News Release

IOF-Novartis Young Scholars' Awards presented to seven researchers from six countries

Grant and Award Announcement

International Osteoporosis Foundation

Seven young investigators today received IOF─Novartis Young Scholars' Awards, which were presented during the 2006 IOF World Congress on Osteoporosis (IOF WCO) in Toronto, Canada.

The recipients of the awards were:

  • Stephanie Boutroy, Lyon, France
  • Nicholas Harvey, Southampton, UK
  • Anna Holmberg, Malmö, Sweden
  • Yi-Hsiang Hsu, Boston, USA
  • Hong-Yo Kang, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
  • Oskar Ström, Stockholm, Sweden
  • Laszlo Tanko, Ballerup, Denmark

"These young investigators were chosen to receive the IOF─Novartis Young Scholars' Award based on the excellence and quality of their research, which they submitted for presentation at the IOF World Congress," noted Professor René Rizzoli, chairman, IOF Committee of Scientific Advisors and chairman, IOF World Congress on Osteoporosis 2006 Scientific Committee. "The IOF, in partnership with Novartis, is committed to helping support and encourage the careers of young scholars, in the field of osteoporosis research."

Over150 abstracts were entered for consideration for this award, with authors being no more than 40 years old. For more information please see http://www.osteofound.org/activities/iof_novartis_scholars.html

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Osteoporosis, in which the bones become porous and break easily, is one of the world's most common and debilitating diseases. The result: pain, loss of movement, inability to perform daily chores, and in many cases, death. One out of three women over 50 will experience osteoporotic fractures, as will one out of five men 1, 2, 3. Unfortunately, screening for people at risk is far from being a standard practice. Osteoporosis can, to a certain extent, be prevented, it can be easily diagnosed and effective treatments are available.

The International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) is the only worldwide organization dedicated to the fight against osteoporosis. It brings together scientists, physicians, patient societies and corporate partners. Working with its 172 member societies in 85 locations, and other healthcare-related organizations around the world, IOF encourages awareness and prevention, early detection and improved treatment of osteoporosis.

1 Melton U, Chrischilles EA, Cooper C et al. How many women have osteoporosis? Journal of Bone Mineral Research, 1992; 7:1005-10
2 Kanis JA et al. Long-term risk of osteoporotic fracture in Malmo. Osteoporosis International, 2000; 11:669-674
3. Melton LJ, et al. Bone density and fracture risk in men. JBMR. 1998; 13:No 12:1915

IOF World Congress on Osteoporosis, held every two years, is the only global congress dedicated specifically to all aspects of osteoporosis. Besides the opportunity to learn about the latest science and developments in diagnosis, treatment and the most recent socio-economic studies, participants have the chance to meet and exchange ideas with other physicians from around the world. All aspects of osteoporosis will be covered during the Congress which will comprise lectures by invited speakers presenting cutting edge research in the field, and 35 oral presentations and more than 680 poster presentations selected from 720 submitted abstracts. More than 70 Meet the Expert Sessions covering many practical aspects of diagnosis and management of osteoporosis are also on the program.

For more information on osteoporosis and IOF please visit: www.osteofound.org

For further information, please contact:
Paul Spencer Sochaczewski, Head of Communications,
International Osteoporosis Foundation:
Tel. +41 22 994 0100 - Fax. +41 22 994 0101 - E-mail: IOFnews@osteofound.org
or
Andrew Leopold, Weber Shandwick Worldwide
400-207 Queen's Quay West, Toronto, Tel: +1 416 964 6444
E-mail: aleopold@webershandwick.com


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