Next Generation Scientists

The Unmet Need

People with epilepsy do not have enough specialty care in the United States.

There is currently a shortage of epilepsy specialists.
Child neurologists are in short supply. Vacancies for child neurologists last longer than 12 months and only 39% of child neurologists are located in children's hospitals.
There is also a lack of physician scientists.

We need to increase investment in our workforce to ensure the best and brightest are tackling the challenges our community faces.

Our Solution: Support the Next Generation of Scientists

In partnership with the American Epilepsy Society (AES), we support three different early career investigator awards. This partnership allows us to pool resources and reduce administrative burden. We are focusing on early career investigators. Studies show that supporting junior investigators increases their likelihood of obtaining more funding and remaining in the field.

Junior Investigators – The Epilepsy Foundation and AES support researchers who have recently started their own independent labs to study epilepsy. Learn more.
Clinical Research & Training Fellowships – We have partnered with AES to provide mentored support for clinical fellows or recently appointed clinical faculty who intend to pursue basic, translational, or clinical epilepsy research. Learn more .
Susan S. Spencer Clinical Research Training Fellowship in Epilepsy Award – We co-sponsor a clinical research fellowship with the American Epilepsy Society, the American Academy of Neurology, and the American Brain Foundation. Learn more.

"Over the past 10 years, more than $12 million went to support researchers in the early stages of their career throughout the U.S."

Planting Seeds for the Future

Many of today’s educators, senior investigators, and thought leaders for epilepsy were supported in their early careers with financial assistance from the Epilepsy Foundation.

"I was so excited to be awarded the William Gowers Research Fellowship Award from the Epilepsy Foundation. This award catalyzed me to develop my first research project and to frame specific aims and hypothesis driven research. The award, coupled with amazing mentoring by David Treiman and Professor Tomiyasu, instilled in me an urgent desire to pursue a career in epilepsy research. I am so grateful to the Epilepsy Foundation for this award and for all their support through the years! — Christopher M. DeGiorgio MD, FAAN, professor and vice chairman, UCLA Department of Neurology, block chair, UCLA Medical Sciences I course chief of neurology, Olive View-UCLA Medical Center."

Interested in supporting the next generation of researchers?>

Consider the Kevin's Fellow Program which raises money for young investigators.

Please contact us at 301.918.3753 or email giving@efa.org to learn more.

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Sonya Dumanis PhD

Reviewed By:

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Resources

Epilepsy Centers

Epilepsy centers provide you with a team of specialists to help you diagnose your epilepsy and explore treatment options.

Epilepsy Medication

Find in-depth information on anti-seizure medications so you know what to ask your doctor.

Epilepsy and Seizures 24/7 Helpline

Call our Epilepsy and Seizures 24/7 Helpline and talk with an epilepsy information specialist or submit a question online.

Tools & Resources

Get information, tips, and more to help you manage your epilepsy.