Aston University hosts epilepsy experts from across the Midlands

• The annual Midlands Epilepsy Research Priority Showcase brought together researchers from across the region
• The event included academics from Aston University, University of Birmingham, University of Nottingham, Nottingham Trent University and Warwick University
• Experts discussed latest priorities for epilepsy research.

Researchers from Aston University’s Institute of Health and Neurodevelopment (IHN) have hosted colleagues from across the region as part of the Midlands Epilepsy Research Priority Showcase (23 March).

The event was organised by researchers in IHN as a response to the UK Epilepsy Priority Setting Partnership’s (PSP) recent launch of their top ten priorities for research, with inputs from patient groups, people affected by epilepsy and healthcare professionals.

Following on from the launch, IHN members Dr Sukhvir Wright and Dr Felix Chan co-organised the Midlands Epilepsy Research Priority Showcase to bring together researchers and clinicians from across the Midlands to highlight ongoing epilepsy research across universities, hospitals, and institutions that addresses the top ten priorities.

The one-day meeting brought together 63 participants from across the region to discuss a range of topics including the top research priorities in epilepsy and novel biomarkers of epilepsy, as well as sleep and quality of life issues for patients.

Speakers attended from across various institutions including Aston University, University of Birmingham, University of Nottingham, Nottingham Trent University and Warwick University.

Dr Felix Chan, lecturer in Neuroscience said: “We were delighted to welcome colleagues from across the Midlands to discuss our ongoing and emerging research in epilepsy. The diversity of the research showcased at the event really highlighted the strength that we have as a region in the UK to address the top ten research priorities of epilepsy patients.”

The meeting helped to foster collaboration and bolster networking opportunities in order to drive forward research that could have a meaningful and positive impact on the lives of people affected by epilepsy - as well as the research and clinical stakeholders across the region.

Three awards were given out to outstanding poster presentations from research trainees from across the region. Winners included, Dr Aditi Kibe and Jess Szeto (Warwick University co-first place winner), Jack O’Brien-Cairney (Aston University) and Dr Isabella Marinelli (University of Birmingham).

Following on from the success of the event, the organisers are now looking to hold the Midlands Epilepsy Research Priority Showcase as a regular event and hope to incorporate other pre-existing research networks in the area, such as the Birmingham Epilepsy Research Network (BERN).