International League Against Epilepsy (british Branch)

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £280,325 (total income 2024)
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: 4 weeks
• Grant Range: Variable amounts (not publicly specified)
• Geographic Focus: Great Britain
• Application Process: Rolling basis throughout the year

Contact Details

Website: https://ilaebritish.org.uk/

Email: members@ilaebritish.org.uk

Phone: 020 7837 3611

Postal Address:

Membership Secretary

ILAE British Branch

PO Box 70977

LONDON SE25 9EA

Overview

The International League Against Epilepsy (British Branch), registered charity 228157, is the professional organization representing healthcare professionals with an interest in epilepsy in Great Britain. As the UK chapter of the global ILAE network, the organization coordinates activities aimed at better care and treatment of epilepsy patients while stimulating interest in all aspects of the condition. With an annual income of £280,325 (2024), the organization fulfills its mission through advocacy, educational and scientific conferences, workshops, and by supporting members through bursaries and grants. The British Branch has significant international influence, with members having served as ILAE Presidents, Vice-Presidents, Treasurers, and Editors of the journal Epilepsia. Led by President Dr Rhys Thomas since October 2024, the organization serves a diverse membership including consultants, GPs, nurses, psychiatrists, neuropsychologists, paediatricians, academics, researchers, technicians, students, and voluntary sector professionals.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Member Bursaries (Rolling Basis)

• Awarded on a rolling basis throughout the year
• Available exclusively to fully paid-up members (membership from £50/year)
• Limited to ONE bursary per member per calendar year
• Amount determined on discretionary basis by Bursary Committee
• Does NOT cover travel or accommodation costs
• Applicant pays course fees upfront and receives reimbursement

Conference Awards

• Best Platform Presentation: 1st prize £250, 2nd prize £125
• Neurobiology of Epilepsy Award: £500 (for early career researchers)
• Gowers Award: £500 plus conference registration, accommodation, and Gala dinner attendance

Priority Areas

The ILAE British Branch funds:

• Epilepsy-related professional development courses (British and non-British)
• Educational and training opportunities for healthcare professionals
• Conference attendance for members
• Research presentations and dissertations on epilepsy
• Academic and clinical skill development in epilepsy care
• Support for early-career professionals through the Young Epilepsy Section (YES)

What They Don't Fund

• Travel and accommodation costs (except Gowers Award winner)
• Retrospective course applications (must apply in advance)
• Non-epilepsy related courses
• More than one bursary per member per calendar year
• Non-member applications

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Governance and Leadership

Current Leadership

President: Dr Rhys Thomas - Consultant Neurologist and Epilepsy Neuroscientist from Newcastle University, on the Council for ILAE internationally, Board of Trustees for Epilepsy Research UK and Disability North, and works with SUDEP Action

Treasurer: Professor Arjune Sen

Secretary: Professor Khalid Hamandi

Chief Executive: Juliet Solomon

Events and Membership Manager: Hannah Stapley

Administrator: Kitty Evans

Council Members

• Dr Fahmida Amin Chowdhury
• Dr Maria Oto
• Dr Owen Pickrell
• Dr Robert Powell
• Dr Ronit Pressler
• Dr Graeme Sills
• Professor Matthias Koepp

The organization has 8 trustees who receive no remuneration or payments for their roles.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

For Member Bursaries:

• Email: members@ilaebritish.org.uk
• Post: Membership Secretary, ILAE British Branch, PO Box 70977, London SE25 9EA

For Conference Awards:

Abstracts up to 400 words can be submitted for consideration for Platform Presentation prizes. The Gowers Award requires dissertations of up to 5,000 words on any aspect of epilepsy.

Decision Timeline

• Applications reviewed on a rolling basis throughout the year
• Applicants notified about outcomes within 4 weeks of submission
• Decisions made by the British Branch Bursary Committee on a discretionary basis
• The decision of the Bursary Committee is final

Success Rates

Success rates are not publicly available. The organization states that “decisions about funding individual applications are made by the British Branch Bursary Committee on a discretionary basis.”

Reapplication Policy

Members may apply for ONE bursary per calendar year. There is no stated restriction on reapplying in subsequent years if unsuccessful.

Application Success Factors

Based on the organization's stated criteria and processes:

Membership Status: Only fully paid-up members are eligible. Membership costs from £50/year and includes access to newsletters, event information, discounts, eBrain e-learning platform, and the annual scientific meeting.

Epilepsy Relevance: The course must be directly related to epilepsy. Applications for non-epilepsy courses will not be considered.

Advance Planning: Applications must be submitted before the course begins. The organization explicitly states that retrospective applications will not be accepted, emphasizing the importance of planning ahead.

Documentation Quality: Applications must include supporting documentation and evidence of the course program. Clear demonstration of how the course relates to epilepsy care or research is essential.

Professional Development Alignment: The organization's mission is to “promote education and research and to improve the treatment and care of patients with epilepsy.” Applications that clearly demonstrate how the training will enhance epilepsy care or research capabilities are likely to be viewed favorably.

Course Selection: Both British and non-British courses are considered, showing flexibility in professional development pathways.

Financial Planning: Successful applicants must be prepared to pay course fees upfront and then receive reimbursement up to the awarded amount. This requires financial capacity to cover initial costs.

Active Participation: The organization offers multiple benefits to members including access to eBrain educational materials, webinars, and the annual scientific meeting. Engaged members who actively participate in the organization's activities may strengthen their applications.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Membership is mandatory: You must be a fully paid-up member before applying for any bursaries - budget £50/year minimum for membership
• Plan ahead: Retrospective applications are not accepted under any circumstances; apply well in advance of your intended course
• Be strategic with timing: With only one bursary per calendar year allowed, carefully select the most valuable professional development opportunity
• Budget for additional costs: Bursaries cover course fees only - you must fund your own travel and accommodation
• Prepare for upfront payment: You'll need to pay course fees directly and wait for reimbursement, so ensure you have funds available
• Four-week turnaround: The relatively quick decision timeline (4 weeks) allows for efficient planning once you've applied
• Engage with the organization: Attend the annual scientific meeting, use eBrain resources, and participate in YES activities to demonstrate commitment to the field
• Document everything: Keep all receipts and documentation as you'll need these for the reimbursement process

References

1. ILAE British Branch Official Website - Bursaries Page: https://ilaebritish.org.uk/bursaries-2/
2. ILAE British Branch Official Website - Membership Page: https://ilaebritish.org.uk/membership/
3. ILAE British Branch Official Website - Council Members: https://ilaebritish.org.uk/council-members/
4. UK Charity Commission Register - Charity 228157: https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/228157/charity-overview
5. ILAE British Conference - Abstracts and Awards: https://ilaebritishconference.org.uk/abstracts-and-awards/
6. ILAE British Branch - About Page: https://ilaebritish.org.uk/about/
7. ILAE International Website - British Branch Chapter: https://www.ilae.org/regions-and-countries/national-chapters/united-kingdom-great-britain