Epilepsy Research Institute

23/07/2025

Thank you, Caroline Scott of The Times, for sharing such a powerful and deeply moving account of your family’s experience with .

This piece sheds light on the harsh realities of living with the condition - the stigma, hidden dangers and devastating impact of uncontrolled seizures, and the urgent need for better awareness, care and research.

Caroline’s words highlight the vital importance of prioritising life-saving research into epilepsy and (Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy).

The Epilepsy Research Institute is committed to funding research that will save lives and transform futures. Together, we can ensure that stories like Rupert’s lead to real change.

https://www.thetimes.com/article/99207350-e6ba-491e-82f6-d44534e60ac5?shareToken=417bb6a56ac2884ff6e888901658e13c

Epilepsy affects 600,000 people in the UK and kills 21 a week. One mother reveals how the condition is largely ignored by the NHS and blights her son’s life

21/07/2025

Today, we have written to Baroness Merron, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, urging the Government to act on the ‘Hughes Report’ recommendations.

Families affected by the avoidable harms of sodium valproate are still waiting for meaningful action. Without dedicated funding, critical research gaps remain - particularly on the risks of anti-seizure medications in pregnancy and paternal exposure.

We’ve requested a meeting to push forward a coordinated, properly funded research strategy to prevent future harm.

17/07/2025

A new £2.7M trial led by University of Liverpool will test the long-term benefits of vagus nerve stimulation ( ) for drug-resistant . Designed in partnership with people affected by epilepsy via the Institute’s Shape Network, the project will include children and adults often underrepresented in research. https://epilepsy-institute.org.uk/eri/news/shape-network-helps-design-university-of-liverpool-trial-drug-resistant-epilepsy/

12/07/2025

🥾A huge thank you to Abbie, Charlotte, Kate, Eleanor and Bronwen for taking on the Challenge today in support of the Epilepsy Research Institute! Every step you take helps drive forward vital research💜
Support their efforts here! https://www.justgiving.com/page/yorkshirepeakedat30

11/07/2025

⛳ Huge thanks to our incredible supporters at Farnell as they hosted their 21st Golf Day in support of the Epilepsy Research Institute!
For over 20 years, Farnell have honoured the memory of James Hirst with this amazing event — raising over £200,000 to drive forward vital epilepsy research.
We’re so grateful to the whole Farnell community for their continued compassion, commitment and generosity💜

09/07/2025

Today the Epilepsy Research Institute was delighted to be at the launch of the Liverpool Interdisciplinary Neuroscience Research Centre (LINC) at University of Liverpool. We attended alongside partners from research, policy and industry to celebrate this exciting step forward in brain and mind research that will transform neurological outcomes locally and globally. Former Liverpool footballer David Fairclough (pictured) also joined the launch, showing support for this important initiative.

07/07/2025

Your support powers research.
Research changes lives.
Lives like Sophie’s — now seizure-free for 10 years.

Will you help fund the next breakthrough?
https://epilepsy-institute.org.uk/one-in-100-donate-today/

05/07/2025

Find your local MP and invite them to support vital epilepsy research for the 🗳️
Help us recruit a network of parliamentarians to champion the cause of epilepsy research by using our letter template and MP locator – it only takes a minute! https://epilepsy-institute.org.uk/onein100/write-to-your-mp/

03/07/2025

The Government’s new NHS 10-Year Plan includes promising steps for people affected by neurological conditions like – but ambition alone isn’t enough.

Research into epilepsy remains underfunded and undervalued, delaying better treatments and deeper understanding of the condition.

We stand with The Neurological Alliance in calling for a clear, dedicated implementation plan for neurological care, backed by urgent investment in the neuro workforce and research.

Sign the open letter to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Wes Streeting, and demand action now: https://bit.ly/NA-open-letter-wes-streeting

Read the full responses from the Neurological Alliance: https://www.neural.org.uk/news/neurological-alliance-response-to-the-nhs-10-year-plan/

02/07/2025

🚨 Last-minute places available!
We have 2 charity places for the Berlin Marathon on Sunday 21 September🏃‍♀️ With under 12 weeks to go, we’re looking for dedicated runners ready to take on the challenge and help power life-changing research.
📩 Email: challenges@epilepsy-institute.org.uk ASAP to find out more!

28/06/2025

Claire left a gift in her Will to epilepsy research, and since her passing her husband John pledged to do the same. John recently reflected on their life together, the challenges Claire faced with courage, and why he pledged to leave a legacy to research.
https://epilepsy-institute.org.uk/eri/news/gifts-in-wills-help-radically-advance-epilepsy-research/