Dear Friends,

We have now moved to 2009 and in the first issue of the year we are including exciting information on the names of those selected to receive the IBE/ ILAE congress awards, at the end of June, during the Opening Ceremony of the 28th International Epilepsy Congress, in Budapest.

It is always important and necessary to recognize the vital contributions of volunteers, all over the world, who devote their time and expertise in order to help people with epilepsy. Maybe it is a little unfair to give an award only to few of these worthy people, but they represent, somehow, all of you. One award that will remain secret until the IBE General Assembly is the winner of the Volunteer Award and I hope that many of you will be able to attend the assembly to hear this announcement.

Issue 1 – 2009

Besides that, we have a report from Brazil on the issue of AEDs and generic substitution; a celebration of the artistic achievements of persons with epilepsy around the world; and an interesting article submitted by Dr Amza Ali from Jamaica on suggestions to coordinate the creation of an ILAE chapter and an IBE member at the same time, in order to develop a team work plan. I think there are interesting ideas in this article that could be picked up and developed by other IBE members.

Of course we must mention the report about the latest round of the Promising Strategies Program which presents the latest projects to be selected for funding.

Last, but not least, there is the important message from our President Susanne Lund.

Best regards
Dr Carlos Acevedo
Editor

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