Project description
A collaborative epilepsy research network
Epilepsy is the fourth most common neurological disorder. However, the basic mechanisms of epileptogenesis and their impact on synaptic and brain circuitry dysregulation are incompletely understood. To advance the scientific and technological innovation in epilepsy research, the EU-funded EpiEpiNet project brings together reputed neuroscientists under a common network. The project will promote joint grant applications and joint training of young scientists to contribute to the development of innovative therapies against refractory forms of epilepsy. Further dissemination and training activities will enhance the educational nature of the network and increase awareness of epilepsy among caregivers and patients.
Objective
Epileptogenesis and Epilepsy Network: from genes, synapses and circuitries to pave the way for novel drugs and strategies (EpiEpiNet) aims to promote collaborative multidisciplinary and translational research in epilepsy by enhancing effective knowledge transfer, exchange of best research practices, and the mobility of early stage researchers between the Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes (IMM), and leading partners at the Academic Medical Centre at the University of Amsterdam, University of Rome La Sapienza and the Epilepsy Center of LUND University. EpiEpiNet encompasses reputed neuroscientists that have in common the aim of understanding of the basic mechanisms of epileptogenesis and their impact in synaptic and brain circuitry dysregulation, and to contribute to the development of innovative therapies against refractory forms of epilepsy. Specifically, we aim at 1) increase the scientific and technological innovation in epilepsy research in the whole network and at IMM in particular by interchange of ideas and researchers among the partners; 2) sustain the network activity beyond EpiEpiNet deadline by promoting joint grant applications and joint training of PhD students; 3) train of young researchers and promote their internationalisation; 4) increase the awareness of epilepsy among the caregivers and patients, by promoting joint discussions and targeted dissemination of EpiEpiNet activities and results. As tools, EpiEpiNet will promote 1) scientific meetings, 2) community-oriented debates, 3) thematic and hands-on workshops and summer schools, 4) short term and on-site training visits in and out IMM for scientific and technology transfer between partners.
The added value of EpiEpiNet will easily be spread to the University of Lisbon and to the Portuguese community, due to the existing interactions with the Mind-Brain College of the University of Lisbon, with the national neuroscientific community, and with patient and caregiver organizations.
Fields of science
Keywords
Programme(s)
- H2020-EU.4.b. - Twinning of research institutions Main Programme
Topic(s)
Funding Scheme
CSA - Coordination and support actionCoordinator
1649 028 Lisboa
Portugal