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ILAE-YES global webinar series: Integrating clinical and basic science in epilepsy research

Nome CG, Ravat P, Bartolomei F, de Curtis M, Di Sapia R, Galovic M, Gogou M, Imbach L, Jacobs J, Kobow K, Lam AD, Lisgaras CP, Micalizzi E, Nikalexi E, Noebels JL, Paz JT, Roopra AS, Shaaban S, Sheybani L, Sivathamboo S, Marti AS, Williamson A, Kuroda N (2026)

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Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2026

Journal

DOI: 10.1002/epi4.70267

Abstract

Summary: Bridging clinical and basic research is increasingly recognized as a priority in the epilepsy field, yet opportunities for integration remain limited by the time, space, and financial constraints of scientific meetings. To address this gap, the Research Task Force of the Young Epilepsy Section of the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE-YES) organized a free global webinar series designed to promote translational dialogue and provide accessible research education for early-career clinicians, researchers, and physician-scientists. Based on a preliminary ILAE-YES community survey, eight topics of high interest were selected: (1) epigenetics, (2) EEG biomarkers, (3) ictogenesis, (4) thalamo-cortical network, (5) sudden unexpected death in epilepsy, (6) neurodegeneration and seizures, (7) seizure-related brain damage, and (8) neuromodulation therapy. From March to June 2025, eight live Zoom webinars were held, each featuring expert speakers representing both basic science and clinical perspectives, with recordings made available as unlisted YouTube videos to ensure on-demand access. A total of 1199 individuals from 116 countries registered, 63.2% from low- and middle-income countries. Live attendance averaged 50 participants per session, and the mean session duration was 71.6 min, including an average of 16 min of discussion. Post-session feedback was obtained from 285 respondents; overall satisfaction was high, with 93.3% rating their experience as 4 or 5 on a 5-point Likert scale. Speaker satisfaction was similarly high (95.4%), and 80.0% reported gaining new research ideas. Although access to YouTube and Google Forms may have limited participation in some regions, the series provided an inclusive and globally accessible platform. These findings demonstrated that free, discussion-focused online webinars represent a scalable, low-cost, and reproducible educational model that can effectively promote international engagement and integration between clinical and basic epilepsy research, aligning with the ILAE's global educational mission and complementing WHO IGAP priorities on capacity building and equitable access to knowledge. Plain Language Summary: Bringing together basic science and clinical research is important for improving epilepsy care, but many researchers have limited opportunities to learn across these fields. We organized a free global webinar series that helped early-career clinicians and researchers learn about epilepsy research by combining scientific talks with clinical perspectives and open discussion. More than 1100 participants from over 100 countries joined, and most reported high satisfaction and gaining new research ideas. These results show that free, discussion-based online webinars can provide an accessible way to support research education and international learning in epilepsy.

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How to cite

APA:

Nome, C.G., Ravat, P., Bartolomei, F., de Curtis, M., Di Sapia, R., Galovic, M.,... Kuroda, N. (2026). ILAE-YES global webinar series: Integrating clinical and basic science in epilepsy research. Epilepsia Open. https://doi.org/10.1002/epi4.70267

MLA:

Nome, Cecilie G., et al. "ILAE-YES global webinar series: Integrating clinical and basic science in epilepsy research." Epilepsia Open (2026).

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