2010-2011 Michael E. DeBakey Journalism Award Winners Announced

The awards recognize outstanding journalism demonstrating the essential role of humane animal research in medical discoveries and scientific breakthroughs

WASHINGTON, June 15, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Foundation for Biomedical Research (FBR) today announces the winners of the 10th annual Michael E. DeBakey Journalism Awards. The awards, named in honor of FBR's late chairman Dr. Michael E. DeBakey, recognize outstanding journalism that explores the essential role of humane animal research in medical discoveries and scientific breakthroughs.

The 2010-2011 winners are Robert Bazell and Jane Derenowski (NBC News), David Martin Davies (Texas Public Radio), Tom Avril (The Philadelphia Inquirer), JoAnna Wendel (Oregon Daily Emerald), Greg Miller (Smithsonian) and Denise Steffanus (Thoroughbred Times). The judging panel was composed of both members of the media and the scientific community.  

"In 2001, FBR established the DeBakey Journalism Awards to honor journalism that helps people understand how humane and responsible medical and scientific research with animal models leads to new medicines, treatments, therapies and cures that are extending and improving the lives of both people and animals," said FBR president Frankie Trull. "Ten years later, the DeBakey Award is recognized as one of the most prestigious prizes in science writing. The DeBakey awards are a unique opportunity for scientists and the media to converge in celebration of strides made in science and medicine."

An awards dinner to honor the winners will be held on Thursday, June 16, 2011. For more information about the award winners and their work, please visit FBR's website: fbresearch.org.

Established in 1981, FBR is the nation's oldest and largest organization devoted to educating the public about the essential role of humane animal research in the quest for medical advancements, treatments and cures for both humans and animals.  For more information, visit fbresearch.org.

SOURCE Foundation for Biomedical Research