Research

We coordinate, conduct and fund epilepsy research into the causes, diagnosis and treatment of the condition, and its impact on all aspects of life for children, young people and their families.

We focus on three key workstreams, with over 45 current projects, some with international reach. Find out more about these below and how you can support, strengthen and fund our vital research work.

Our research partnership is led by the Prince of Wales’s Chair of Childhood Epilepsy, Professor Helen Cross OBE, President of the International League Against Epilepsy, Director of UCL GOS-ICH and Young Epilepsy Trustee. We work in partnership with Great Ormond Street Hospital and University College London Great Ormond Street - Institute of Child Health across three key workstreams.

Workstreams

We invite researchers, healthcare professionals, and families affected by epilepsy to join our efforts. Your involvement can help us drive meaningful change and improve outcomes for children and young people with epilepsy.

1. Understanding childhood epilepsies

Around half of people diagnosed with epilepsy never learn the cause of it. But the sooner we know the cause of someone’s epilepsy, the sooner we know how else it is affecting them, and how best to manage and treat it. Early epilepsy diagnosis is also better for the person’s understanding of their condition.

2. Outstanding treatment

Epilepsy treatments have not changed very much in recent years, and it can take a long time to find the right combination of treatments for each person. This is very hard on children, young people and their families. So, it is crucial that we make advances in imaging, surgery, dietetics, genomics, targeted treatments, and new medicines, if we are to effectively treat and one day perhaps cure, every epilepsy.

3. Outstanding support

It’s important to know what epilepsy is and how to treat it. But it’s also crucial that we tackle the wider challenges associated with growing up with epilepsy and treating childhood epilepsy. We can then put in place the right systems and supports for children, young people and their families.

How can I get involved in Young Epilepsy’s research?

We're thrilled to have partnered with the Developmental Neurosciences Team at UCL-GOS Institute of Child Health to create an amazing network which connects parents and caregivers of children with epilepsy and dedicated researchers.

Your voice is crucial in shaping the future of epilepsy research and we are eager to ensure your opinions are heard. By signing up to our online community, you'll have the opportunity to directly influence research that can change lives.

Add your voice to strengthen our work and ensure our research addresses the right questions in the right way.

Find out more and sign up today!

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Research Reports

Take a look at all our past reports to find out more about our work in childhood epilepsy,, including key findings, current projects and completed projects, research partnerships, strategy and impact.

Webinars

Discover ground-breaking insights from recently completed projects in our research webinars. Join us for expert discussions & parent perspectives.

Transforming the Future of Epilepsy Diagnosis and Treatment

Fundraising for young epilepsy research is vital to improve diagnosis and treatment. Currently, 1 in 3 children with epilepsy have seizures that cannot be controlled by medication, severely affecting their quality of life.

Despite this, epilepsy research is underfunded. Donations are essential to fund new treatments and potentially find a cure, ensuring every child can live seizure-free. Supporting research helps us understand epilepsy causes, improve diagnosis and treatment, and enhance long-term outcomes for children and young people.

Help fund world-leading studies

We are fundraising for studies to change the way childhood epilepsy is diagnosed, treated and supported. Examples of our key ongoing projects include:

1. An innovative OPM-MEG brain scanner for children and young people

2. Mapping patterns for earlier treatment in epilepsy

3. An investigation of physical activity in young people with epilepsy

Get in touch with our research team to find out how your funding can help: research@youngepilepsy.org.uk

Privacy Notice: EPIPEG Participants for T6 study.

Help fund research. Help control seizures.

Donate today to help us fund vital research and improve the lives of children with epilepsy.

Donate today

Get in touch

Do you have a question about our work? Please click on the link to find out the best person to email or call.