Curing Epilepsy 2007: Translating Discoveries into Therapies

In March 2007, the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) in collaboration with epilepsy professional and voluntary organizations and other governmental agencies* will sponsor the second international conference on "Curing Epilepsy" (defined as "preventing epilepsy in those at risk and no seizures, no side effects in those who have the disorder"). The meeting will bring together scientists both within and outside of the epilepsy field, with health care providers and representatives from voluntary health organizations to discuss potential targets and technologies for new therapies.

The conference is a follow-up to the White House-initiated "Curing Epilepsy: Focus on the Future" meeting in March 2000, which integrated areas of neuroscience, imaging, genetics and clinical research in order to better understand the mechanisms of epileptogenesis. This approach represented a paradigm shift in epilepsy research from the traditional emphasis on treating seizures to understanding the underlying mechanisms in the brain that cause the condition. Largely because of this, the conference has been regarded as a landmark in the approach to epilepsy research. We anticipate this upcoming conference will accomplish similar goals.

Junior Investigator Session - Wednesday, March 28, 2007

The 2007 Curing Epilepsy Conference will begin with a special session for Junior Investigators at the Bethesda Pooks Hill Marriott. Junior Investigators are considered to be Graduate Students, Post-Doctoral Fellows and Junior Faculty (at or below the rank of Assistant Professor). The Junior Investigator Session will include scientific presentations, a poster session/reception and a career-related dinner program.

We invite you to submit an abstract for poster presentation in conjunction with the topic areas of the Curing Epilepsy 2007 Conference: genetics, epileptogenesis, co-morbidities, imaging/technology (Conference Agenda).

Please note that due to space limitations abstracts will be judged competitively based on the application material. The deadline to submit abstracts for consideration is Friday, November 17, 2006. Abstracts selected for poster presentation will be announced in January 2007.

Submission should include the following items:

1. Abstract
2. Biosketch (2 page limit)
3. Statement of Interest
   

The Junior Investigator Program is open to all qualified individuals interested in attending. Submission or acceptance of an abstract is not a requirement for participation.

Please plan to attend this conference and learn about the latest developments and advances in epilepsy. The conference website is: www.curingepilepsy.ninds.nih.gov

American Epilepsy Society • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention • Citizens United for Research in Epilepsy • Finding A Cure for Epilepsy and Seizures • Epilepsy Foundation • Epilepsy Therapy Development Project • International League Against Epilepsy • Milken Family Foundation • National Association of Epilepsy Centers • Parents Against Childhood Epilepsy, Inc. • Tuberous Sclerosis Alliance

If you have any questions email us at [email protected].