Home

Centre for Global Epilepsy

Empowering global epilepsy research and care together

Capacity Sharing & Training

We strengthen epilepsy care by empowering local professionals through tailored training, mentorship, and fellowships. Our hands-on workshops and knowledge-sharing initiatives ensure that clinicians, researchers, and community health workers can provide context-specific solutions in their regions.

Research & Innovation

In collaboration with partners across low- and middle-income countries, we lead research that reflects local realities. From co-developing diagnostic tools to capturing patient experiences through oral history, we advance epilepsy care by integrating scientific discovery with lived experiences.

Knowledge Mobilisation & Policy Influencing

We turn research into action by engaging with policymakers, publishing impactful findings, and fostering strategic partnerships. Our advocacy efforts help shape epilepsy policies that are not only evidence-based but also culturally and regionally relevant.

Global Collaboration & Engagement

By connecting epilepsy researchers, clinicians, and advocates worldwide, we build a stronger global movement for better care. Through collaborative projects, international conferences, and funding initiatives, we create opportunities to scale solutions that work in diverse settings.

18 June 2026

Epilepsy Eras series continued with a journey into the Victorian age

The Epilepsy Eras seminar series continued on 18 June 2026 with Epilepsy in the Victorian Age, bringing together perspectives from medicine, literature and social history to explore how epilepsy was understood and represented in the nineteenth century. Professor Simon Shorvon, Professor Sara Lodge and Dr Jennifer Wallis examined how Victorian ideas and attitudes helped shape perceptions of epilepsy, with the discussion chaired by Professor Sloan Mahone.

21 May 2026

Epilepsy Eras seminar series launched with session on ancient interpretations of epilepsy

The Centre for Global Epilepsy launched its Epilepsy Eras seminar series with Part 1: Epilepsy in Ancient Times on 21 May 2026 at Wolfson College, Oxford. The interdisciplinary seminar explored early interpretations of epilepsy across Mesopotamian, legal and medical traditions. Speakers included Professor Sophie Démare-Lafont, Dr Moudhy Al-Rashid, Dr Ted Reynolds and Dr Troels Arbøll, with the session chaired by Dr Jacob Dahl.

20 May 2026

Solving Stigma in Epilepsy webinar brought together global perspectives

The Centre for Global Epilepsy hosted a webinar on Solving Stigma in Epilepsy on 20 May 2026. The event brought together Mr Action Amos from the International Bureau for Epilepsy, Dr Mary Bitta from Aga Khan University Nairobi and Harvard Medical School, and Professor Sloan Mahone from the University of Oxford for a global conversation on understanding and addressing stigma in epilepsy.

Spring 2026

OPEN Seed Fund awarded for Nepal policy project

We have received an Oxford Policy Engagement Network Seed Fund award for Strengthening Policy Pathways for Epilepsy and Maternal Health in Nepal. Led by Professor Arjune Sen, the project brings together partners from Oxford, the Nepal Public Health Foundation, AIIMS New Delhi and Nepali policy stakeholders to support policy engagement on epilepsy and maternal health in Nepal. The work will include stakeholder consultations, a policy dialogue workshop in Kathmandu and the development of policy-facing outputs for senior decision-makers.

Spring 2026

Centre for Global Epilepsy shortlisted for Vice-Chancellor’s Award

The Centre for Global Epilepsy has been shortlisted for the University of Oxford Vice-Chancellor’s Making a Difference Globally Award. The nomination recognises the Centre’s work in advancing equitable epilepsy care worldwide through research, capacity building, policy engagement and global partnerships. Building on Oxford’s contributions to global epilepsy research, including the Oxford Martin School Programme on Global Epilepsy, the Centre has quickly become a leading convenor in global brain health, working to improve outcomes for underserved communities.

Spring 2026

New collaboration with Nepal Public Health Foundation to advance research on epilepsy and maternal health

The Centre for Global Epilepsy is part of a new collaboration with the Nepal Public Health Foundation (NPHF) to improve understanding of epilepsy and maternal health in Nepal. The study is supported by the Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences and will bring together partners across Oxford and Nepal to generate the first comprehensive dataset on epilepsy and pregnancy outcomes in the country in nearly two decades. Read more on the NDCN website here.

2 December 2025

Integrating epilepsy into maternal health systems: lessons from Nepal and global insights

Deepesha Silpakar, Oxford Martin Visiting Fellow with the Centre for Global Epilepsy, presented insights from her work in Nepal on integrating epilepsy into maternal and reproductive health systems. The session examined access to antiseizure medicines, system-level and policy gaps, and strategies to strengthen maternal–neurological care in resource-limited settings. A panel discussion followed with Mahesh Kumar Maskey (Nepal Public Health Foundation), Jane Hirst (Imperial College London) and Arjune Sen (University of Oxford). You can watch the recording here!

28 November 2025

Global Mind Brain Health Summit held at the University of Oxford

The inaugural Global Mind Brain Health Summit was held at Corpus Christi College, University of Oxford, convening over 90 participants from ten countries across global policy, healthcare, research, technology and lived experience. The programme explored closing diagnostic gaps, rethinking treatment access, embedding lived experience, technology with purpose and driving sustainable change, with contributions from the World Health Organization, universities in the UK and Zimbabwe, and partners in Nepal.

15-17 September

Centre for Global Epilepsy attends 2025 ILAE British Scientific Conference, Bournemouth

The ILAE British Branch Annual Scientific Conference was held from 15th-17th September in Bournemouth and brought together clinicians and researchers to share advances in epilepsy research and care. Highlights included sessions on epilepsy and the ageing brain, public health, genetics and neurosurgery, alongside early career researcher talks and poster presentations. As part of the opening sessions of the conference, Professor Arjune Sen spoke about the Centre for Global Epilepsy and its’ commitment to empowering global epilepsy research and care together.

30 August-3 September

Centre for Global Epilepsy attends 2025 International Epilepsy Congress in Lisbon, Portugal

The 36th International Epilepsy Congress, held in Lisbon from 30 August–3 September 2025, brought together more than 4,000 professionals to advance global collaboration in epilepsy research and care. Sessions ranged from paediatric and elderly epilepsy to neurobiology and neurosurgery. Professor Arjune Sen led a session for early career researchers on the Centre for Global Epilepsy and the importance of collaboration. Other highlights included the WHO Global Action Plan and a reception with PAME and the BAND Foundation to unite colleagues committed to understanding and preventing SUDEP.

August 2025

Centre for Global Epilepsy publishes inaugural newsletter

We’re excited to share our first newsletter! Since our January launch, we’ve been building collaborations, expanding our network and shaping a global strategy to strengthen epilepsy research and care where it’s needed most. This edition features the introduction of our Strategic Advisory Board, the Global Epilepsy Researcher Directory, updates on internships, our Visiting Fellow, upcoming events and stories from people with lived experience, including Taurai Kadzviti from Zimbabwe. Click the image above to read, share and join us as we work to empower global epilepsy research and care.

17–18 May 2025

5th African Epilepsy Congress held in Lusaka, Zambia

The 2025 African Epilepsy Congress brought together researchers, clinicians, and advocates to share innovations in epilepsy care tailored to African contexts. The Centre for Global Epilepsy hosted a stand and contributed to key sessions. Professor Arjune Sen led a workshop on data and AI, Professor Sloan Mahone chaired a session on stigma, Professor Charles Newton shared EPInA findings and Dr Sam Bailie presented work from the Oxford Martin Programme. The Congress emphasized collaboration in advancing equitable care.

16 May 2025

Delivery of the 2nd ETAM Course at the African Epilepsy Congress, Lusaka

The second Epilepsy Training in Adult Medicine (ETAM) course was held in Lusaka, Zambia, as part of the 5th African Epilepsy Congress. Supported by the Centre for Global Epilepsy, this dedicated teaching day focused on equipping healthcare professionals with practical skills to improve epilepsy care in adult populations. The interactive programme built on the success of the inaugural course and reinforced ETAM’s growing role as a regional training initiative across sub-Saharan Africa.

9 May 2025

Oxford Masterclass in Epileptology: Epilepsy and Big Data

The 2025 Oxford Masterclass in Epileptology took place at Corpus Christi College, Oxford, and explored the growing role of big data in epilepsy research and care. Sessions throughout the day covered epidemiology, imaging, genomics, EEG and clinical trials, with speakers including Professors Arjune Sen, Mark Richardson, Andrea Cipriani and Eva Morris. Participants also took part in case discussions on practical applications and ethical considerations. Endorsed by ERN EpiCARE and supported by UCB Pharma, the event fostered collaboration across disciplines in the advancement of epilepsy

13 February 2025

Solving Stigma in Epilepsy launched in Harare, Zimbabwe

The first Solving Stigma in Epilepsy course took place in Harare, Zimbabwe, in February 2025, led by Professor Sloan Mahone. The course brought together 26 participants, including healthcare professionals, advocates, and individuals with lived experience, to explore epilepsy-related stigma in healthcare and its impact on access to care. Interactive sessions, including seizure first aid demonstrations and case-based discussions, helped participants develop strategies to reduce stigma in clinical settings and their communities.

12-14 February 2025

Delivery of the ETAM Course in Harare, Zimbabwe

The Epilepsy Training in Adult Medicine (ETAM) course launched in Tanzania, equipping healthcare professionals with essential epilepsy care skills. The course took place in February 2025 at the University of Zimbabwe, where 104 participants, including 17 local faculty, were trained in collaboration with ILAE, the British Pediatric Neurology Association, and the Epilepsy Support Foundation, Harare. These local faculty will now lead ongoing epilepsy care training across Zimbabwe.

February 2025

New Publication: Epilepsy in Low- to Middle-Income Countries

A new publication by Arjune Sen, Charles R. Newton, and Gift Ngwende explores key challenges and solutions for epilepsy care in LMICs. The authors highlight advancements like culture-specific diagnostic tools, innovative EEG prototypes, and the addition of Levetiracetam to the WHO Essential Medicines List, offering practical opportunities to improve care in resource-limited settings.

Centre for Global Epilepsy

Our Key Areas of Impact

Capacity Sharing & Training

Research & Innovation

Knowledge Mobilisation & Policy Influencing

Global Collaboration & Engagement

Recent News

Epilepsy Eras series continued with a journey into the Victorian age

Epilepsy Eras seminar series launched with session on ancient interpretations of epilepsy

Solving Stigma in Epilepsy webinar brought together global perspectives

OPEN Seed Fund awarded for Nepal policy project

Centre for Global Epilepsy shortlisted for Vice-Chancellor’s Award

New collaboration with Nepal Public Health Foundation to advance research on epilepsy and maternal health

Integrating epilepsy into maternal health systems: lessons from Nepal and global insights

Global Mind Brain Health Summit held at the University of Oxford

Centre for Global Epilepsy attends 2025 ILAE British Scientific Conference, Bournemouth

Centre for Global Epilepsy attends 2025 International Epilepsy Congress in Lisbon, Portugal

Centre for Global Epilepsy publishes inaugural newsletter

5th African Epilepsy Congress held in Lusaka, Zambia

Delivery of the 2nd ETAM Course at the African Epilepsy Congress, Lusaka

Oxford Masterclass in Epileptology: Epilepsy and Big Data

Solving Stigma in Epilepsy launched in Harare, Zimbabwe

Delivery of the ETAM Course in Harare, Zimbabwe

New Publication: Epilepsy in Low- to Middle-Income Countries