BRUSSELS, Belgium, September 13, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- The Excellence in Epilepsy Journalism Award, a joint initiative of the International Bureau for Epilepsy (IBE) and UCB, recognizes and rewards journalists from across the world who produce informed and compelling news and feature stories on epilepsy, as decided by an independent, international judging panel. Articles and broadcasts on epilepsy published between 30th June 2009 and 29th October 2010 are eligible for entry to the 2010 awards. The closing date for receipt of entries is 29th October 2010.

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The media can play a role in improving the understanding of epilepsy and challenging the misconceptions associated with the disease commented Dr Mark Porter, GP, broadcaster, and member of the Excellence in Epilepsy Journalism Award judging panel. The judging panel was delighted by the number of high quality entries submitted last year and we are anticipating further thought-provoking and inspiring journalism in this year's entries. If your work has made a significant contribution to increasing the awareness and understanding of epilepsy, you could be one of the deserving winners this year.

The 2010 'Excellence in Epilepsy' award is open to journalists from around the world who can either submit their own work or be nominated. There are three categories - for print, online and broadcast media - which will be judged by an independent panel including:

- Dr Carlos Acevedo, Vice-President of the IBE Latin American Region and Editor, International Epilepsy News - Robert Cole, CEO, Epilepsy Association of South Australia and the Northern Territory - Mike Glynn, President, IBE - David Josephs, Epilepsy Advocate - Joachim Mueller-Jung, Writer and Journalist, Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung - Dr Mark Porter, GP, Broadcaster and Medical correspondent for The Times

Epilepsy is the most common serious neurological disorder, affecting more than 50 million people worldwide said Mike Glynn, President of the IBE, and a member of the 2010 judging panel. The experience of living with seizures varies greatly from person to person. At the International Bureau for Epilepsy our goal is to help improve the quality of life for all people living with epilepsy and their families and carers. We believe that initiatives such the Excellence in Epilepsy Journalism Award can help to bring about improvements and developments in epilepsy care and services worldwide.

The panel is tasked with identifying responsible, informed, original and stimulating stories on epilepsy and entries for the 2010 Excellence in Epilepsy Journalism Award will be assessed on the following criteria:

- Helps to raise awareness and understanding of epilepsy - Gives a voice to people with epilepsy - Is conceptually or visually innovative or creative - Is well structured, well researched and compelling - Uses language responsibly when reporting or writing on epilepsy

Dr Lode Dewulf, Chief Medical Affairs Officer, UCB, added UCB is committed to making a meaningful difference to the epilepsy community and providing programs that enrich the lives of people with epilepsy. We are pleased to sponsor the Excellence in Epilepsy Journalism Award for a second year and hope that the 2010 awards will continue to open the lines of communication about epilepsy with the goal of helping to improve the lives of people with epilepsy, those who live with them and those who care for them.

To enter:

Post or email entries with the completed nomination form to: Journalism Award

PO Box 64191 London WC1A 9EN United Kingdom

or e-mail: journalismawards@excellenceinepilepsy.com. The closing date for entries is 29th October 2010. More information and a nomination form are available at: http://www.ibe-epilepsy.org/activities/excellence-in-journalism-award.

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

About Epilepsy(1,2)

Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder affecting 50 million people worldwide. It is caused by abnormal, excessive electrical discharges of the nerve cells or neurons in the brain. Epilepsy is characterized by a tendency to have recurrent seizures and defined by two or more unprovoked seizures. There are many different seizure types and epileptic syndromes and effective classification guides treatment and prognosis.

About the IBE

Founded almost 50 years ago, the IBE is an organisation 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 licence 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. http://www.ibe-epilepsy.org/aboutus

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. Employing more than 9 000 people in over 40 countries, UCB produced revenue of EUR 3.1 billion in 2009. UCB is listed on Euronext Brussels .

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.

References

1. http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs999/en/ [accessed 12th August 2010]

2. Epilepsy Foundation. Epilepsy and Seizure Statistics. http://www.epilepsyfoundation.org/about/ [accessed 12th August 2010]

SOURCE: UCB

CONTACT: Further information: Ann Little, Executive Director, IBE, T+353-1-210-8850, ibedublin@eircom.net or Eimear OBrien, AssociateDirector, Global CNS Communications, UCB Group, T +32-2-559-9271,Eimear.OBrien@ucb.com