The Pediatric Epilepsy Research Foundation (PERF®) was founded in 2004 as a not-for-profit organization focused on supporting research into pediatric epilepsy and other pediatric neurological conditions. Its creation was inspired by the initiative to study vigabatrin for treating newly diagnosed infantile spasms, leading to collaborations and ultimately FDA approval of the drug. PERF® dedicates its resources to advancing pediatric neurology research.
The Pediatric Epilepsy Research Foundation® (PERF®), in partnership with the Child Neurology Society (CNS), offers the PERF®-CNS Elterman Research Grant and PERF®-CNS Shields Research Grant to support early-stage investigators in the United States or Canada. These grants aim to fund clinical or basic science research by child neurologists or developmental pediatricians early in their academic careers. Recipients of these grants are those within 10 years of completing their terminal degree or post-graduate clinical training who have not yet received independent grant funding from major organizations like the NIH. The CNS Elterman Research Grant, specifically, provides $150,000 over two years to the selected investigator for their research in the field.