Grant: Planning and Dissemination Grant - Institute Community Support

Epilepsy, a neurological disorder causing recurrent seizures, affects over 50 million people globally, significantly impacting their quality of life. To improve care for those with epilepsy, we must deepen our understanding of seizures and develop innovative detection, prediction, and treatment methods. This requires collaboration among experts from diverse fields including medicine, engineering, mathematics, and computer science. The International Conference for Technology and Analysis of Seizure (ICTALS) is a unique event fostering such collaboration. In June 2025, ICTALS will be held in Canada for the first time, bringing together about 200 researchers from around the world to Montreal. This gathering will facilitate sharing of cutting-edge findings, discussion of new ideas, and collaborative problem-solving in epilepsy research. ICTALS 2025 will cover crucial topics in epilepsy research, including: 1) Artificial intelligence for seizure forecasting and detection; 2) Advanced brain imaging and signal processing techniques; 3) Influence of sleep and circadian rhythms on seizures; 4) Innovative brain stimulation methods for seizure control. The conference is designed to encourage collaboration through presentations, interactive workshops, debates, and poster sessions. It will provide a platform for established experts to share their knowledge and for young researchers to present their work, fostering the growth of future leaders in the field. By facilitating this diverse gathering, ICTALS 2025 aims to catalyze breakthroughs in epilepsy research. These advancements could lead to improved diagnostic tools, more effective treatments, and potentially even preventive measures for epilepsy, ultimately enhancing the lives of millions affected by this condition. The impact of ICTALS 2025 will extend beyond the event itself. Conference proceedings will be published in a leading epilepsy journal, disseminating the shared knowledge to a broader audience.