Epilepsy Canada Funds $56,000 Towards Research in 2010

For Immediate Release

EPILEPSY CANADA FUNDS $56,000 TOWARDS RESEARCH
Announcing the award winners for the 2010 research grants competition.

Epilepsy is a chronic disorder affecting the lives of more than 1/100 Canadians. For many of these people, research offers hope for better treatments and improved lives. Epilepsy Canada (EC) is pleased to announce the results of its 2010 research grants competition. Epilepsy Canada received numerous applications from across Canada and following a comprehensive review process is able to support multiple young investigators who are focusing their research on the causes and treatment of epilepsy. In par­ticular, Epilepsy Canada is proud to announce the 2010 postdoctoral research awards and summer studentships. In making these awards, EC is investing more than $80,000 towards much needed epilepsy research. In presenting these awards, EC also gratefully acknowledges the generous support of the many Canadians who have contributed to this important program.

Award Winners

There was much anticipation and EC commends all participants in the submission round. Among the numerous proposals for the awards EC has essentially selected those whose scientific results will benefit most from the awards. The recipients of the postdoctoral award will pursue one year of extensive research and training in the area of epilepsy. Winners of the studentship award will gain the opportunity to train in a lab and research over the summer period.

Postdoctoral Award - July, 2010

Lois Miraucourt of Montreal, QC - $30,000

Research Award

Miles Thompson of Toronto, ON - $6,000

Summer Studentship Award - July, 2010

Shelley Huang of Toronto, ON - $5,000
Alexander Dolan of Woodbridge, ON - $5,000
Vashisht Goorah of Toronto, ON - $5,000
Eric John Crawford of Toronto, ON - $2,500
Mirna Guirgis of Mississauga, ON - $2,500

The Goal

Research Fellowships are intended to develop expertise in clinical and epilepsy research and improve the quality of care for epilepsy patients in Canada. The results will prove valuable for medical exploration and push research endeavours forward for Epilepsy Canada. The recipients have the opportunity to set their tribute to epilepsy and leave a milestone perhaps at the comple­tion of the research.

Epilepsy Canada is focused on improving the lives of people with seizure disorders. The mission is to enhance the quality of life for persons affected by epilepsy through promotion and support of research and facilitation of education and awareness initiatives that build understanding and acceptance of epilepsy. Today, Epilepsy Canada depends entirely upon public and corporate support for the continuing development of its research and education programs.

About 2010
AWARDS_EPILEPSY CANADA
Dr. Donald Weaver, President

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS - 2010

Deadline - May 1, 2010
Epilepsy Canada is pleased to announce that it is again accepting submissions to support research trainees in any area of research pertaining to epilepsy. Epilepsy Canada’s mission is to support research (in the biomedical, clinical or social sciences) that is focused on improving the lives of people with seizure disorders. In particular, we are seeking to fund post-doctoral researchers and summer studentships.

Postdoctoral Research Award
Epilepsy Canada will award two (2) postdoctoral research awards (each valued at $30,000 CDN) for the time period July 1, 2010 – June 30, 2011.

Summer Studentships
Epilepsy Canada will award three (3) summer studentships (each valued at $5,000 CDN) for the time period June 01, 2010 – August 30, 2010.

Please submit application before May 1, 2010.

TV Medical Dramas present inaccurate depiction of First Aid Management for seizures.

A team of investigators from Dalhousie University (Halifax, Nova Scotia) speak up at the 2010 American Academy of Neurology Annual Conference to reveal the matter. Toronto, Ontario – While Television drama plays a significant role in conveying information to the general public, the stories are not always told responsibly. Recent TV Medical Dramas have shown viewers the wrong response to seizures. In showing these TV episodes, actors portraying health care professionals performed inappropriate first aid management of seizures in nearly half of all cases. As part of a study, all episodes of the four highest-rated US medical dramas...

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