UCB and IBE launch 2011 Excellence in Epilepsy Journalism Award

UCB has announced the launch of the 2011 Excellence in Epilepsy Journalism Award scheme, which aims to honour the work of writers providing informed content regarding the condition.

In association with the International Bureau for Epilepsy (IBE), the pharmaceutical company will be helping to evaluate nominated articles and broadcasts on epilepsy published between October 30th 2010 and November 30th 2011.

Categories for print, online and broadcast media have been established, with entries to be judged by an independent panel of medical experts and writers.

Among the criteria for winning entrants will be the quality of language use and research, the platform offered to help epilepsy sufferers make their voices heard and the success of articles in raising awareness of the disease.

Mike Glynn, president of the IBE and a member of the panel, said: "Epilepsy is often misunderstood by the general public and in this context it is vital that accurate and responsible media reporting on the condition is encouraged."

This comes after UCB presented its 2011 UCB Award for Neuroscientific Research to Professor Bart De Strooper earlier this year, honouring his work in the field of Alzheimer's disease.