Epilepsy Research Institute UK

Could Epilepsy Research Institute UK fund your project? Check fit free. Draft if yes — or shortlist better matches.

Applications: Accepted
How to apply: Two-stage application

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epilepsy-institute.org.uk

About Epilepsy Research Institute UK

The Epilepsy Research Institute UK is the nation’s only charity dedicated solely to accelerating research into epilepsy and related conditions. Established in 2007 through a merger of earlier organisations, the Institute works in partnership with academia, the NHS, industry, patient groups, and founding organisations including Epilepsy Action, Young Epilepsy, and Epilepsy Scotland. Its mission is to invest strategically in research that improves understanding, prevention, and treatment of epilepsy. Distinctively, the Institute embeds lived experience in its decision-making through the Shape Network, which involves people affected by epilepsy in grant assessments and governance. The Trust supports UK-based researchers at universities, academic institutions, and NHS trusts, funding a range of research activities from pilot grants to longer-term fellowships and projects.

What Epilepsy Research Institute UK funds

The Institute funds research into the causes, prevention, and treatment of epilepsy and related conditions. Priority areas include clinical studies, genetic and biological mechanisms, diagnostics, and translational prevention and treatments. Themed research programmes also cover catamenial and paediatric epilepsy. Supported activities include projects, fellowships, PhD studentships, pilot grants, and travel and training for individuals, teams, or consortia. All research must be based in the UK and conducted at universities, academic institutions, or NHS trusts. The Institute’s research strategy is informed by the #Every1EndingEpilepsy initiative, ensuring funding addresses the most pressing questions in epilepsy.

Who can apply

The Institute funds individual researchers and teams based at UK universities, academic institutions, or NHS trusts. There are no organisational income limits, and proposals are assessed on scientific merit through expert peer review. Beneficiaries of the funded research include people with epilepsy across all ages and backgrounds, as well as the wider UK research ecosystem. The Institute particularly values the involvement of people with lived experience in shaping research priorities and grant decisions through the Shape Network.

What Epilepsy Research Institute UK doesn't fund

The Institute does not fund direct services, lobbying activities, or non-research core costs. Funding is exclusively for research-related activities that advance understanding and treatment of epilepsy.

How they like to fund

The Institute supports a mix of short-term pilot grants and longer-term fellowships and projects, allowing for both exploratory and sustained research. It welcomes unsolicited applications and assesses proposals through expert peer review, with the Shape Network contributing to grant assessments. The Institute works collaboratively with partners across academia, the NHS, and industry to build a cohesive epilepsy research community.

How much does Epilepsy Research Institute UK give?

Published grant sizes vary. A free fit check matches Epilepsy Research Institute UK’s current criteria to your charity — so you know if it’s worth applying.

Deadlines & timelines

When to apply, and how long their decisions take.

Your specific fit

Income, location, legal structure and exactly who they fund — matched to your charity.

Good to know

FaithNo restriction

Focus areas

Health

How to apply to Epilepsy Research Institute UK

Epilepsy Research Institute UK takes applications via two-stage application.

Check whether your charity is in scope before you spend time on a full bid.

How it works

1
Describe your project. Once — used for this funder and others.
2
See if this could be a fit. Honest check on cause, place, size, and rules.
3
Draft if yes. From your real data — or move on if not.

See if Epilepsy Research Institute UK could be a fit. Draft if yes.

Frequently asked questions

How much funding does Epilepsy Research Institute UK provide?

Grant amounts vary. Contact Epilepsy Research Institute UK directly for current funding levels.

Where does Epilepsy Research Institute UK fund charities?

Epilepsy Research Institute UK funds charities operating in the UK.

Does Epilepsy Research Institute UK accept unsolicited applications?

Epilepsy Research Institute UK accepts unsolicited applications from eligible organisations. Current programme status is on this page — do not assume a round is open.

How do I apply for funding from Epilepsy Research Institute UK?

Epilepsy Research Institute UK takes applications via two-stage application. Check whether your charity is in scope before you spend time on a full bid.