XVII Workshop on Neurobiology of Epilepsy (WONOEP 2023)

The extracellular space in epilepsy: pathomechanisms, biomarkers and treatment targets

Kildare, Ireland

28 August - 1 September 2023

WONOEP XVII, a satellite event of the 35th International Epilepsy Congress, will take place in Ireland, at a 4 star castle accommodation outside Dublin. The main topic of WONOEP XVII is “The extracellular space in epilepsy: pathomechanisms, biomarkers and treatment targets”. The overall purpose of WONOEP XVII will be to provide novel insights into the role of the extracellular space and extra-synaptic communication on brain development and function, the potential role in epilepsy, and strategies towards the development of new treatments. This will include novel insights into the structure and function of the extracellular space, e.g. the role of the extracellular matrix, extra-synaptic signaling, including auto- and paracrine signaling by molecules and vesicles; mechanisms driving incursion of non-CNS cell types into the parenchyma; interaction of the immune system and triggering of autoimmunity; the components of the blood-brain-barrier and how breaches and repair influence mechanisms of hyperexcitability; the gut-brain axis; new technologies to image and track these processes; innovative small molecule, gene therapy and cell-based approaches that offer new opportunities to target the extracellular space and treat the epilepsies. Both preclinical and clinical studies will be considered.

A maximum of 40 abstracts strictly related to the main topic will be selected and the presenting author of each abstract will be invited to WONOEP in August 2023. Lodging and meals will be provided to the selected participants (see details on inclusions below). Travel costs, including any visa costs, will not be supported. A WONOEP registration fee of 400 Euros is applied (200 Euros discounted rate is available for juniors, AHPs, those from low income countries) to all selected participants which should be paid before 26 May 2023. However, the WONOEP registration fee will be waived if the invited authors also submit an abstract and register for the 35th International Epilepsy Congress taking place in Dublin on 2 to 6 September 2023. Requests for bursaries for travel expenses may be considered after notification of abstract selection, for selected investigators invited to participate in the WONOEP and depending on funding availability. There are currently no COVID-related travel restrictions in Ireland but for up-to- date information including visa requirements, see www.gov.ie. WONOEP 2023 is organized by the WONOEP Task Force of the ILAE Neurobiology Commission.

The abstract submission deadline in early March has passed. Results will be available in April.

The WONOEP programme includes:

  • Four nights’ accommodation inclusive of breakfast in a private ensuite room in Kilkea Castle Hotel (28 to 31 August inclusive)
  • A two-and-a-half-day educational programme on The extracellular space in epilepsy: pathomechanisms, biomarkers and treatment targets (29 to 31 August inclusive)
  • Lunches and coffee breaks on three days (29 to 31 August inclusive)
  • A welcome reception, two dinners in local restaurants and a special farewell dinner
  • An afternoon in Kilkenny
  • Group transportation from Dublin airport to the hotel on 28 August
  • Group transportation from the hotel to the Dublin Convention Centre on 1 September

For any questions, please email wonoep@ilae.org.

 

COMMITTEES

Scientific Organizing Committee: David Henshall (chair), Katja Kobow (co-chair), Aristea S. Galanopoulou, Özlem Akman, Raman Sankar, Pablo Casillas-Espinosa

Local Organising Committee: Gary Brennan, Norman Delanty, Adam Handel, Cian McCafferty, Cristina Reschke

WONOEP 2023 is organised by the WONOEP Task Force of the ILAE Neurobiology Commission and the Neurobiology Commission of the ILAE. WONOEP is generously supported by a donation of the Harinarayan Family.

ILAE wishes to acknowledge the support to the XVII Workshop on Neurobiology of Epilepsy (WONOEP 2023) provided through educational grants from:

Jazz Pharmaceuticals

 

Jazz Pharmaceuticals Logo

UCB

UCB pharma logo

Please note that the companies have had no direct or indirect influence on the composition of WONOEP 2023 or the content. ILAE is solely responsible for the creation and control of the workshop content.