Epilepsy Research Institute UK
About This Funder
The Epilepsy Research Institute UK, formerly Epilepsy Research UK with roots tracing to 1985 and formalized in 2007 through a merger, is the UK's sole national charity dedicated exclusively to accelerating research into the causes, prevention, and treatment of epilepsy and related conditions. Its mission emphasizes strategic, high-impact investments via partnerships with academia, the NHS, industry, patient groups, and founding collaborators like Epilepsy Action, Young Epilepsy, Epilepsy Scotland, and the International League Against Epilepsy (British Branch). Distinctive for embedding lived experience through its Shape Network in grant assessments and governance, it drives six themed research programmes informed by the #Every1EndingEpilepsy initiative, prioritizing clinical studies, genetic/biological mechanisms, diagnostics, translational prevention/treatments, and areas like catamenial and paediatric epilepsy.
It funds UK-based researchers at academic institutions, universities, or NHS trusts, supporting projects, fellowships, PhD studentships, pilot grants, and travel/training for individuals, teams, or consortia, with beneficiaries encompassing people with epilepsy across ages/backgrounds and the UK research ecosystem. No organizational income limits apply, but proposals must demonstrate scientific merit via expert peer review.
Grant sizes include Emerging Leader Fellowships up to £300,000 (1-4 years), Endeavour Projects up to £175,000 (3 years), Explore Pilots up to £40,000 (18 months), PhD studentships up to £110,000 (3 years), and travel awards up to £1,000. Unsolicited applications follow a two-stage process: preliminary EOI due 6 October 2025 (4pm), with shortlisting in November, Shape Network clinics, and full applications by 15 January 2026 (4pm); fellowship interviews in March 2026. It excludes direct services, lobbying, or non-research core costs, standing out for leveraging £1 invested into over £5 follow-on funding, targeting £110 million by 2030, and fostering a collaborative epilepsy research hub.
Frequently Asked Questions about Epilepsy Research Institute UK
How much funding does Epilepsy Research Institute UK provide?
Grant amounts vary. Contact Epilepsy Research Institute UK directly for current funding levels.
Is Epilepsy Research Institute UK accepting applications?
Yes, Epilepsy Research Institute UK is currently open to applications from eligible charities.
Where does Epilepsy Research Institute UK fund charities?
Epilepsy Research Institute UK funds charities operating in UK.
How do I apply for funding from Epilepsy Research Institute UK?
Use Fundermatcher to check if your charity is a good match for Epilepsy Research Institute UK, then access detailed application guidance, deadlines, and eligibility criteria. Our AI assistant can help you draft a compelling application.