News

The European Commission has begun a public stakeholder consultation which will feed into the interim evaluation of Horizon 2020, the EU's €77 billion research and innovation funding scheme running from 2014 to 2020. H2o2o has already funded several epilepsy-focused, and other neurological, research projects. More information on these projects can be found on EpilepsyAllianceEurope.org. The interim evaluation of Horizon 2020 will be an important element in preparations of a next EU research and innovation programme. Carlos Moedas, European Commissioner for Research, Science and Innovation, said: "I hope as many people as possible will use the chance to have their say on Horizon 2020, its first three years and its future direction. We are already analysing available data, facts and figures. But in order to have a full overview, it is very important to get direct feedback from researchers, entrepreneurs, innovators, citizens and all types of organisations that have participated in the programme." Horizon 2020 is one of the largest research and innovation schemes worldwide. In its first two years, the programme attracted over 76,000 eligible proposals. Over 9,000 grant agreements were signed by September 1, 2016 for calls with deadlines in 2014 and 2015, allocating almost €16 billion to boosting excellent science, creating [...]

IBE is delighted to announce the launch of the next round of funding under its Promising Strategies Program. With 81 projects in 37 countries already supported under this major program, IBE is pleased to further extend its support to epilepsy associations in developing countries to empower them to create initiatives to improve the quality of life of people with epilepsy in their region. As a first step, qualifying associations are invited to submit Letters of Intent - with a closing date of November 30. A short list will be announced on December 15, and the final list of projects to receive support in 2017 will be announced in mid-January. Please consider making a donation to IBE to help us further develop the Promising Strategies Program. With your support we can do great things. Download the IBE Promising Strategy Call for Letters of Intent.

The European Federation of Neurological Associations (EFNA) recently held the second annual Neurology Advocacy Awards. The awards recognise the contribution of an individual or group to the development and promotion of advocacy for people with neurological disorders in Europe. This year’s winners were presented with their awards at a Gala Dinner in Dublin on October 13. The winning European Policy-Maker for 2016 was Marian Harkin MEP, a prominent member of the European Advocates for Epilepsy. She was nominated for the award, jointly, by the International Bureau for Epilepsy and Pain Alliance Europe. Gay Mitchell, former MEP, Marian Harkin MEP Marian is currently a co-chair of the MEP Interest Group on Brain, Mind and Pain – but has been long-term champion of health issues in the European Parliament. She was presented with her award by last year’s winner – Gay Mitchell, former MEP. Other awards presented on the night includes the European Health Professional,  which went to Professor Paola Giunti, the European Patient Advocate, which went to Alistair Newton, and the Lifetime Achievement Award, which was presented to Past President of EFNA Audrey Craven.  

The Milken Institute Center for Strategic Philanthropy has developed this Epilepsy Giving Smarter Guide with the express purpose of empowering patients, supporters, and stakeholders to make informed, strategic decisions when directing their philanthropic investments and energy into research and development efforts. The Giving Smarter Guide provides a comprehensive lay-level overview of the disease landscape, key unmet needs, philanthropic opportunities and key stakeholders in the epilepsy field. This Guide is intended for the public and philanthropic networks. Download the Giving Smarter Guide.  

A number of personal epilepsy stories have been made available over the last two International Epilepsy Days through the official website. Now another batch of stories from North America have been added. The videos were recorded as part of the Twenty20s remarkABLE project, supported by IBE's Promising Strategies initiative. They can be found at this link: http://epilepsy.org/epilepsy-stories/

CREATING ARTISTIC WAVES! Put yourself in the frame for International Epilepsy Day, Monday, February 13, 2017... enter our competition.

Over the past few years, IE News has been included regular articles detailing the history of ILAE as documented in its newsletters. Now, as we reach the final instalment of this excellent series, produced by Ted Reynolds, a former President of ILAE, a compilation of all 10 articles is available for those who may have missed one or two instalments of this most interesting history. Download or view the 1o instalments of the Origins of the ILAE.

The Finnish Epilepsy Lifetime Achievements Award was given to professor Matti Sillanpää by Finnish Epilepsy Association, Epilepsy Research Foundation and Finnish Epilepsy Society on August 4. This Award recognises senior members of the society who have a record of lifetime contributions and accomplishments related to epilepsy research. Professor emeritus Matti Sillanpää celebrates his 80-year anniversary in Turku on August 4. His career as a pediatric neurologist, teacher and researcher is remarkable. His most important research project in epileptology is a population-based longitudinal follow-up study of children with epilepsy. He has followed the same patients at five-year intervals during 50 years. His research work has been widely cited and is well-known all over the world. Professor Sillanpää has also had time for work in both professional and lay organisations on international, national and local levels. He has acted as the President of the Finnish Epilepsy Society, Finnish Epilepsy Association and Epilepsy Research Foundation. Matti Sillanpää's work has influenced the status of people with epilepsy and improved their possibilities to lead a normal life. People with epilepsy have always been very much at his heart. He sees with great satisfaction that the attitudes towards epilepsy have improved and people with epilepsy have better [...]