Research Ambassador Program
Applications Open for 2027 Ambassador Bootcamp! Apply Today - October 30, 2026.
The Epilepsy Foundation's Research Ambassador Program is committed to strengthening connections between the epilepsy community and research, providing insight into the processes of clinical research and new therapy development.
Learn More:
Apply to Become a Research Ambassador!What is the Ambassador Program?
The Research Ambassador Program is designed for people living with epilepsy, their caregivers, and others uniquely positioned to support the epilepsy community. The program empowers participants to actively engage in treatment development, address disparities in clinical trial representation, and ensure that research reflects the real needs of patients and caregivers.
Each year, 30 ambassadors are selected and given access to our online Clinical Research 101 series, a seven-part video curriculum covering the foundations of research, clinical trials, and patient engagement. The program then culminates in a full-day, immersive, in-person Ambassador Bootcamp. This experience provides insight into how new therapies are developed and ensures that people with epilepsy have a meaningful voice in shaping clinical research.
The 2027 Research Ambassador Bootcamp will take place February 20 & 21, 2027, in San Diego California.
Following the bootcamp, ambassadors will play a key role in ongoing research projects by connecting patient experiences with clinical research. Their involvement helps strengthen collaboration with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and companies developing new therapies and devices—ensuring that outcomes important to people with epilepsy are prioritized and that trials are designed with patients in mind.
2nd Annual Research Ambassador Bootcamp
We’re proud to share the success of the 2026 Epilepsy Research Ambassador Bootcamp, held April 11–12, 2026, in Minneapolis. This year, we welcomed 30 new Research Ambassadors from across the country for a weekend focused on research, education, advocacy, and community building.
Through expert-led sessions, open discussions, and interactive activities, ambassadors explored the full landscape of epilepsy research and the role of lived experience in advancing innovation, while gaining tools to become stronger advocates for inclusive and patient-centered research. We were also honored to welcome keynote speaker Torie Robinson, founder of Epilepsy Sparks and a leader in patient and public involvement in epilepsy research, who shared powerful insights on the importance of integrating lived experience into research and innovation.
The Bootcamp also featured the launch of the first Research Community Engagement Fellow cohort in partnership with CURE Epilepsy. Six early-career scientists joined the program to share their research, strengthen science communication skills, and build meaningful partnerships with the epilepsy community.
How to Apply
By bringing voices from the epilepsy community into the conversation earlier, therapeutic development is more comprehensive from start to finish. Individuals interested in becoming a Research Ambassador should be a person with a history of epilepsy, their family member or caretaker, or passionate about advancing epilepsy research.
To become a Research Ambassador, there is a three-part application process:
Application: Complete an application to the program by October 30, 2026.
Nomination: You must have a sponsor from an epilepsy-focused organization, or a physician nominate you for consideration by completing a nomination application. The nomination will be attached to your application.
Video: Upload a video, no more than 2 minutes, about yourself and why you would like to be a research ambassador!
Selected applicants will be invited to a two day, all expenses paid, in-person workshop . The training will cover the process to bring a new therapy or device from pre-clinical through to approval.
Graduates from the program will become “Epilepsy Research Ambassadors”. The ambassadors will be ready to participate in:
- Discussion with regulators
- Focus groups on:
- trial design
- Inclusion/exclusion criteria
- unmet patient needs
- assessments of new technologies
- Meetings with patient and community groups to help with trial recruitment
- Option to join quarterly calls to facilitate dialogue between the ambassadors and the Epilepsy Foundation, as well as invited guests such as clinical experts or therapy developers.
Learn More:
Apply to Become a Research Ambassador!Frequently Asked Questions
When do applications close?
- Applications will be accepted August 11- October 30, 2026.
When and where will the ambassador bootcamp be held?
- The bootcamp will be in held in the February 20 & 21, 2027 in San Diego, California..
What is the cost?
- The Epilepsy Foundation is covering the costs of those selected to attend the ambassador bootcamp
How many ambassadors are selected?
- Each year ~30 ambassadors are selected to participate in the Research Ambassador Program
Who is eligible?
- The program is open to U.S. residents ages 18 and older who have epilepsy, care for someone with epilepsy, or are uniquely positioned to support the epilepsy community.
Thank you to our 2026 sponsors!
Resources
Epilepsy Centers
Epilepsy centers provide you with a team of specialists to help you diagnose your epilepsy and explore treatment options.
Epilepsy Medication
Find in-depth information on anti-seizure medications so you know what to ask your doctor.
Epilepsy and Seizures Helpline
Call our Epilepsy and Seizures Helpline and talk with an epilepsy information specialist or submit a question online.
Tools & Resources
Get information, tips, and more to help you manage your epilepsy.
Related Stories
Press Releases
Epilepsy Community Celebrates Senate Passage of the National Plan for Epilepsy Act
Read Story