Epilepsy Research Institute

12/12/2025

We are pleased to announce the launch of the Epilepsy Research Institute Early Career Researcher (ECR) Training Programme!

This programme is open to UK-based early career researchers in basic, data, or clinical epilepsy research. It offers opportunities to develop skills, expand your network, and advance your career.

Key details:
• Residential meetings: May 2026 & May 2027
• Contribution: £100 (bursaries available)
• Application deadline: 26 January 2026, 4pm

Find out more and download the application form here:
https://epilepsy-institute.org.uk/eri/news/early-career-researcher-training-programme/

11/12/2025

John and Lynne Mezzetti have been dedicated supporters of the Epilepsy Research Institute since 2006, following the tragic loss of their daughter, Ellen, at just 16 years old.

In Ellen’s memory, the family has organised regular Butterfly Ball events since 2012, and they held their most recent last month. With the support of their family, friends, and wider community, the evening was a wonderful success, raising an incredible £13,000 for vital epilepsy research.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has supported the Butterfly Ball over the years and helped make these events such a remarkable tribute to Ellen.

10/12/2025

We’re thrilled to congratulate EpilepsyGTx on securing $33M in Series A funding to advance their lead gene therapy programme EPY201 into first-in-human clinical trials.

This is a landmark moment for the field – and for the Epilepsy Research Institute – as part of the therapy was developed during Professor Gabriele Lignani’s Institute-funded fellowship. Gabriele said, “Seeing one of the therapies I helped develop during my fellowship move toward clinical testing is incredibly exciting. This achievement embodies years of collaborative science aimed at transforming the lives of people with refractory epilepsy. This progress shows what’s possible when we invest in innovative, long-term research.”

Congratulations to the whole EpilepsyGTx team on a huge step forward for people living with focal refractory epilepsy.

EpilepsyGTx, a biotechnology company focused on research and development of cutting-edge gene therapies to treat refractory epilepsy, today announced it has raised $33 million in … Continued

05/12/2025

Join us on Wednesday 10 December 2025, 1–2pm for an exciting session: Advancing Epilepsy Research Through Data Sharing.
Learn how big data and better access to research tools are accelerating breakthroughs in neuroscience. Hear from leading experts including:
- Dr Owen Pickrell (Swansea University Medical School)
- Giselle Kerry & Dr Eóghan Forde (Health Data Research UK)

Discover how FAIR data principles and tools like the Gateway can be used to transform epilepsy research. Register now to secure your spot! https://epilepsy-institute.org.uk/eri/news/webinar-advancing-epilepsy-research-through-data-sharing/

02/12/2025

Ready for an unforgettable challenge? This , why not sign up to join the Epilepsy Research Institute for the iconic !
We have 35 charity places waiting. Every mile you run helps drive breakthroughs in epilepsy research, improving treatments and lives 🏃‍♀️
Make your run count. Sign up today:
https://epilepsy-institute.org.uk/supporters/events/great-north-run-2026/

02/12/2025

Half of the most promising epilepsy research never makes it to the lab.

Not because of a lack of ideas – but a lack of funding. Last year we funded eight vital projects… but had to turn away nine more.

This , your support could be the difference between research that happens, and research that doesn’t. Donate today and help create the breakthroughs families urgently need.

https://epilepsy-institute.org.uk/eri/news/giving-tuesday-gracie-and-claras-story/

02/12/2025

Just over a week left to sign up for our next webinar! Join us on Wednesday 10 December 2025, 1–2pm for an exciting session: Advancing Epilepsy Research Through Data Sharing.

Learn how big data and better access to research tools are accelerating breakthroughs in neuroscience. Hear from leading experts:
- Dr Owen Pickrell (Swansea University Medical School)
- Giselle Kerry & Dr Eóghan Forde (Health Data Research UK)

Register today to secure your place!
https://epilepsy-institute.org.uk/eri/news/webinar-advancing-epilepsy-research-through-data-sharing/

02/12/2025

Gracie ran for her sister Clara💜
Clara died suddenly from SUDEP – a tragedy no family should have to endure.
By running the Madrid Marathon in her sister’s memory, Gracie raised an incredible £78,000 to fund the research that could prevent losses like this.

This , you too can help fuel the next research breakthroughs.

https://epilepsy-institute.org.uk/supporters/donate-2025/

02/12/2025

This , we’re sharing Gracie’s .

In April, Gracie ran the Madrid Marathon just months after tragically losing her sister Clara to SUDEP.

Determined to change the statistics – with three people dying from epilepsy every day in the UK – she turned her grief into action. Alongside friends and family, Gracie raised an incredible £78,000 for epilepsy research.

Help continue the impact she’s started and this Giving Tuesday: https://epilepsy-institute.org.uk/eri/news/giving-tuesday-gracie-and-claras-story/

28/11/2025

Today's Cerca Project workshop brought together people living with epilepsy and their families to help shape the future development of OPM-MEG brain-imaging technology. Ensuring that those directly affected have a real voice in how innovations like this are designed and delivered is essential. Their experiences guide us toward solutions that genuinely meet patient needs and reflect what matters most to them.

The insights shared today are invaluable as we work to introduce this groundbreaking, quantum-enabled technology into the NHS in a way that supports both patients and clinical teams. OPM-MEG provides millimetre-precision brain imaging, greater comfort (particularly for children), and the potential for more accurate diagnosis and improved access to life-changing treatments. Thank you to everyone who contributed their time, expertise and lived experience. Read more here: https://epilepsy-institute.org.uk/eri/news/epilepsy-research-institute-lead-nhs-adoption-pathway-groundbreaking-brain-imaging-project/

28/11/2025

🏃‍♂️Take on the iconic in 2026 with the Epilepsy Research Institute!
We have 35 charity places available – every mile you run powers research that brings us closer to better treatments and better lives for people affected by epilepsy.
Be part of something incredible. Sign up today!
https://epilepsy-institute.org.uk/supporters/events/great-north-run-2026/

27/11/2025

Today, we held the second Cerca Project workshop, bringing together clinicians, researchers and policymakers to shape the future of OPM-MEG brain imaging.

The insights shared are crucial as we work to ensure this groundbreaking, quantum-enabled technology is introduced into the NHS in a way that meets both patient needs and clinical priorities.

OPM-MEG offers millimetre-precision brain imaging, improved comfort, especially for children, and the potential for access to life-changing treatments.

Thank you to everyone for your expertise and perspectives. In partnership with Cerca Magnetics and the University of Nottingham, we are progressing the roadmap to integrate this transformative technology into NHS care. Read more here: https://epilepsy-institute.org.uk/eri/news/epilepsy-research-institute-lead-nhs-adoption-pathway-groundbreaking-brain-imaging-project/