Who we are
We want to deliver the global values, and aims of the ILAE Young Epilepsy Section (YES) tailored to young epilepsy professionals in the UK. ILAE British YES is a friendly, transparent and lively group of early-career professionals working in epilepsy research or the care of people with epilepsy. ILAE British YES wants to enable networking, provide specific training opportunities and provide a voice to our needs within the ILAE British Chapter.
https://www.ilae.org/about-ilae/topical-commissions/yes/young-epilepsy-section-yes
National Epilepsy Awareness Week 2023 – ILAE British YES Video
Board Members
Dr Rory Piper – Chair
I am a Clinical Lecturer in Neurosurgery at the UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health. My research focuses on the development of epilepsy surgery, including neuromodulation therapies, for children with medication-resistant epilepsy. As Chair of the YES Board I am determined to provide opportunities for all early-career professionals in the field of epilepsy.
X: @roryjpiper
Dr Sana Hannan – Vice-Chair
I am a Lecturer in Neuroscience at Lancaster University. My research is focused on understanding network dynamics in epilepsy and related conditions using neurophysiological methods. As Vice-Chair of the YES Board, I look forward to building a collaborative network of early-career researchers and healthcare workers and creating opportunities for professional development.
X: @SanaHannan_
Dr Rachel Todd – Treasurer
I am an adult neurologist currently undertaking a Post CCT Fellowship in Epilepsy at Manchester Centre for Clinical Neurosciences. I have been appointed as a Consultant Neurologist/Epileptologist in Manchester and will be starting this post after completing the fellowship. My interests are in EEG including intra-cranial EEG, plus all aspects of epilepsy management. As part of the ILAE YES board I am excited to continue building a community of epilepsy researchers and clinicians.
Dr Amol Bhandare – Events and Communications
I am an Assistant Professor and Epilepsy Research Institute (ERI) Emerging Leader Fellow at the School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick. I am a neuroimmunologist and my lab’s research focus on studying neuron-glia interactions in health and disease, especially epilepsy. As part of the British YES Board, I am delighted to support YES ILAE’s event organisation.
X: @bhandaream
Dr Laura Smith – Secretary
I am a Research Associate at Newcastle University working within the Translational and Clinical Research Institute, funded by Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity. My research is focused on understanding the neuropathophysiological mechanisms underpinning mitochondrial epilepsies using human brain tissues. I am also interested in understanding the link between mitochondrial dysfunction and neuroinflammation in refractory epilepsies. As role of Secretary on the ILAE British YES Board, I look forward to promoting and developing the British YES network and coordinating the mailing list and communications with our members.
X: @LauraSmithNCL