Researchers investigating epilepsy rely on people with epilepsy volunteering their time to take part in their studies and projects. We act as a link between those researchers and our community, letting people with epilepsy, their family members and carers know whenever there is a chance to get involved.
Through Epilepsy Ireland you can:
- LEARN about epilepsy research – Look out for news, articles and updates on research taking place in Ireland and abroad, so that you can follow what is being discovered about the condition.
- PARTICIPATE in research studies – Depending on the study, this might mean completing a questionnaire, taking part in a phone interview or donating a blood sample. In the majority of cases, it won't be too time consuming to get involved!
- INFLUENCE how research is done – Some projects ask people with epilepsy to sit down with the research team itself: setting the questions a study should ask, giving feedback on the wording of participant materials, or advising on the practicalities of how a study should run.
Every request we receive is checked before we share it. When we receive research requests, we will seek further details from researchers on the nature of their research to establish a number of different things, such as:
- whether it is relevant to people with epilepsy and their families
- why they are carrying out the research
- whether it has ethical approval (if applicable)
Provided all of the information is in order, we will then share the project on our social media channels, in the 'News' section of our website and in our members' newsletter or monthly email update, whenever and wherever appropriate. In general, we are happy to support and assist any research project which is aiming to learn more about epilepsy and the people who live with the condition.
If you are a researcher seeking the views of the epilepsy community in Ireland, we have outlined more about what we will need from you on the 'Research Requests' page of our website.
Keeping up to date
If you are keen to take part in research, be sure to follow our social media channels; keep up to date with the latest requests by visiting the 'News' section of our website; or sign up for our monthly email update through the button at the end of this page!
Sign up
If you are keen to take part in research and be approached directly about requests we may received, fill out our media volunteering form (where a preference to participate in research can be selected). The form is available to download and read on our website.
It is entirely up to you whether you take part in the requests we receive - take part in whatever suits your interests and the time you have available.
Thank you in advance for supporting epilepsy research!