National Press Foundation

The National Press Foundation (NPF) is an American non-profit organization based in Washington, DC.

The primary mission of the National Press Foundation is to increase journalists' knowledge of complex issues in order to improve public understanding. The foundation recognizes and encourages excellence in journalism through its awards and programs.

Since 1976, the National Press Foundation has provided professional development opportunities to more than 5,000 editors, producers and reporters, helping them to better understand and explain the impact of public policy on readers and viewers. Programs held in the nation's capital, around the country, and overseas, bring journalists together with leading authorities to discuss significant issues ranging from agriculture and economics to politics and zoology. ¹⁾

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On December 8, 2009, the NPF posted a message on Twitter thanking AstraZeneca, Pfizer, Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) and others for supporting their awards dinner.⁵⁾

Pfizer sponsored a program for the NPF called “Cancer Issues 2010” to train journalists to “understand the latest research” on various cancers, including the role of pharmaceutical products and vaccines.⁶⁾ MicroRNA (miRNA) was also a listed topic. Paul Raeburn of Knight Science Journalism at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) criticized the arrangement.⁷⁾