Public Sector Roundup: Cash for education IT

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Eduserv offers money for social networking study

Non-profit IT services group Eduserv has announced £300,000 in funding for academic institutions to study social networking and mobile computing. Proposals are due 14 March, and must look at online identity, open social graph and ubiquitous computing.

"Eduserv is interested in research and development projects that advance the understanding of the impact that these emerging technologies will have on learning and research. Eduserv encourages proposals to focus on the technical, social or political issues in these areas, inside or outside campuses, lecture theatres, libraries, research labs and Internet cafes at colleges and universities. Proposals that combine all of the three areas are particularly welcome," the group said.

Grants will range from £30,000 to £150,000 for up to two year projects.

Aberdeen hospital trials telehealth

Royal Aberdeen Infirmary is trialling Cisco's Healthpresence telehealth system, which uses video, audio and medical data to create an electronic version of a visit to a doctor's office. Diagnostic equipment will let specialists remotely conduct tests - such as blood pressure, temperature, and pulse.

The system could offer benefits in rural and remote areas, where doctors are often scarce. "Shortages of healthcare practitioners and increasing costs, combined with aging populations, have put significant strains on health systems throughout the world. By using the network as a platform, Cisco has a key role to play in the delivery of safe, affordable and accessible healthcare", said Nick Augustinos, Global Healthcare Solutions director for the Cisco Internet Business Solutions Group.

Clinicians Dr Karyn Webster and Dr Fiona Mair from the Royal Aberdeen Infirmary, who have both used Cisco HealthPresence, commented that "HealthPresence is an asset to improve the quality of telephone advice and triage. Being able to visualise and have physiological parameters on a patient will improve patient care".

Councils should use e-petitions, survey says

A study by the New Local Government Network Councils has shown that local councils should use e-petitions to engage people in local politics and boost participation in democracy.

The study suggested e-petitioning will widen participation of disengaged voters, such as younger people; give people new ways to make their voices heard; help ensure accountability; and provide new methods to disseminate information.

"The system would be based on residents establishing a minimum number of signatures needed to support a petition, which could then trigger a formal council debate on the issue," the body said.

The study called on the Audit Commission to reward councils who use their websites to encourage better participation.

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