Results from the 2024 Capacity Building survey are now available, providing insights into the current epilepsy research landscape. The survey, developed by the Institute’s Capacity Building Theme Leads, sought to identify the number of researchers working in epilepsy, the gaps in infrastructure and the ways in which the Epilepsy Research Institute can help overcome current challenges.
Why was the survey carried out?
Despite being one of the most prevalent, serious neurological conditions, research into epilepsy has been chronically underfunded. Greater research investment is needed to drive innovations in the causes, prevention and treatment of epilepsy and its associated conditions. A key aim of the Epilepsy Research Institute is to strengthen the epilepsy research ecosystem by driving strategic investment and developing partnerships and collaborations. To help us achieve this, we need to work alongside researchers to ensure that we are building the relevant resources required to maintain and strengthen the research community and support partnerships.
The Epilepsy Research Institute’s Capacity Building Theme Leads — Professor Torsten Baldeweg, Dr Sukhvir Wright and Dr James Mitchell — carried out a survey in March 2024 to find out what UK epilepsy researchers think about the current state of epilepsy research and how the Institute can help.
What will happen with the results?
The results from this survey are being shared widely and, importantly, will be used to shape the Institute’s work to support epilepsy researchers over the next few years.
“These findings will guide our efforts for the coming years, with a focus on mentoring and funding initiatives to attract talented early-career researchers into our field.” Professor Torsten Baldeweg