communities who are able to make a real contribution to this organisation.

View a copy of the press advert here

Call for proposals

The AERC in partnership with Comic Relief are funding research on gender differences.

In partnership with Comic Relief, the Alcohol Education and Research Council invite submissions of research proposals to address gender differences in drinking patterns, how these may have changed over time, why such a change has occurred and what strategies stand a chance of protecting young men and young women from the harmful consequences of alcohol misuse.

Up to £80,000 is available.

Deadline for applications is January 22nd 2010

Read more here

Call for Proposals

"National Drinking Cultures"

The Drinkaware Trust (Drinkaware) aims to help change the UK drinking culture for the better. In order to do this, it needs to understand the current culture, or cultures, as it is clear that people across the UK are drinking in very different ways.

There are a number of different reports and reviews that come out each year and contribute to everyone’s understanding of drinking patterns in terms of levels of consumption, harm associated with inappropriate use of alcohol and the impact that this has on UK public services. However, Drinkaware would like to go further and understand how, where, when and - most importantly - why people are drinking in the way they do. Therefore, it has asked the Alcohol Education & Research Council (AERC) to design and then oversee the delivery of a study that will provide:

1. a comprehensive review of quantitative and qualitative sources
2. original research in order to understand the various subcultures that frame how people are drinking in the UK

The aim of the study is to capture and update understanding of ‘alcohol use cultures’ on an annual basis over at least five years. This will provide a clearer picture of how UK drinking cultures are changing over time, which will aid policymakers, healthcare practitioners and the public to focus upon appropriate interventions. It is intended that the study will also consider possible future trends if these cultures continue and make recommendations for how best to address any increase in harm and encourage any positive trends that are detected.

A total of £100.000 will be made available for the work, which is expected to be delivered by October 2010.

The deadline for applications is December 19th 2009

Click here for further details

AERC funded research: Alcohol Consumption, Mortality and Morbidity

Key findings from Professor Martin Plant, Alcohol Health and Research Unit, Faculty of Health and Sciences, University of the West of England and Alcohol Concern, the national agency on alcohol misuse.

View the PDF here (External Link)