BRUSSELS, Belgium, May 17, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The International Bureau for Epilepsy (IBE) and biopharmaceutical company UCB today announced the launch of the 2011 Excellence in Epilepsy Journalism Award. The award is a joint initiative to raise awareness about epilepsy across the globe by recognising 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.1 Since it was established in 2009, the annual Excellence in Epilepsy journalism award has recognised original and informative reporting on epilepsy, attracting a growing number of high-quality entries from around the world and drawing attention to under-reported issues.

The Excellence in Epilepsy Journalism Award is open to journalists around the globe, who can either submit their own work or be nominated by a third party. There are three categories for entries - print, online and broadcast, with one winner to be selected from each group. Submitted entries will be judged by an independent panel of media experts and people with experience of epilepsy. The panel will select articles or reports that are responsible, informative, original 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 30th October 2010 and 30th November 2011.

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/downloads/Award%20Form%20Web%202011.pdf

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

References

1. http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs999/en/ [accessed 7th March 2011]