As part of our 2024-25 grant round, the Epilepsy Research Institute is pleased to announce a new funding collaboration with SUDEP Action. The fellowship aims to develop a future research leader investigating SUDEP and epilepsy-related deaths.Â
With at least 21 epilepsy-related deaths each week in the UK – and a significant proportion of these due to SUDEP (Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy) – it is imperative that research focuses on the unanswered questions around these deaths. This area was identified as the number one priority by the Priority Setting Partnership in 2022 and is a focus of one of the Institute’s key strategic research themes – Mortality, Morbidity & Risk.Â
The Epilepsy Research Institute & SUDEP Action Emerging Leader Fellowship Award will support an early career researcher to investigate epilepsy and SUDEP. This may include:Â
how to reduce the risks associated with SUDEP and other preventable epilepsy deathsÂ
the impact and cost of preventable epilepsy deaths/SUDEP on bereaved families, the health system and the wider community.Â
Apply for this FellowshipÂ
We are inviting applications for research to investigate the causes, diagnosis, treatment and clinical management of SUDEP. You can find full details on how to apply on The Hub.Â
Epilepsy Research Institute Chief Executive, Rosemarie Pardington, said: “It is a pleasure to announce this joint fellowship with SUDEP Action. Recent studies estimate the incidence of SUDEP is one death per 1,000 people with epilepsy per year, so it is vital we fund more research in this area. Previous research funded by the Institute suggests up to 80% of epilepsy-related deaths could be avoidable. This statistic includes the SUDEP deaths and therefore by working together to drive research in this area we hope to both reduce the incidence of SUDEP and avoid more families having to endure the tragedy of losing a loved one.”
Sammy Ashby, Chief Executive of SUDEP Action said:
“We’re delighted to be working closely with the Epilepsy Research Institute to find a future leader with a passion for tackling epilepsy deaths through their research. With so many epilepsy deaths thought to be preventable, research can play an important role in helping people to live more safely now, and SUDEP Action hope this is what our joint fellowship will achieve. We’re excited to be working with the Institute on this fellowship which has the potential to improve and save lives.”
Learn more about the important work of SUDEP Action. Â
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Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, we are also inviting applications for awards including:Â
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Find further information and application details on The Hub – our online portal for researchers. Â