Events

The International Bureau for Epilepsy (IBE) will have a strong presence at the 16th European Epilepsy Congress (EEC 2026), taking place in Athens, Greece, from 5–9 September 2026. Organised by the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE), the European Epilepsy Congress brings together clinicians, researchers, healthcare professionals, epilepsy organisations and other stakeholders from across Europe and beyond to share developments in epilepsy care, research and policy. Across the Congress, IBE staff will contribute to sessions focused on some of the issues at the heart of IBE’s work: meaningful patient and public involvement, person-centred care, continuity of care, seizure response in everyday settings and the role of people affected by epilepsy in research and education. IBE President Dr Francesca Sofia and Ms Elvira Vacas Montero, Chair of IBE’s European Regional Executive Committee, will also attend and participate in meetings across the programme. They will be joined by IBE Regional Chairs from South East Asia, Latin America and the Eastern Mediterranean, as well as representatives from many IBE chapters. Saturday 5 September: meaningful involvement in epilepsy research On the opening day of the Congress, IBE’s Head of Engagement, Claire Nolan will contribute to the half-day teaching course: Beyond participation: co-producing better epilepsy research [...]

With the 36th International Epilepsy Congress (IEC) approaching in Lisbon at the end of August, excitement is building across the IBE community. Co-organised by the IBE and the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE), the Congress brings together the worlds of science, advocacy, and lived experience. IEC2025 is a key opportunity to amplify the voices of people with epilepsy, highlight IBE’s mission, and ensure the community perspective is heard and valued. Hashtags & Handles Official Hashtag: #IEC2025 Supporting: #EpilepsyNeeds Social Media Instagram: international_bureau_epilepsy Twitter/X: @IBESocialMedia LinkedIn: international-bureau-for-epilepsy Facebook: internationalBureauForEpilepsy Events and Activities for the IBE Community IBE and ILAE will also be hosting a joint hub in Foyer C of the Congress venue. We invite you to visit us there, take a photo at our Selfie Wall, and explore our display of pillars presenting key takeaways from the Global Epilepsy Needs Study (GENS). You’ll also find our Wishing Wall in the foyer — share your own wish for fulfilling the unmet needs of people with epilepsy. Priority Sessions As IBE we have advocated for the inclusion of people with lived experience across the congress programme, as well as sessions that capture what matters most to our community. We encourage all chapter [...]

Next Thursday, September 5, 2024, the official launch of the "Advocate's Toolkit to Make Epilepsy a Priority in the Americas" will take place during a special webinar event. This important resource has been co-developed by the International Bureau for Epilepsy (IBE) and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) to address the pressing issues faced by people with epilepsy across the Americas. It will be a key tool in raising awareness and prioritizing the needs of those affected by epilepsy in the Americas. The collaboration between PAHO and IBE is crucial in addressing the high burden of epilepsy, promoting human rights, and ensuring equitable healthcare access, thereby improving outcomes for those affected by epilepsy in this region. The "Advocate's Toolkit" was created to foster stakeholder engagement aimed at reducing stigma, enhancing social inclusion, and improving access to healthcare and treatment for people with epilepsy. It offers information, strategies, examples, and templates to assist advocates in crafting effective advocacy approaches. The launch event will introduce participants to the toolkit and feature members of IBE's Latin American Regional Committee Alicia Bogacz, Keryma Acevedo, and Maria Marta Bertone, as well as IBE President Dr Francesca Sofia, alongside representatives of WHO/PAHO/National Ministries. Speaking in advance of [...]