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]

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

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.

UK/11KP0014/May2011

SOURCE UCB