Australian Epilepsy Project - AEP

21/07/2025

The Australian Epilepsy Project proudly supports World Brain Day, an initiative led by the World Federation of Neurology (WFN) to raise awareness of neurological disorders and their prevention, observed each year on July 22nd. This global campaign promotes education, advocates for equitable access to care, and underscores the importance of brain health for all.

This year’s theme focuses on brain health across all ages, reflecting WFN’s commitment to supporting brain health from preconception through to healthy aging. It highlights the urgent need for lifelong support, early intervention, and access to quality neurological care for every individual, at every stage of life.

Together, we can build a future where neurological health is prioritised, understood, and accessible to all.

To mark the occasion, The Florey is hosting a public lecture open to all.

Register your interest here:

https://events.humanitix.com/florey-public-lecture-world-brain-day

The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health
World Federation of Neurology - WFN

Free public lecture

17/07/2025

The AEP is proud to support fundraising efforts for Australians living with epilepsy.

This year, we'll be active across September and October with two major events:

👟 In September, we’re stepping up for the Step 4 Epilepsy Walk

You can sign up here:
https://step4epilepsy.com.au

👣 In October, we’re thrilled to take part once again in the Walk for Epilepsy

Join us in raising awareness and vital funds to support those living with epilepsy. Every step makes a difference!

You can sign up here:
https://www.walkforepilepsy.org.au/event

Epilepsy Action Australia Epilepsy Foundation of Australia Epilepsy Queensland Epilepsy WA Epilepsy Tasmania Epilepsy ACT The Epilepsy Centre
The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health

15/07/2025

📢 The Australian Epilepsy Project is proud to publish the AEP Impact Report, June 2025!

The Australian Epilepsy Project is delivering tangible healthcare outcomes for Australian epilepsy patients, while also building the foundation for future scientific breakthroughs in the understanding and treatment of epilepsy.

The AEP aims to build one of the world’s most comprehensive multi-modal datasets, serving as a valuable global resource for epilepsy research. Stories from participants have already shown the life-changing impact of faster and more accurate diagnosis — dramatically shortening the journey from diagnosis to seizure management, which can take up to twenty years under the current standard of care.

This report showcases the key achievements and outcomes of the AEP to date.

🔍 Key Findings:

10% of AEP MRI scans revealed previously undetected epileptogenic lesions — critical discoveries that can directly impact diagnosis and treatment.

1 in 30 participants were found to carry genetic results that may explain or contribute to their epilepsy.

1 in 2 participants have been identified as high risk for depression or anxiety — opening the door to earlier intervention and more personalised mental health care.

These insights are already helping shape more tailored, effective treatment plans for people living with epilepsy.

👉 Read the full AEP Impact Report:https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/651decb9020521fcc3c1e560/67ef1051bcc95e6f449e07bf_2c170d2f957890c51cf4bf97bed5db7b_AEP%20Impact%20Report%20April%202025.pdf

🚨 Welcome Perth and Sydney to the AEP National Network!
We are thrilled to announce our growing AEP National Network, having officially opened two new MRI sites in Sydney and Perth, joining our established centres in Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, and Newcastle.

👉 To find out more on how to get involved and participate:
https://eoi.platform.epilepsyproject.org.au/

The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health The University of Melbourne Epilepsy Action Australia Epilepsy Foundation of Australia Epilepsy WA ACT Epilepsy Tasmania The Epilepsy Centre Epilepsy Queensland Amazon Web Services

17/06/2025

Exciting to see the Australian Epilepsy Project featured on 9 News!

The segment highlighted key voices from our team:
🔬 Prof. Graeme Jackson, Chief Investigator
💡 Anton De Weger, Digital and Technology Lead
🗣️ Amanda Anderson, Lived Experience and Participant Lead

They shared how the AEP is shaping the future of healthcare, powered by advanced Technology and the support of Amazon Web Services. By analysing decades of data — including medical imaging, family history, cognitive assessments, and genomic markers — we’re bringing personalised care within reach for people living with epilepsy.

📺 Watch the full story and learn more at 9News:

https://www.9news.com.au/national/epilepsy-artificial-intelligence-finding-surgical-cures-in-record-time/87ca69df-ce0a-42f4-b40f-3748734b2fc1?ocid=Social-9News&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR7oL6RPQXJLLB-RUJWDrDP72Zl0Ch5toxEH6GpKDWsvQe9VLVucKNOTonG2RA_aem_ZrlcTH4pny0oHCsIbiJUhw

The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health
The University of Melbourne

Artificial intelligence breaks new ground for Australians with epilepsyBy Mark Santomartino • State Political Reporter1:22pm Jun 16, 2025 X Facebook Mail Australians are finding surgical cures for epilepsy in as little as two years, thanks to advancements in artificial intelligence. The technology...

10/06/2025

✨What an incredible 2-days showcasing the AEP at Amazon Web Services (AWS) 2025 ✨

Last week Anton de Weger, Digital and Technology Lead, proudly presented the AEP Story and Outcomes as part of AWS Summit Sydney’s Innovation Day keynote alongside other inspiring companies including Canva, Splash Music, ANZ and more!

To watch the AEP Keynote Presentation: https://lnkd.in/gpYJu6SE
(time stamp – approx.1 hour 20 mins)

Jonas Haderlein, AEP Senior Data Scientist and Juan Mejia, AWS Senior Solutions Architect co-presented how using AI/ML on AWS is cutting diagnosis time by 70% in revolutionising epilepsy care.

The presentation can be found here: https://lnkd.in/ggCr3_Hk

At the AEP we believe this is what innovation in healthcare looks like. Taking the expertise contained within a hospital, outside of the traditional bricks and mortar, democratising access and expertise at population scale.

Thank you to the AWS team for their leadership, support, and creating an exemplary experience for all.

If you are living with epilepsy, or know of someone living with epilepsy, please visit our website and express your interest or speak to your neurologist about participating in the Australian Epilepsy Project 💜

https://lnkd.in/gCDkUcvD

The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health
The University of Melbourne

22/05/2025

✨ What a privilege it was to hear from the brilliant minds and lived experience speakers who shared incredible research and stories at the launch of The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health 2024 Impact Report.

Congratulations to all, especially Amanda Anderson who spearheads AEP Lived Experience, and relentlessly advocates for, and supports people living with epilepsy; and Prof. Graeme D Jackson whose vision to create impact at scale continues to inspire 💜

https://ow.ly/E2TQ50VWRER

Read a copy of The Florey's 2024 Impact Report: https://ow.ly/x2fZ50VWRET
If you missed it, watch the event recording: https://ow.ly/TeRy50VWRES

01/05/2025

Our latest publication projecting the burden of epilepsy in Australia and reinforcing the need for further investment in epilepsy care.

Congratulations Zanfina Ademi, Gopisankar MG, Emma Foster, Kristoffer Jarlov Jensen, Patrick Kwan, Ben Chen and AEP's Chief Investigator Graeme D Jackson.

The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health
Monash University

Just published in Epilepsia! We projected the burden of epilepsy in Australia (2024–2033) using dynamic life table modelling, capturing the evolving nature of the disease and associated costs over time. This work is part of the Australian Epilepsy Project, funded through the MRFF Frontier program....

02/04/2025

🎙️ The podcast is live! Check out our very own Chief Investigator, Professor Graeme Jackson, chat with Torie Robinson from Epilepsy Sparks about the work we are doing to change the lives of people living with epilepsy.

Podcast https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/tzg9aq5jhu9t5tkw/206_ESI_Graeme_Jackson_AUDIO8zaa9.mp3

📹 YouTube https://youtu.be/osSstG9vyUQ

📖 Transcript & more on Graeme https://www.torierobinson.com/epilepsy-sparks-insights/graeme-jackson-australian-epilepsy-project-mri

The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health

Just One MRI Scan Required For Epilepsy?! If it identified and made accurate predictions for mental health issues; wow. The project aims to transform the traditional approach to epilepsy treatment by utilising telehealth and data analysis to provide personalised care. Hear all about the Australian

01/04/2025

Our Chief Investigator, Professor Graeme D Jackson, had the pleasure of chatting with the incredible Torie Robinson from Epilepsy Sparks to share all about what the AEP is doing. Tune in tomorrow for the full podcast!

https://www.facebook.com/reel/1449125829798547

The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health

01/04/2025

The AEP team attended annual meeting at The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health. Over two days, the event featured an outstanding program with talented researchers, neuroscientists, and clinicians sharing the latest advancements in epilepsy research. This year the AEP proudly sponsored and played an active role in updating the epilepsy community on our recent work.

AEP highlights included Andy S., who presented his published research on Verbal paired associates learning lateralizes left hippocampal sclerosis in temporal lobe epilepsy.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39698765/

Dr Karen Oliver presented her published research on Familial Mesial Temporal Lobe Epilepsy.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37597255/

Additionally, Dr Suyi Ooi, Henry Johns and Philip Pruckner presented their research during the Data Blitz session. Dr Jodi Chapman, Dr Suyi Ooi, Henry Johns, Vicky He, Bahman Tahayori, Philip Pruckner and Leila Nategh each displayed posters during the Day 1 Poster Session, showcasing their ongoing research in epilepsy.

Thank you to the Epilepsy Melbourne Organising Committee for an exceptional meeting.

27/03/2025

Our very own talented Anton de Weger, Digital and Technology Lead, brought a wealth of experience and 'can do' approach to the AEP when he joined the team 18 months ago. Tune in to his interview with Dr Jen Frahm on Conversations Of Change with Dr Jen Frahm Podcast where he shares his approach and innovative thinking when building technology and capability inside a neuroscience research project.

https://overcast.fm/+AAG3JDyGotE
or
https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/anton-de-weger-from-ai-to-neuroscience/id1130918078?i=1000700667200

The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health

Podcast Episode · Conversations of Agile Change · 24/03/2025 · 38m

25/03/2025

Today we recognise Purple Day an international, grassroots effort dedicated to increasing awareness about epilepsy 💜

At the AEP we are on a mission to change the lives of people living with epilepsy. Recently, Amanda our Lived Experience Ambassador and Participant Lead, spoke to AEP Participant, William, about his journey with epilepsy and the impact the AEP testing has had on his quality of life.

William, a 26-year old university student, was referred to the AEP in January 2023, having just been diagnosed with temporal lobe epilepsy by his neurologist, Dr Moksh Sethi.

William had been having episodes described as ‘dissociative events’ since the age of 12 or 13. Prior to his diagnosis, these events had intensified, and he was experiencing up to three per day. He had also recently experienced his first tonic clonic seizure. However, MRI scans ordered by William’s doctors had returned with normal results. In February 2023, the AEP testing protocol revealed an abnormality – a right hippocampal sclerosis. This result opened up the option for surgery for William and a possible cure for his epilepsy.

In November 2024, less than 2 years since his diagnosis, William underwent brain surgery – a right temporal lobectomy. He has been seizure free since then.

The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health