Call for Entries: International Bureau for Epilepsy and UCB launch the 2012 Excellence in Epilepsy Journalism Award to recognize exceptional reporting on epilepsy

BRUSSELS, June 12, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Today marks the launch of the 2012 Excellence in Epilepsy Journalism Award that aims to raise awareness about epilepsy across the globe. The award is a joint initiative of the International Bureau for Epilepsy (IBE) and biopharmaceutical company UCB and recognizes journalists who have excelled in reporting on this often-misunderstood condition.

Epilepsy is the most common, serious neurological condition, affecting nearly 50 million people worldwide. Now in its fourth year, the annual Excellence in Epilepsy Journalism Award recognizes original and informative reporting on epilepsy, attracting a growing number of high-quality entries from around the world, with 49 entries from 24 countries received last year.

"Despite advances in the understanding and treatment of epilepsy, many people living with epilepsy continue to face prejudice and ignorance. By recognizing remarkable, thought-provoking and most importantly accurate journalism, we can help to increase understanding of the condition and continue the IBE's mission to improve the quality of life of all people with epilepsy and their families," commented Mike Glynn, award judge and President of IBE.

"At UCB we have a passion for enabling people with epilepsy to enjoy normal everyday lives. We are committed to improving the lives of people with epilepsy worldwide, and our support of the Excellence in Epilepsy Journalism Award supports education and acceptance of the condition," said Lode Dewulf, M.D., Vice President, Global Medical Affairs, UCB.

The Excellence in Epilepsy Journalism Award is open to all journalists, across four categories: print, online, broadcast TV and broadcast radio, with one winner selected from each group. Entries can either be entered by the author or via nomination by a third party. An independent panel of media experts and people with experience of epilepsy will judge submitted entries against set criteria. The panel will select winning entries that are informative, original, responsible and support the aim of raising awareness and understanding of epilepsy.

Entries can be about any aspect of epilepsy and must have been published or broadcast between November 30, 2011 and November 30, 2012.

2011 print winner Maj My Midtgaard Humaidan said, "I was honored to receive this award. My article focused on the challenges people with epilepsy and their families face, exploring the realities of living day-to-day with this condition. I hope to continue to increase understanding and awareness of epilepsy."

Jessica Solodar, 2010 online winner for her epilepsy.com article, 'Seizures triggered by video games: Underestimated and undiagnosed', commented, "I was pleased to be recognized for my article on photosensitive epilepsy because the award has helped draw attention to this important issue. There is a tremendous need for more awareness and understanding of epilepsy, and I hope this award encourages more journalists to write about it."

Aliyah Baruchin, 2009 online and print winner said, "I was delighted to be awarded the 2009 Excellence in Epilepsy Journalism Award. I am very glad that my article, 'Epilepsy in the African-American Community: Access, Education and Advocacy' - published in EpilepsyUSA - has increased awareness of the challenges often faced by the African-American community when trying to gain access to appropriate epilepsy care. The 2009 award allowed me to do additional reporting and writing, including an article on epilepsy in West Africa - that can help to de-stigmatize epilepsy and give a voice to those who live with it."

Notes to Editors

Entry Criteria

To find out more information or to download an entry or nomination form, please visit: http://www.ibe-epilepsy.org/activities/excellence-in-journalism-award-2012.

Certain local restrictions may apply regarding this award and the award is only available where not prohibited or restricted by local laws and regulations.

For further information

IBE 
Ann Little, Executive Director, IBE
T +353.1.210.8850, [email protected] 

UCB
Eimear O'Brien, Director, Brand Communications, Global Marketing & Access, UCB 
T +32.2.559.9271, [email protected]

Andrea Levin, Associate Director, U.S. Communication & Public Relations, UCB
T +1.770.970.8352, [email protected]

About the IBE
Founded almost 50 years ago, the IBE is an organization of laypersons and professionals interested in the medical and non-medical aspects of epilepsy. The IBE addresses such social problems as education, employment, insurance, driving license restrictions and public awareness, and supports its members through a range of innovative and important initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life of people with epilepsy and their families.  www.ibe-epilepsy.org

About UCB
UCB, Brussels, Belgium is a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the research, development and commercialization of innovative medicines with a focus on the fields of central nervous system and immunology disorders.

Forward looking statement 
This press release contains forward-looking statements based on current plans, estimates and beliefs of management. Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to be materially different from those that may be implied by such forward-looking statements contained in this press release. Important factors that could result in such differences include: changes in general economic, business and competitive conditions, effects of future judicial decisions, changes in regulation, exchange rate fluctuations and hiring and retention of its employees.

SOURCE UCB