About Us
The Epilepsy Genetics Research Program at The University of Melbourne @ Austin Health is co-headed by adult neurologist, Laureate Professor Sam Berkovic, and paediatric neurologist, Laureate Professor
Ingrid Scheffer. We have led the discovery of epilepsy genes with molecular genetic scientists globally since our collaboration led to the identification of the first epilepsy gene with molecular geneticists in 1995, published in Nature Genetics .
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Located at the Melbourne Brain Centre in Heidelberg, the Epilepsy Research Centre is a large comprehensive epilepsy research group addressing wide-ranging aspects of epilepsy research. Clinical and molecular genetic studies are conducted by studying individuals and families with a history of seizures using cutting edge research methods and technologies. This is an important Australia-wide and global study, with many strong international collaborations.
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25th Annual Epilepsy Research Retreat
Through four consecutive NHMRC Program grants our genetics research is integrated with cutting-edge neuroimaging and basic science. Our research group has been responsible for the identification of many epilepsy syndromes and many epilepsy genes,
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These discoveries reveal new mechanisms leading to seizures, and enable the development of targeted therapies that will translate to improvements in patient care Our work was recognized by the 2014 Prime Minister's Prize for Science being awarded jointly to Professor Berkovic and Professor Scheffer.
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The group is integrated with the clinical Comprehensive Epilepsy Program for children and adults at Austin Health and the Florey group based at Austin with innovative neuroimaging capabilities. In addition to world-leading research in the genetics of epilepsy and epilepsy syndromes, we conduct research into new-onset epilepsy, surgical treatment of epilepsy, neuroimaging in epilepsy (with the Florey), outcomes of epilepsy, sudden unexpected death in epilepsy, surgical treatment of epilepsy, genetics of autism spectrum disorders and speech disorders, and non-epileptic paroxysmal disorders.
