13.09.2010 – 09:14

UCB Pharma

Final Call for Entries to the 2010 Excellence in Epilepsy Journalism Award

Brussels, Belgium (ots/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.

"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, UK

"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/activit
ies/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.
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]

Contact:

CONTACT: Further information: Ann Little, Executive Director, IBE,
T+353-1-210-8850, ibedublin@eircom.net; Eimear O'Brien, Associate
Director,Global CNS Communications, UCB Group, T
+32.2.559.9271,Eimear.OBrien@ucb.com