DeBakey Awards to Recognize Excellence in Biomedical Research Journalism

WASHINGTON, April 10 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --- Entries for the eighth annual
Michael E. DeBakey Journalism Awards, presented by the Foundation for
Biomedical Research (FBR) and named after FBR's chairman, are now being
accepted.

The competition is open to all professional journalists whose reporting has
enhanced public understanding and support for medical and scientific discovery
involving the humane and responsible use of animal models.

"Dr. DeBakey's many inventions and innovations have led to pioneering
treatments and innovative surgical techniques used in operating rooms around
the country every day," said FBR President Frankie L. Trull. "The DeBakey
Award honors excellent journalists who convey complex biomedical research
issues with stunning clarity."

Six separate awards will be presented for outstanding investigative or
interpretive reporting that was published, broadcast or posted online between
April 1, 2007, and March 31, 2008. Award winners will receive:

-- a $2,000 cash prize;
-- a Michael E. DeBakey Award in the print, TV, radio, Internet, or
international market; and
-- a trip to Washington, D.C., to attend the awards ceremony held on June 23,
2008, at the Mayflower Hotel

Dr. Michael E. DeBakey is the nation's foremost surgeon, inventor, educator
and medical statesman.

Dr. DeBakey performed the world's first successful coronary bypass in 1964.
Two years later, he successfully used a partial artificial heart to help
patients who could not be weaned from a heart-lung machine following
open-heart surgery.

DeBakey himself is no stranger to awards. On April 23, 2008, he will receive
the Congressional Medal of Honor in Washington. He has also received the
Presidential Medal of Freedom from Lyndon B. Johnson in 1969 and the National
Medal of Science from Ronald Reagan in 1987.

Entries to the 2007-2008 Michael E. DeBakey Journalism Awards must be
postmarked or received by April 30, 2008. For more information, visit
http://www.fbresearch.org/debakey.

FBR is the nation's foremost organization devoted to promoting public
understanding, respect and support for the humane and responsible use of
animals in medical and scientific research. For more information on FBR,
please visit its Web site at www.fbrresearch.org

SOURCE Foundation for Biomedical Research

Liz Hodge of Foundation for Biomedical Research, +1-202-457-0654