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Published on:
Tuesday 4 February 2025
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College & Community

World’s first global epilepsy research centre launches at Wolfson

On Friday evening, Wolfson welcomed international, national and local partners to the launch of the Centre for Global Epilepsy, the world’s first centre dedicated to empowering global epilepsy research and care. Researchers from academic institutions in Africa, South America, the United States, and Europe congregated in the LWA to celebrate the launch and demonstrate their commitment to global epilepsy research and care.

Professor Arjune Sen at the Centre for Global Epilepsy Launch

Based at Wolfson, and generously supported by the BAND Foundation, the Centre for Global Epilepsy will address the global burden of epilepsy, particularly in resource-limited settings. The centre collaborates with key research institutions and epilepsy clinics worldwide, linking expertise from high-income settings with those in resource-limited environments to drive advancements in epilepsy research, diagnosis, treatment, and care. In alignment with the World Health Organization’s Intersectoral Global Action Plan on Epilepsy and Other Neurological Disorders, the centre aims to foster global learning on epilepsy, provide immersive research opportunities in Oxford, and serve as a multidisciplinary hub for knowledge exchange.

Globally, over 50 million people live with epilepsy, yet approximately 85% lack access to accurate diagnosis or effective treatment. Barriers include costs, limited availability of anti-seizure medications, and a shortage of trained healthcare professionals. Compounding these challenges is the pervasive stigma surrounding epilepsy, especially in areas where awareness of the condition is low. This stigma often leads to discrimination in workplaces, personal relationships, and within communities.

The event, opened by Sir Tim Hitchens, highlighted epilepsy as a global health imperative. Arjune Sen, Wolfson GBF, Consultant Neurologist and Professor of Global Epilepsy at the University of Oxford, formally launched the centre, outlining its plans to build global networks of researchers and clinicians, host capacity building initiatives including Visiting Fellowships, and drive the development of tools and techniques to improve diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes for people living with epilepsy. The centre will curate data, foster collaborations and drive future research and innovation. A unique aspect of the centre’s multidisciplinary work is its close alignment with researchers across humanities and history disciplines, particularly in the field of oral histories. At the core of the centre’s mission is a commitment to working equitably with people affected by epilepsy and their communities, challenging stigma, and advocating for greater understanding and acceptance worldwide.

(L-R) Sir Tim Hitchens, Gardiner Lapham (BAND Foundation), Caoimhe Twohig-Bennett (CGE), Professor Arjune Sen (CGE)

The launch event also included a screening of the thought-provoking film The Curse of Stigma, introduced by Executive Producer Gardiner Lapham (BAND Foundation), which set the stage for discussions on lived experiences, including accounts and insights from Taurai Kadzviti (Epilepsy Support Foundation Zimbabwe) and from neurologist Dr Gift Ngwende (University of Zimbabwe).

Professor Helen Cross, President of the International League Against Epilepsy, outlined the potential improvements embedded within the World Health Organization’s Intersectoral Global Action Plan on Epilepsy and Other Neurological Disorders. Researchers, including professors Charles Newton (University of Oxford, KEMRI-Wellcome, Kenya), Kevin Marsh (Africa Oxford Initiative, University of Oxford), and Trudie Lang (The Global Health Network, University of Oxford), showcased innovative research in global epilepsy happening across the University of Oxford.

Professor Sen said: ‘It is a great privilege and pleasure to lead the Centre for Global Epilepsy. Even though more than 50 million people have the condition, for far too long epilepsy has been marginalised. Propelled by the power and goodwill of close collaborators and friends, we are determined to make positive impacts that deliver real-world benefits for those who happen to have seizures.’

Click here to read more on the University website.

For all press enquiries, please contact digicomms@wolfson.ox.ac.uk