Epilepsy Research Institute

03/04/2026

Wonderful to hear Emma Matthews on BBC Radio 4 Women’s Hour today, speaking about her film ‘D is for Distance’ and how epilepsy has affected her family.

This powerful film follows her son Louis’ diagnosis and their family’s journey, brought to life through a striking blend of archive, storytelling and reflection. Sharing stories like this is vital for raising awareness and deepening understanding of life with epilepsy.

Listen from 02.40:

Filmmaker Emma Matthews on the struggle to get treatment for her son's epilepsy.

02/04/2026

We're supporting a research study done by the University of Sheffield and University of Liverpool through our Shape Network to help improve the care that people who have experienced blackouts receive. If you're interested or want to find out more, please email mmeysner@liverpool.ac.uk or call 0151 794 2000.

02/04/2026

We’re building partnerships to accelerate progress in epilepsy research.

We work with academics and clinicians, universities and academic institutions, charities and industry to turn discovery into real-world impact.

If you’re looking to collaborate and drive meaningful change, we’d love to hear from you.

https://epilepsy-institute.org.uk/eri/research/partnerships/

01/04/2026

Work with us to accelerate life-changing epilepsy research.

We bring together academics and clinicians, universities and academic institutions, charities, industry, and lived experience to turn scientific breakthroughs into real-world impact.

Partner with us to access a global expert network and help drive meaningful change. Find more information here and in touch to collaborate: https://epilepsy-institute.org.uk/eri/research/partnerships/

27/03/2026

The full programme has just been announced for our Navigator Symposium on late-onset epilepsy!

📢 Navigator Symposium: Late-onset epilepsy
Join us in Liverpool for the next Epilepsy Research Institute Navigator Symposium, focusing on late-onset epilepsy – a rapidly growing challenge as epilepsy incidence rises sharply after age 60.

🗓 Thursday 30 April 2026
📍 Atlantic Tower Hotel Liverpool

This symposium brings together established and early career researchers to explore:
• Causes and risks
• Diagnostic challenges
• Links with stroke and Alzheimer’s disease
• New opportunities for treatment

🎤 Keynote: Professor Matthias Koepp (UCL) – update on the first anti-epileptogenesis trial in post-stroke epilepsy
Co-chaired by Dr Francesca Chaloner (Imperial College London) and Dr Sana Hannan (Lancaster University)
Featuring speakers including Professor Ley Sander, Professor Hedley Emsley, Dr Alice Lam, Dr Rob Wykes and Dr Josie Mayer.

Find out more and register here: https://epilepsy-institute.org.uk/eri/news/navigator-symposium-late-onset-epilepsy/

26/03/2026

We want to say a huge thank you to everyone who shared their stories, hosted events, took on challenges and stood with the epilepsy community this 💜

From powerful personal journeys like Madeline’s, to the many voices in our community reminding us why research matters, your support helps shine a light on epilepsy and the urgent need for progress.

If you can, please consider making a donation to support life-changing research. Together, we can drive forward better treatments, improve diagnosis, and continue fighting for a future free from epilepsy. Thank you.

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

26/03/2026

🏃👟Make this the one you sign up to an unforgettable running challenge while helping fund life-changing research into epilepsy!

Whether you choose the vibrant streets of London in The Big Half or the iconic atmosphere of the Great North Run in Newcastle, every mile you run supports pioneering scientists working to improve diagnosis, treatment and quality of life for people living with epilepsy.

https://epilepsy-institute.org.uk/supporters/events/

26/03/2026

Make this the one you sign up to an unforgettable running challenge while helping fund life-changing research into epilepsy!

Whether you choose the vibrant streets of London in The Big Half or the iconic atmosphere of the Great North Run in Newcastle, every mile you run supports pioneering scientists working to improve diagnosis, treatment and quality of life for people living with epilepsy.

Here’s our Events and Community Manager, James, to tell you more.

https://epilepsy-institute.org.uk/supporters/events/

26/03/2026

Are you organising a event? Whether it’s a bake sale, school fundraiser, workplace event or community activity, we’d love to hear about it.

Let us know what you’re doing and we’ll do our best to promote it through our social media channels to help spread the word and celebrate the epilepsy community!

Read more about the global Purple Day movement here: https://purpleday.org/

26/03/2026

From parents helping their children deal with complex conditions, and siblings coping with losing loved ones to SUDEP, to people suddenly dealing with late-onset epilepsy, read stories of people living with the condition and see why research matters to them.
https://epilepsy-institute.org.uk/eri/about-epilepsy/your-stories/

26/03/2026

This , we’re sharing the story of Madeline, who has written Diary of an Epileptic to reflect on her experiences of growing up with epilepsy. Diagnosed aged 13 after years of unexplained seizures, Madeline’s journey has included complex investigations, brain surgery and the ongoing challenges of drug-resistant epilepsy.

Madeline’s story is a powerful reminder of the resilience of our community, and the importance of continuing to fund the research that can change lives.
https://epilepsy-institute.org.uk/eri/about-epilepsy/your-stories/life-with-epilepsy-madelines-story/

23/03/2026

📢 The full programme has just been announced for our Navigator Symposium on late-onset epilepsy!

Join leading researchers in Liverpool on 30 April 2026 for a day of discussion, collaboration, and the latest insights into late-onset epilepsy.
🎤 Keynote from Professor Matthias Koepp
🧠 Speakers from UCL, Harvard Medical School, Lancaster University, University of Manchester and more.

Places are limited – secure your ticket today: https://epilepsy-institute.org.uk/hub/noticeboard/navigator-symposium-late-onset-epilepsy/