DoW Epilepsy Research Partnership Award

The intent of the Epilepsy Research Program (ERP) Research Partnership Award is to support new or existing research partnerships focused on collaboratively addressing critical questions relevant to post-traumatic epilepsy (PTE) in a manner that would be unachievable through separate efforts. It is expected that investigators will utilize their distinct but complementary perspectives to synergistically address a central problem or question critical to PTE research and those living with PTE, their families and/or their care partners.

Applications submitted to the FY26 ERP must address at least one of the focus areas listed below. • Markers and Mechanisms of PTE ○ Research focused on understanding the underlying biology of PTE, including: – Identification of acute or chronic biomarkers that are informed by or correlated with clinical observation and predict the development of epilepsy. – Investigation of biological mechanisms that can be targeted to prevent or interrupt epileptogenesis and seizure activity. • Epidemiological Characterization of PTE ○ Population-level research to define the patterns, causes, and public health burden of PTE, including: – Identifying predictors for the development of epilepsy to inform clinical trial design and pre-clinical research priorities. – Assessing key patient outcomes, including the latency period before epilepsy onset, associated comorbidities and mortality rates. – Quantifying the impact of PTE on the quality of life for individuals, their families and/or their care partners.

Longitudinal Studies of PTE Progression ○ Studies tracking the evolution of PTE over time in individuals, including: – Assessing facilitators and barriers to long-term well-being of individuals with PTE, their families and their care partners. – Evaluating healthcare outcomes, quality of care and responsiveness to different drug therapies. – Analyzing the onset, progression and interaction of comorbid conditions, including but not limited to psychiatric disorders, cognitive deficits, physical deficits, sleep disorders and fatigue. • Innovative Research Tools and Technologies ○ Development of novel tools and strategies to advance PTE research and clinical care, including: – Application of artificial intelligence, bioinformatics, clinical databases and advanced device technologies for improved seizure detection, characterization, visualization or diagnosis. – New or better-characterized, etiologically relevant models for PTE. – Tools to enable the design of future clinical trials, such as methods to identify appropriate study populations.