AAN Journalism Fellowship Award

Nature Editor Receives 2010 AAN Journalism Fellowship Award

Kerri Smith of the publication Nature has been named the 2010 AAN Journalism Fellowship Award recipient. Smith is a podcast editor for Nature's website, which is based in London.

Smith sees her role as an essential one that bridges the gap between physicians and the public: "I think good science journalism has a lot in common with good science—like scientists, journalists should examine the facts with a critical eye, amass evidence for their stories through their reporting, and then present the story in a fair and accurate way. We should be helping to give the average person the tools to make informed decisions about medical findings relevant to them. And, like journalism in other fields, exposing bad science and questionable practices."

About the AAN Journalism Fellowship Award

The AAN Journalism Fellowship Award, presented annually since 1998, highlights journalists whose work exemplifies excellence in medical and health reporting. The award seeks to strengthen journalists' understanding of neurologic issues.

The AAN recognizes the important contributions made by members of the news media who help raise the public's awareness of neurologic disorders through print, broadcast and online news stories regarding advancements in neurologic research.
 
The winner of the 2011 AAN Journalism Fellowship Award will receive special recognition, airfare and hotel with a five-night maximum stay to attend the 2011 AAN Annual Meeting in Hawaii, April 9–16.

Application Deadline: Friday, January 10, 2011

How to Apply:

Applicants should submit the following:

1. Written expression of interest (no more than 500 words)
2. A resume (include contact information)
3. Three print, broadcast or online news clips on a neurology-related topic or any medical/science topic that covers advances in research, treatment, or care of neurologic conditions. Materials may be part of a series. Audio or broadcast clips must have a total running time of less than 30 minutes. Materials or stories included in any AAN publications are prohibited.
4. A nominating letter from a senior editor, news director or producer.

There is no submission fee.

Eligibility:

Any reporter, writer, producer, or editor from a recognized print, broadcast, or online news publication is eligible to apply for the AAN Journalism Fellowship Award. Members of the AAN who can provide these credentials are also eligible to apply. However, members of the AAN currently serving in official leadership positions are exempt. Materials must be published or broadcast between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2010. Past recipients of the AAN Journalism Fellowship Award are not eligible to apply.

Judging Criteria:

Judges may select up to one award recipient. Entries will be judged on the basis of originality, aptitude, accuracy, and significance to the area of neurology. Judges will also consider the journalist's background, interest, and overall career contributions to neurology-related topics.

Applications may be sent through the mail or email using the following information:

Rachel Seroka
American Academy of Neurology, Journalism Fellowship Award
1080 Montreal Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55116-2311
Email: rseroka@aan.com

The American Academy of Neurology, an association of more than 22,000 neurologists and neuroscience professionals, is dedicated to improving patient care through education and research. A neurologist is a doctor with specialized training in diagnosing, treating and managing disorders of the brain and nervous system such as stroke, Alzheimer's disease, epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, and multiple sclerosis.