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The 14th European Conference on Epilepsy & Society will take place in Prague from September 15 to 16. Registration for this event is now open at epilepsyandsociety.org/registration. Sign up now and avail of the early registration rate! In addition, for this congress we have launched a special registration deal; BUY 3 REGISTRATIONS FOR THE PRICE OF 2! The conference aims to inform people with epilepsy and their families, as well as those working in the field of epilepsy about new developments in epilepsy treatment, associated cognitive dysfunction related to epilepsies and the psychosocial implications that derive from this common brain disorder and, of course, to provide solutions. Above all, this meeting will facilitate communication and exchange of ideas among people with epilepsy and professionals in the field right across Europe. The programme includes morning plenary sessions and afternoon discussion groups with as large as possible participation by delegates. Special emphasis is being placed on Posters so we would encourage you to prepare your latest work for submission.

The Asian and Oceanian Outstanding Achievement Epilepsy Award (AOEA) was introduced by the Commission of Asian and Oceanian Affairs (CAOA) of the ILAE in 2010. The purpose of the Award is to recognise and pay tribute to medical or non-medical professionals for their extraordinary contributions to Epilepsy Care. It is our highest honour, and is given for the lifetime of the recipient. Recipients will be invited to attend the 11th Asian and Oceanian Epilepsy Congress in Hong Kong, May 2016, to receive the Award, a plaque and a small gift. Whilst the Award does not carry monetary value or provide travel or accommodation expenses, recipients will be offered free (non-transferable) registration to the Congress. For more information download the Nomination Form and Award Rules.

The programme for the IBE Day at the 9th Latin American Congress on Epilepsy is available on the congress website. See more about the congress at www.epilepsycancun2016.org and the IBE Day detailed schedule. The day is schedule for Saturday, August 20 and will run from 9am to 5.30pm. The day will comprise 10 talks and will finish with a round table discussion and questions and answers session. More details on registration will be available soon.

The programme for the Epilepsy & Society Symposium on Sunday, May 15 promises to be both educational and engaging with innovative topics being discussed. Renaming epilepsy has been a major event and talks will focus on the impact and experiences that this has caused. Nonetheless, the fight against stigma continues and different personal stories shall be shared before focusing on how public awareness of epilepsy has been enhanced both locally in Hong Kong and also in nearby Taiwan. With technology in epilepsy continuously advancing, a recently developed mobile app for patients with epilepsy will be examined and a discussion on how this and other tools from around the region can enhance the quality of life of those with epilepsy particularly our children. A more lighthearted approach will be taken as one sits back to enjoy a special puppet performance on epilepsy put together by Kids on the Block. As always, the emphasis for the Epilepsy & Society Symposium is about meeting old friends and new, sharing tales and learning something that will enrich the lives of those with epilepsy. Registration Fees Early (On/Before April 29, 2016) US$ 50 Final (from April 30, 2016) US$ 65 www.epilepsyhongkong2016.org

Harrison Ford has joined with other epilepsy advocates at an NYU event to highlight the affects of the brain disease. Ford explained that his daughter, Georgia, has epilepsy and that the Langone Medical Center’s Find a Cure for Epilepsy and Seizures (FACES) has helped his family. The actor will be a powerful new advocate for the disease which he acknowledged affects the lives, futures and opportunities of people with epilepsy.[/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]

The 14th European Conference on Epilepsy & Society will take place in Prague from September 15 to 16. Registration for this event will open shortly at epilepsyandsociety.org. The conference aims to inform people with epilepsy and their families, as well as those working in the field of epilepsy about new developments in epilepsy treatment, associated cognitive dysfunction related to epilepsies and the psychosocial implications that derive from this common brain disorder and, of course, to provide solutions. Above all, this meeting will facilitate communication and exchange of ideas among people with epilepsy and professionals in the field right across Europe. The programme includes morning plenary sessions and afternoon discussion groups with as large as possible participation by delegates. Special emphasis is being placed on Posters so we would encourage you to prepare your latest work for submission.

International Epilepsy Day   Epilepsy is more than Seizures Monday 8th February 2016 Last year was the first year of the official International Epilepsy Day.  Following a successful launch with many activities around the world, we now look forward to International Epilepsy Day 2016. Already we are putting plans in place, with our Photography Competition – Yes, I can! already launched and with a closing date of 14th January. Submit a photo (or as many photos as you wish) and have the chance to win US$1,000. Find out more. The recurring theme for International Epilepsy Day – Epilepsy is more than Seizures – highlights the fact that, for many people, the stigma and discrimination faced by people with epilepsy, can be more difficult to overcome than the seizures themselves. Despite the fact at up to 70% of people with epilepsy will have their seizures successfully controlled, in the general public there is still fear and ignorance on what epilepsy really is. An international day focused on epilepsy, will help to raise awareness and educate both the general public on the true facts about epilepsy, and the urgent need for improved treatment and care, and greater investment in research. IBE and ILAE [...]

Announcing a photography competition for International Epilepsy Day 2016 Photography used to be regarded as a hobby, with cameras taken out of their cases to capture special occasions. In recent years taking a photo (or numerous photos) has become part of everyday life. With the invention of the smartphone, photos of friends and family are taken at a frightening rate. With the Selfie came the immense explosion of photo-sharing on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Whatsapp (to name but a few). Today, photography has never been so prolific. However, despite the ‘point and click’ ease of the smartphone, taking photographs using regular camera equipment has not disappeared. If anything, it has become even more popular. A growing number of people now are investing in expensive photographic equipment and joining classes and clubs to hone up on their skills. Flickr is their destination of choice for sharing prized images. International Epilepsy Day 2016 For International Epilepsy Day 2016, we are pleased to announce a photography competition with the theme ‘Yes, I can’, to demonstrate achievement in overcoming obstacles, or achievement despite obstacles. The best photographs will form the International Epilepsy Day exhibition, taking place in the European Parliament in Strasbourg from Monday 1st [...]

Hanneke de Boer, RIP: 1946 – 2015 It is with tremendous sadness that IBE announces the passing of Hanneke de Boer on Monday 12th October, following a long illness. Hanneke was truly one of the greatest and longest serving advocate for people with epilepsy – not only in her beloved native Netherlands, but right across the world. READ THE FULL OBITUARY HERE Sign The Book of Condolences Fill in the below form and once approved your entry will appear below. It is very sad to learn of the departure of Hanneke de Boer, which to some us too impromptu. We dearly love her but her maker loves her the  most. A strong pillar behind Global Campaign Against Epilepsy has crumbled leaving us guessing how the vacuum created could be filled. No amount of words could describe the loss the IBE and ILAE communities will be struggling with. On behalf of the Ghana Epilepsy Association and on my own personal behalf, I wish to extend our heartfelt condolences to the family of Hanneke de Boer. It is our firm belief that the Almighty God will make his face shine on her and grant her rest from all her earthly labor. Hanneke de [...]

NEUROLOGY ADVOCACY AWARDS 2015 An initiative of the European Federation of Neurological Associations Gay Mitchell receives the award for "Patient Advocacy by a European Policy-Maker" For almost 10 years, Gay Mitchell has been a consistent and dedicated campaigner for people with epilepsy in Europe, following many years providing similar support at national level in Ireland. Gay Mitchell first became involved in the work of IBE when he was asked to present at European Epilepsy & Society Congresses. At these meetings he gave insight on how the EU worked and on how national associations could make best use of the parliament. L-R Mary Harney, Former MEP Gay Mitchell Award Winner, TV Presenter Nick Ross, EFNA President Ann Little In late 2010, during a conversation on the plans of IBE to create a European Epilepsy Day, Mr Mitchell offered to host an event in the EU Parliament to celebrate the first European Epilepsy Day. In February 2011, with amazing support from him and his assistants, a lunch event with almost 30 MEPs present was followed by an Evening Reception where a further 70+ MEPs were present. The success of both of these celebrations was due in large part to Mr Mitchell. [...]