This year’s Research Recognition Award from the Swiss League Against Epilepsy goes to two different projects, one from Geneva and one from Zurich. If successful, one of them could make epilepsy operations more precise and the other provide a basis for new treatment options. The award is endowed with a total of CHF 25,000; the official ceremony took place on 21 November, 2025.
Dr. Nicolas Roehri, Geneva
November 2025 – In 2025, the Swiss Epilepsy League’s Research Recognition Award has been split between two projects. Half the prize money goes to Dr. Nicolas Roehri from University of Geneva and University Hospital of Geneva (HUG), the other to Dr. Daria Skwarzynska of Zurich University.
More insights inside the brain
Dr. Nicolas Roehri investigates FAST-IRES, a novel electric source imaging (ESI) algorithm. ESI is an electromagnetic neuroimaging technique that uses EEG and MRI data to pinpoint the source of electrical activity within the brain. In the project, Roehri aims to validate FAST-IRES and other ESI methods using a rare dataset of simultaneous intracranial and high-density scalp EEG recordings (iEEG and hdEEG).
These techniques are most useful when evaluating patients with drug-resistant focal seizures who are potential candidates for epilepsy surgery. The findings could help to delineate the irritative zone, where interictal epileptiform discharges originate, more accurately without having to implant electrodes surgically.
«This original project validates classical and especially novel ESI techniques and will benefit patients with treatment-resistant epilepsy as well broader neuroscience research,» says the President of the Epilepsy League, Prof. Dr. med. Lukas Imbach.
Dr. Daria Skwarzynska, Zurich
How seizures end
Dr. Daria Skwarzynska of Zurich University wins the other half of the prize money for her project «Power restored: Exploring how neurons recharge to end seizures». Most seizures end by themselves; the project aims to improve our understanding of the mechanisms behind this. More specifically, Skwarzynska focuses on metabolic dynamics, with the aim of uncovering cell-specific adaptations which fuel neurons to terminate seizures.
As we know, ketogenic diets are often effective in controlling seizures − however, the precise mechanisms by which this metabolic intervention works are still poorly understood. This project could offer a novel perspective on seizure mechanisms and pave the way for innovative therapies.
«If the project is successful, we will finally understand how the ketogenic diet works on a cellular level. This might help to develop new targeted therapeutic strategies and open up valuable avenues for further research,» comments Imbach.
The awards are presented on 21 November at the SERENE epilepsy research symposium.
Call for applications for 2026 awards
The Research Recognition Award (research grant) from the Swiss League Against Epilepsy totals CHF 25,000. It is awarded annually to researchers working in Switzerland as start-up funding for larger research projects. Applications from researchers carrying out studies on causes of and therapies for epilepsies are especially welcome.
Call for applications: Research Recognition Award
The Epilepsy League will also be accepting applications for the Prize for Best Dissertation, which comes with prize money of CHF 1000. Applications are welcome and desired from all disciplines and professions, and from both basic and clinical subject areas.
Call for applications: Prize for Best Dissertation
Applications are open until 31 December 2025.
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