Research & Innovation

At the Centre for Global Epilepsy, research and innovation are at the heart of our mission to improve epilepsy care worldwide. We are committed to advancing scientific understanding and developing sustainable, culturally sensitive solutions that address the unique challenges faced by LMICs. Through cutting-edge research, technological innovations, and collaborative partnerships, we aim to transform epilepsy diagnosis, treatment, and awareness, while reducing stigma and enhancing healthcare access. Our work builds on Oxford’s long-standing contributions to global epilepsy research, including pioneering projects like EPInA and the Oxford Martin School Programme, which are driving meaningful change in epilepsy care across the globe.

Global Epilepsy Initiatives Leading to the Establishment of the Centre for Global Epilepsy

Epilepsy Pathway Innovation in Africa

The Epilepsy Pathway Innovation in Africa (EPInA) project, launched in 2019 with funding from the NIHR, aimed to improve the entire epilepsy treatment pathway across multiple African countries. By focusing on prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and awareness, EPInA developed targeted interventions that enhanced epilepsy care. Key achievements included the creation of the Epilepsy Diagnostic Companion (EDC), a mobile app designed to assist healthcare workers in diagnosing convulsive epileptic seizures. EPInA also contributed to important epidemiological research, large-scale screening efforts, and improved treatment adherence through SMS-based support programs. The project supported capacity building by training healthcare professionals and raising awareness within local communities, ensuring long-term impact on epilepsy care in Africa.

 

epina

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  1. Development and validation of a diagnostic aid for convulsive epilepsy in sub-Saharan Africa: a retrospective case-control study. The Lancet Digital Health. Gabriel Jones et al. 2023. 
  2. Prevalence of all epilepsies in urban informal settlements in Nairobi, Kenya: a two-stage population-based study. The Lancet Global Health. Daniel Mwanga et al. 2024
  3. Prevalence of onchocerciasis and epilepsy in a Tanzanian region after a prolonged community-directed treatment with ivermectin. PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases. Vivian Mushi et al. 2024.
  4. Attitudes and perceptions towards epilepsy in an onchocerciasis‑endemic region of Tanzania: a mixed approach to determine the magnitude and driving factors. BMC Public Health. Vivian Mushi et al. 2024.
  5. A digital dashboard for reporting mental, neurological and substance use disorders in Nairobi, Kenya: Implementing an open source data technology for improving data capture. PLOS Digital Health. Daniel Mwanga et al. 2024. 
  6. The association of polytherapy and psychiatric comorbidity in epilepsy. Epilepsy Behavior. Mercy Odhiambo et al. 2024. 
  7. Modeling the determinants of attrition in a two-stage epilepsy prevalence survey in Nairobi using machine learning. Global Epidemiology. Daniel Mwanga et al. 2025. 
  8. Translation, adaptation and validation of an epilepsy screening instrument in two Ghanian languages. PLOS One. Emmanuel Kwame Darkwa et al. 2025. 
  9. Understanding the lived experiences of people living with epilepsy: Oral history assessment in the Shai Osudoku and Ningo Prampram districts, Ghana. Epilepsy Behavior. Sabina Asiamah et al. 2025.

 

Oxford Martin School Programme on Global Epilepsy

The Oxford Martin School Programme on Global Epilepsy, established in 2020 with funding from the Oxford Martin School, focuses on bridging the critical gap in epilepsy care in low- and middle-income countries. The programme combines technological innovation with a deep understanding of local social and cultural contexts to develop sustainable, culturally relevant solutions to improve epilepsy management and reduce stigma. Its workstreams include ethnographic oral history, portable EEG technology, and mobile applications, with research sites across several countries, including Brazil, India, Kenya, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. As part of these efforts, the programme is also working to standardize and centralize epilepsy-related data through the Global Epilepsy Research Database, which enables more robust machine learning validation and improves adaptability across diverse healthcare settings. Through these combined initiatives, the programme strives to improve diagnosis, treatment, and care worldwide, advancing locally tailored technologies and digital tools like the Epilepsy Diagnostic Companion to enhance epilepsy care.

 

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  1. Evaluating the generalisability of region-naive machine learning algorithms for the identification of epilepsy in low-resource settings. PLOS Digital Health. Duta et al. 2024.
  2. Oral History Guide: Embedding Lived Experience into Mind Brain Health. Guidebook currently in progress. 2025.