Future leaders in neurology and psychiatry calling all young minds for application submissions

12 February 2001 -- AstraZeneca PLC announced today the creation of the AstraZeneca Young Minds in CNS Awards Program to recognize and promote promising work from young physicians working in the central nervous system (CNS) therapeutic area.

AstraZeneca wants to improve treatment of the central nervous system diseases. A key initiative for achieving this goal is to foster innovation through the support of those most in need of funding young clinicians and researchers, said Ron Polinsky, M.D., Vice President, Global CNS Medical Director, AstraZeneca. Through the Young Minds in CNS Awards Program we will create partnerships with neurologists and psychiatrists to enhance effectiveness of disease management and ultimately to help patients enjoy a better life.

AstraZenecas Young Minds in CNS Awards Program will award five USD $20,000 unrestricted career development awards. Award proposals (which can cover a range of activities including research, educational efforts, travel, salary support and materials) must demonstrate how winning a Young Minds in CNS Award will advance the applicants career. The awards will be made in the following categories:

Bipolar Disorder/Mania
Depression
Migraine
Schizophrenia
Stroke (acute)

Award recipients will also be sponsored by AstraZeneca to attend the awards reception (at either the American Psychiatry Association or the American Association of Neurology congress) plus an additional international CNS-related medical meeting in the USA or Europe in 2002.

An independent steering committee representing distinguished experts in the CNS field was formed to develop the Young Minds in CNS Awards Program. As part of their commitment to this program, the steering committee will also review award applications and recommend those to be funded.

These awards will enab
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Contact: Janet Milton-Edwards, AstraZeneca PLC
44-1625-516549
Porter Novelli
11-Feb-2001