Proposals invited for epilepsy research

Brainwave, the Irish Epilepsy Association, is inviting proposals for funding under their new research scheme. Under the initiative, grants of up to €50,000 per annum for a maximum of three years will be made available for epilepsy research projects.

“The scheme embodies our ongoing commitment to encouraging and supporting research into epilepsy in Ireland”, said Mike Glynn, CEO of Brainwave.

The aim of the scheme is to help improve understanding of the condition, its management and its effects, both at home and internationally, and to drive further research into what is an often misunderstood and stigmatised condition.

“We welcome proposals from investigators on any aspect of epilepsy but we would particularly welcome proposals in the areas of psychosocial aspects of epilepsy; Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP); the effects of switching between generic and branded anti-epilepsy drugs; and epilepsy in teenagers,” said Mr Glynn.

Proposals received by Brainwave will undergo a rigorous and competitive peer review process by Brainwave’s Research Peer Review Board, chaired by Professor David Chadwick from the Walton Centre for Neurology and Neurosurgery in Liverpool.

Proposals which best meet Brainwave’s assessment criteria will be submitted for consideration under the Joint Funding Scheme operated by the Medical Research Charities Group & the Health Research Board.
 
The closing date for receipt of completed proposals is March 1 2009. For further information on the application process, see the research section on Brainwave’s website, www.epilepsy.ie or contact 01 4557500.

[Posted: Fri 07/11/2008]