Newswise — The Genetics Society of America (GSA) is pleased to launch an awards program to honor journalists for exceptional coverage of genetics research. “As society’s investment in biological research increases, it is more important than ever to ensure that media coverage of research findings is both accurate and appropriately represented, “ said Sherry A. Marts, Ph.D., Executive Director.

The award is designed to honor those journalists who provide outstanding coverage of basic genetic research including studies of model organisms that link to human biology. The article or broadcast piece should contribute to public understanding of the importance of basic research in genetics, including (if applicable) what this research tells us about human biology or human health and disease.

Nominees do not have to be science beat journalists, but the piece being nominated must be on research that employs a non-human model organism, such as fruit flies (Drosophila), roundworms (C. elegans), mice, yeast, fungi or other organisms. Articles on human genetics testing or disease risk will not be considered.

Journalists or their media organizations may nominate online or print articles, or television or radio broadcast reports. International entries will be accepted, but all entries must be in English and produced for the first time during the 2009 calendar year. There is no fee or limit to the number of entries that may be submitted.

For an entry form, award criteria, and entry guidelines see www.genetics-gsa.org/pdf/2010_Journalism_Award_Packet.pdf Deadline for entries is March 8, 2010.

Nominees and their nominators will be notified about the award in May. The award ceremony will take place in Boston, Massachusetts at the GENETICS 2010: Model Organisms to Human Biology Meeting, June 12-15.

ABOUT THE GENETICS SOCIETY OF AMERICA

Founded in 1931, the Genetics Society of America (GSA) is the professional membership organization for geneticists and science educators. Its more than 4,000 members work to advance knowledge in the basic mechanisms of inheritance, from the molecular to the population level. The GSA is dedicated to promoting research in genetics and to facilitating communication among geneticists worldwide through the Genetics Society of America Conferences including the biennial conference on Model Organisms to Human Biology, an interdisciplinary meeting on current and cutting edge topics in genetics research, as well as annual and biennial meetings that focus on the genetics of particular organisms. GSA publishes GENETICS, the leading journal in the field. For more information about GSA, please visit www.genetics-gsa.org.