The mission of the funders, which include the American Epilepsy Society, Epilepsy Foundation, and American Brain Foundation, focuses on advancing research and knowledge in the field of epilepsy and related neurological conditions. By collaborating and funding initiatives like the Clinical Research Training Fellowship in Epilepsy, they aim to foster the development of new investigators dedicated to improving patient care and outcomes in epilepsy.
The Epilepsy Study Consortium Mini-Grant offers up to $22,000 for epilepsy fellows to engage in a mentored research project on anti-epileptic drug therapy during their fellowship. This initiative aims to support fellows without requiring past research experience or a set time commitment for research, emphasizing the importance of mentorship and the overall training experience. Funding can cover a period from six months to one year, with allocations up to $20,000 for direct research costs and $2,000 for travel to the AES Annual Meeting. Additionally, the grant includes provisions for attending significant epilepsy meetings, depending on the award year. The research should concentrate on anti-epileptic drug therapy using clinical, translational, or basic science methodologies. Projects may include prospective or retrospective studies on treatment outcomes, adverse events in specific populations, or prelude work for randomized controlled trials.