Despite all that’s going on in the world, the sun is out… and so is our Summer Focus newsletter!

To launch National Epilepsy Week we announced £1.3million in vital new research funding – our largest investment to date. In our Summer Focus newsletter Stephanie Scourge, Professor of Translational Neuroscience at UCL School of Pharmacy, discusses how for people living with epilepsy and researchers alike, ERUK grants provide a “lifeline”. This issue also features articles from our Chief Executive, Maxine Smeaton, and our new Director of Research & Innovation, Dr James Pickett, on how ERUK is managing the impact of Covid-19. 

Some other highlights from our latest Focus include… 

Grant Awards 2020
Profiles of the new research projects selected by our Scientific Advisory Committee. This year we received over 70 high quality applications, and after a rigorous review process we awarded two Fellowships, four project grants, three pilot studies, and our first ever Céline Newman Bursary. Quite simply, this research would not take place without your support.

Read about the projects here

Final Reports 
At the other end of research funding is the final report, which is submitted by grant holders upon completion of their ERUK grant. In this issue we outline four now completed ERUK projects which investigated the causes, diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy. In some of the investigations the results were not as expected. But sharing the research outcomes makes a valuable contribution to our growing scientific and clinical understanding of epilepsy and other neurological conditions.  

Read the Final Reports here

Introducing Virtual Fundraising 
As the coronavirus pandemic reduces the options for fundraising activities we’ve launched a range of new virtual fundraising opportunities you can do from the safety of your own home.  Whether you prefer your fundraising to be physically challenging or slightly more sedate, there’s a way to do it virtually. Get creative, connect online and continue supporting vital research into epilepsy wherever you are. 

Find out more here

Fundraisers in action
Life before lockdown saw #TeamERUK taking on sporting events and challenges, with groups all over the UK pulling together to support research into epilepsy. Thank you to everyone who has donated, run, climbed and cycled for your continued commitment to our cause.

View some of our highlights here

 You can view the full Summer Focus newsletter online here: