Francesca Sofia Reappointed as IBE President for a Second Term

We are pleased to announce that Francesca Sofia has been reappointed as President of the International Bureau for Epilepsy (IBE), beginning her second term following recent constitutional reforms that allow for consecutive presidential terms.

In a message to the IBE community, Francesca expressed gratitude and a renewed sense of purpose, noting that this next chapter represents not just continuity but momentum toward greater inclusion, resilience, and global impact.

Reflecting on achievements from her first term—including the launch of the Global Epilepsy Leaders (GELs) Programme, the Global Epilepsy Needs Study (GENS), and progress toward implementing the Intersectoral Global Action Plan (IGAP)—Francesca reaffirmed IBE’s commitment to putting lived experience at the centre of its work. “What we are building is not just a collection of programs,” she said. “It is a movement… grounded in truth and lived experience.”

We look forward to continuing this important journey under her leadership.