EUCARE (European Concerted Action on Research in Epilepsy) is a joint initiative of the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) and the International Bureau for Epilepsy (IBE), whose goal is to raise the profile of epilepsy across Europe through both scientific research and advocacy. The project is supported by an unrestricted grant from UCB Pharma.

EUCARE has two main activities, the FONDE Project and Political Action. The major focus will be an observational study. Following pharmacological and lifestyle Outcomes in Newly Diagnosed Epilepsy in different countries of Europe: the FONDE study. The information collected will be utilised in a range of scientific and public policy projects.

A second focus of EUCARE aims at highlighting epilepsy as a public health priority amongst governments and policy makers and national level and in the European Parliament. To this end EUCARE has established a Political Action Group. The objectives of the Political Action Group are to:

• identify issues that might be addressed by EUCARE within the political arena
• formulate a plan of action and develop a proposal for future political activities.

For the duration of the FONDE study EUCARE intends to create an international network involving investigating centres, lay organisations and policy makers.

With improved understanding of epilepsy, healthcare professionals and governments will be empowered to create dialogue that will bring about necessary changes in attitudes, services and treatment – thus bringing epilepsy out of the shadows.

The International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) is the world’s preeminent association of physicians and other health professionals working towards a world where no person’s life is limited by Epilepsy. Its mission is to provide the highest quality of care and well-being for those afflicted with the condition and other related seizure disorders.

The International Bureau for Epilepsy (IBE) is an organisation of laypersons and professionals interested in the medical and non-medical aspects of epilepsy, including education, employment, insurance, driving licence restrictions and public awareness. IBE has a vision of the world where everywhere fear and ignorance about epilepsy are replaced by understanding and care.