Thanks to the continued generosity and commitment of our supporters, the Epilepsy Research Institute is proud to announce a major investment of over £1.7 million in eight cutting-edge research projects for 2025. These bold initiatives are set to drive real change in the lives of people affected by epilepsy.
This year’s awards include:
- One Entry Fellowship – our first-ever award supporting a promising early-career researcher just beginning their independent journey.
- Two Emerging Leader Fellowships – supporting rising stars in the field to develop transformative research programmes.
- Five Endeavour Project Grants – large-scale, ambitious studies tackling some of the most pressing challenges in epilepsy.
FELLOWSHIPS
Dr Francesca Chaloner – Entry Fellowship
In the Institute’s inaugural Entry Fellowship, Dr Chaloner will explore a pioneering, non-invasive brain stimulation technique to reduce seizures in people with epilepsy and Alzheimer’s. Her research holds promise for a safe and accessible dual-purpose treatment.
Dr Robert Graham – Emerging Leader Fellowship
Through his Fellowship, Dr Graham will study the brain chemical acetylcholine to identify patterns that increase seizure risk. This project aims to improve our ability to anticipate and eventually predict seizures – a breakthrough with potentially life-changing implications.
Dr Marisol Sampedro Castañeda – Emerging Leader Fellowship
Dr Castañeda’s Emerging Leader Fellowship will investigate how rare genetic mutations affect calcium flow in brain cells, a key factor in severe childhood epilepsies. Her research could pave the way for targeted treatments that prevent seizures before they start.
ENDEAVOUR PROJECT GRANTS
These projects will address some of epilepsy’s most urgent and complex questions – from understanding its underlying causes to developing smarter, more effective treatments for people living with the condition.
Dr Craig Heath
Dr Heath will investigate whether men taking sodium valproate risk passing on health issues to their children. The study will provide much-needed evidence to guide safer treatment decisions for men with epilepsy.
Dr Edmond Shu Lim Ho
Dr Ho will develop an AI tool to detect infantile epileptic spasms from videos recorded by parents at home. This innovation could speed up diagnosis, support clinicians and improve outcomes for babies with this serious form of epilepsy.
Dr Gareth Morris
Dr Morris will develop a new genetic therapy targeting a molecule that disrupts the brain’s ability to stop seizures. This approach could offer a long-lasting, more effective treatment for people with drug-resistant epilepsy.
Professor Andrew Trevelyan
Professor Trevelyan will study how seizures naturally stop, focusing on a brain process called cortical spreading depression. His research could reveal new ways to safely halt seizures and reduce the risk of SUDEP.
Professor Sameer Zuberi
Professor Zuberi will test a small chest-worn sensor to detect dangerous breathing changes during and after seizures. This technology could lead to a home-based alarm system to help prevent SUDEP and improve safety for people with epilepsy.
With these new awards, the Institute is now supporting nearly 40 active research projects across 18 institutions, involving over 100 researchers and collaborators in the UK and internationally.
Congratulations to our 2025 research awardees and thank you to our supporters and partners. Your commitment is helping us radically advance research into epilepsy.