Professor Anna Jansen, EPNS President 2026-2030
BELGIUM
Training and Fields of interest: My clinical and research work focus on neurogenetic disorders, with a special interest brain malformations and tuberous sclerosis complex. As a clinician-researcher, I let questions from daily practice guide my work, contributing to fundamental research, clinical trials, and participatory co-creative work with patients and families. https://www.uantwerpen.be/nl/personeel/anna-jansen_23404/publicaties/
Memberships of other professional societies: Belgian Society for Paediatric Neurology – President Society for the Study of Behavioural Phenotypes – Honorary Secretary International Child Neurology Association – member European Journal of Paediatric Neurology – Associate Editor
Professor Nadia Bahi-Buisson, Chair EPNS Research
FRANCE
Training and Fields of interest: Based on my training and experience in both the lab and the clinic, I have a strong clinical background in neurodevelopmental disorders in the broadest sense, from neurogenetic diseases to epileptic encephalopathies and cerebral malformations. I’m also heavily involved in rare diseases, severe and multiple disabilities, and the development of innovative therapies. Finally, I have expertise in fetal and neonatal neurology. Through my work in a Parisian neuropediatric team, I have connections within my department with experts in all other areas of neuropediatrics, particularly vascular, inflammatory, neuromuscular, and neurodegenerative conditions.
Memberships of other professional societies: French Societies : Société Francaise de Pédiatrie; Responsible for the Scientific Advisory Board of SFPSociété Francaise de Neuropédiatrie European Society : member of L’EAP (European Academy of Paediatrics) et l’ESPR (European Society for Paediatric Research), European Academy of Paediatric Societies
Professor Sophia Bakhtadze, C N A co-opted
GEORGIA
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Professor Sophia Bakhtadze, C N A co-opted
GEORGIA
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Dr Dewi Bakker, EPNS Board Member
NETHERLANDS
Training and Fields of interest:: My clinical and academic interests include childhood stroke, neuroinflammatory disorders, spina bifida, and other spinal cord diseases. I am also committed to advancing education and training in child neurology.
Memberships of other professional societies: I have been chairman of the national training and education committee for 9 years and recently I passed the batton.
Professor Andreas Brunklaus, EPNS Board Member
UNITED KINGDOM
Training and Fields of interest: My clinical portfolio spans general paediatric neurology, complex epilepsy, DEEs, and rare neurogenetic disorders. My research focuses on childhood epilepsies, especially channelopathies, precision diagnostics, natural history cohorts, biomarkers/outcome measures, genotype-phenotype modelling, machine-learning for early diagnosis, and disease-modifying treatments. I lead as chief investigator of the UK SCN1A-natural history study, and I am the Scottish paediatric epilepsy training course lead. I chair the ILAE Genetics Commission and serve as EpiCARE scientific advisory committee member. I work closely with patient groups as medical advisor to DSUK and FamilieSCN2A, integrating research and education to drive improved care and equitable access to innovation internationally.
Memberships of other professional societies: I am a member of the British Paediatric Neurology Association (BPNA), the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH), the British Medical Association (BMA), the Scottish Paediatric Society (SPS), the European Paediatric Neurology Society (EPNS), the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) and the American Epilepsy Society (AES).
Professor Maria Roberta Cilio, EPNS Board member
BELGIUM
Training and Fields of interest:: 2001-2008 Faculty, Division of Neurology, Bambino Gesu’ Children’s Hospital and Research Institute, Rome, Italy 2008-2011 Associate Professor of Neurology and Paediatrics, University of California, San Francisco2012-2018: Professor of Neurology and Paediatric, UCSF2018-current: Professor of Paediatric Neurology, Catholic University of Louvain, Brussel, Belgium Paediatric and neonatal neurophysiology Paediatric and neonatal epilepsy Paediatric and Neonatal Neurocritical care Early onset genetic epilepsies, diagnosis and treatment Targeted and precision therapies for seizures and epilepsy in the neonate Neonatal stroke Founder and Coordinator of the BRACE (Brussels Rare and Complex Epilepsy) Consortium, full member of the ERN EpiCARE.
Memberships of other professional societies: American Epilepsy Society European Society for Paediatric Research American Paediatric Society Societé Européenne de Neurologie Pédiatrique (SENP+)Member of the Scientific Panel on Neurocritical Care of the European Academy of Neurology European Neonatal Brain Club Union of European Neonatal and Perinatal Societies
Professor Dana Criau, EPNS Education & Training Committee
ROMANIA
Training and Fields of interest:: Epilepsies, Neurophysiology, Epilepsy Surgery, Rare disorders. I am Paediatric Neurologist and see patients in the inpatient and outpatient department. My first interest are epilepsies and rare disorders, and I am coordinating the Center of Expertise of Rare Disorders in Obregia Hospital which is part of the EpiCARE and ENDO-ERN networks for rare disorders. As a Professor of Paediatric Neurology, I also coordinate courses and educational activities for students (5th year) of Medicine Faculty and Residents in Paediatric Neurology. My research activity is centred on epilepsies and rare disorders, too.
Memberships of other professional societies: “Romanian Society of Paediatric Neurology (I currently chair the Education and Training Committee), Romanian Society Against Epilepsy (President), Romanian Neurophysiology Society, EPNS (Chair of the E&T and of the Guidelines Committees), ILAE (member of past Transition task-force and future Paediatric Committee), ICNA.”
Dr Lucia Gerstl, EPNS Board member
GERMANY
Training and Fields of interest: Paediatric Stroke / Neurovascular diseases. Head of PRiSMA – Paediatric Registry for Stroke as a multidisciplinary approach for healthcare research, Head of the “German Network Paediatric Stroke”, Founder of the first German “Paediatric Stroke Unit”, Steering committee member of the PASTA trial. Co-Chair of the EPNS Stroke Working Group /EPNS Research Meeting.Member of the Organizing committee of the EPNS Cambridge Masterclass series. Associate Editor of the European Journal of Paediatric Neurology.
Memberships of other professional societies: EPNS, GNP – German–Speaking Society for Neuropaediatrics (General Secretary), DGKJ – German Society for Paediatrics, DGKN – German Society for Neurophysiology, DGfE – German Epilepsy Society, DSG – German Stroke Society, IPSO – International Paediatric Stroke Organisation
Dr Kathleen Gorman, Chair EPNS Membership, PR & Website
IRELAND
Training and Fields of interest: Current Positions:Consultant Paediatric Neurologist (October 2018 – To Date) Providing acute in-patient and out-patient services in CHI at Temple Street, Dublin, a tertiary & quaternary referral centre. Associate Clinical Professor, University College Dublin, Ireland (2023 – To date) Research Interests Neurogenetics Movement Disorder Epilepsy Neurocritical care Medical education
Memberships of other professional societies: Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland (Paediatrics) International British Paediatric Neurology Association (BPNA) European reference network – ERN RND and ERN ITAHCA Movement Disorder Society National Irish Paediatric Association Irish Institute of Clinical Neuroscience International League Against Epilepsy – Irish Chapter Neonatal and Children’s Brain Consortium Ireland
Professor Pavel Kršek, EPNS Secretary
CZECH REPUBLIC
Training and Fields of interest: Paediatric neurologist and epileptologist, Head of the Department of Paediatric Neurology, 2nd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and Motol University Hospital, Prague. Clinical and research focus: drug-resistant epilepsy in children, epilepsy surgery (especially focal cortical dysplasia and tuberous sclerosis), genetic causes of epileptic encephalopathies and malformations of cortical development, intraoperative monitoring, and quality of life in paediatric epilepsy. Author/co-author of 120+ peer-reviewed papers (H-index 30), participant in 30+ grant projects including international collaborations. Actively engaged in postgraduate education, training, and mentoring, co-organiser of ILAE-accredited international EPODES courses, co-founder of the Epilepsy Research Centre Prague.
Memberships of other professional societies: Czech League Against Epilepsy (President), International League Against Epilepsy, Czech Society of Paediatric Neurology (Past President), Czech Neurological Society, Czech Neurophysiological Society, European Paediatric Neurology Society (Board Member, EPNS representative to ILAE).
Professor Ming Lim, Chair EPNS Advocacy & Collaboration Committee
UNITED KINGDOM
Training and Fields of interest: I trained in medicine at the University of Nottingham, UK, completed my specialist paediatric neurology training and doctoral studies in South London. I am Consultant and Professor of Paediatric Neurology at Evelina London Children’s Hospital and King’s College London. I lead the Children’s Neuroscience department, serve as Evelina R&D Lead, and am associate director of hospital’s Clinical Research Facility. I established the Brain and Spine Inflammation Service, lead and contribute to national and international projects that have advanced the understanding and management of childhood neuroinflammatory disorders, while also providing essential clinical and research training.
Memberships of other professional societies: British Paediatric Neurology Association, British Medical Association Royal College of Paediatrics & Child Health (UK), Royal College of Physicians (UK), European Paediatric Neurology Society, International Paediatric Multiple Sclerosis Study Group (IMPSSG).
Professor Francesco Muntoni, EPNS Board Member
UNITED KINGDOM
Training and Fields of interest: I am a clinician scientist working with children with neuromuscular disorders (NMD). I lead the National UK Highly Specialised diagnostic and advisory services for rare congenital NMD; my contribution to the field of genetic definition of rare NMD led to the identification of more than 30 genes and my current interest in translational research is focused on RNA and AAV gene therapies. My early work on antisense oligonucleotides lead to the approval of the first two genetic drugs for Duchenne. I have published more than 700 manuscripts in peer reviewed journals and led several large consortia funded by the EU
Memberships of other professional societies: British Paediatric Neurology Association World Muscle Society Board Member
Dr Rinze Neuteboom, EPNS Board Member
NETHERLANDS
Training and Fields of interest:: Dr. Rinze Neuteboom’s scientific focus lies in paediatric neuroinflammatory disorders, including multiple sclerosis, MOGAD and autoimmune encephalitis. His research aims to improve early diagnosis, understand disease mechanisms, and optimize treatment strategies for children with these rare but impactful conditions. He has contributed to important studies on diagnostic biomarkers, MRI criteria, and long-term outcomes. By combining clinical work with translational research, he works to bridge gaps between research and care. He is committed to international collaboration and advancing the field through evidence-based, child-centered approaches.”
Memberships of other professional societies: Dr. Rinze Neuteboom is chair of the Dutch Society for Child Neurology and member of the steering committee of the International paediatric MS Study Group (IPMSSG). He is member of the ERN-RITA neuro-inflammatory disorders working group. He is member of the editorial board of the EJPN.
Professor Finbar O’Callaghan, EPNS Board Member
UNITED KINGDOM
Training and Fields of interest: Epilepsy (Chief Investigator of ICISS trial in infantile spasms, Chief investigator of UK CATE trials of Cannabis based medicines in refractory epilepsy) Tuberous sclerosis Complex: Lead specialty TS Clinic in Bath for 20+ years. Founder Member of TOSCA study. UK Chief Investigator (CI) of EXIST trials investigating everolimus in TSC. UK CI GWEP study investigating use of cannabidiol in TSC. CI of Metformin in TS study (MiTS Trials 1&2). Childhood Stroke: CI of Study of Outcome of Childhood Stroke (SOCS), on executive of International Paediatric Stroke Study (IPSS), steering committee member of PASTA trial. Co-Chair of EPNS Stroke Working Group.”
Memberships of other professional societies: EPNS – Secretary (2014-18), Chair of the Membership committee (2018-22), Co-Chair of 14th EPNS Congress, Glasgow 2021 and current Co-Chair EPNS Stroke Working Group British Paediatric Neurology Association (BPNA) (President: 2018-21)European Academy of Neurology (Scientific panel on Neuroepidemiology)Editorial Board of European Journal of Paediatric NeurologyILAE American Epilepsy Society
Dr Juan Dario Ortigoza-Escobar, EPNS Webmaster
SPAIN
Training and Fields of interest: My clinical work focuses on paediatric movement disorders and neurogenetic conditions. I care for children with dystonia, chorea, paroxysmal dyskinesias, tremor, and complex epileptic encephalopathies. Research interests include NKX2-1-related disorders, GNAO1, GPCR signaling disorders, developmental and epileptic encephalopathies; genotype–phenotype correlation; longitudinal natural-history cohorts; and development of pragmatic severity scales. Additional interests are biomarker discovery (cfRNA), advanced neuroimaging, and neuromodulation including deep brain stimulation and non-invasive stimulation. I am committed to co-design with families and to translating discoveries into reproducible clinical pathways that improve outcomes and equity.
Memberships of other professional societies: My clinical work focuses on paediatric movement disorders and neurogenetic conditions. I care for children with dystonia, chorea, paroxysmal dyskinesias, tremor, and complex epileptic encephalopathies. Research interests include NKX2-1-related disorders, GNAO1, GPCR signaling disorders, developmental and epileptic encephalopathies; genotype–phenotype correlation; longitudinal natural-history cohorts; and development of pragmatic severity scales. Additional interests are biomarker discovery (cfRNA), advanced neuroimaging, and neuromodulation including deep brain stimulation and non-invasive stimulation. I am committed to co-design with families and to translating discoveries into reproducible clinical pathways that improve outcomes and equity.
Professor Kevin Rostasy, EPNS President 2022-2026 and EPNS Secretary
GERMANY
Training and Fields of interest: All aspects of clinical and basic research in the field of paediatric neuroimmunology
Memberships of other professional societies: EPNS board member and president Board member of the GNP
Professor Sema Saltik, EPNS Board member
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TURKEY
Training and Fields of interest: Medical doctor degree at Istanbul University Istanbul Medical Faculty of Medicine, Türkiye in 1987. Paediatrics internship in Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital in Manchester, UK (1987). Specialized in Paediatrics at Göztepe Education and Training Hospital (1994), and then in Paediatric Neurology at Istanbul University Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty of Medicine (2000). I have been the head of the Paediatric Neurology Department at Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa since 2013.Fields of clinical and research interest: Neuroimmunology (CNS demiyelinating disorders), Paediatric Epilepsy, Spinal Muscular Atrophy”
Memberships of other professional societies: European Paediatric Neurology Society, Turkish Child Neurology Society, Turkish Pediatric Association, Turkish Epilepsy Society
Professor Agnese Suppiej, C N A co-opted
ITALY
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Dr Moritz Thiel, YEPNS co-opted
GERMANY
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Professor Federico Vigevano, EPNS Board Member
ITALY
Training and Fields of interest: I focused my studies, using video-EEG monitoring, with particular attention to seizures in the first years of life, trying to correlate with etiology. In 1992 we identified a clinical entity that is recognized as a syndrome called “Self-Limited Infantile Epilepsy”. I’m dedicated to the selection of patients candidates for surgical treatment and I’m involved in several trial with new ASM. More recently my studies have focused on the clinical characteristics of the so-called Developmental and Epileptic Encephalopathies, for which I try to propose a holistic multi-specialist approach that takes into account all the comorbidities and needs of caregivers ”
Memberships of other professional societies: International League Against EpilepsyInternational Child Neurology AssociationItalian League Against EpilepsyItalian Society of Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry
Dr Tessa Wassenberg, Chair EPNS Climate Change & Sustainability
BELGIUM
Training and Fields of interest: 2012 – 2018: neurology resident, Radboudumc Nijmegen, the Netherlands 2018 – 2020: fellow in paediatric neurology and metabolic disorders, UZ Brussel, Belgium April 2020 – present: paediatric neurologist UZ Brussel, clinical expertise and research interest in neurometabolic disorders (especially neurotransmitter disorders), childhood movement disorders and rare disorders. Coordinator of neurofibromatosis type 1 clinic and ataxia telangiectasia clinic. Dec 2021: PhD Radboud university Nijmegen: monoamine neurotransmitter disorders – from biochemical aspects and clinical observations to recommendations for management Feb 2024 – present: head of clinic pediatric neurology unit and center for developmental disorders UZ BrusselOct 2024 – present: assistant professor Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB)
Memberships of other professional societies: Belgian Pediatric Neurology Society: board member (2021 – present) Flemish network for rare disorders – rare neurological disorders: secretary (2020 – present) International Working Group on Neurotransmitter Related Disorders (iNTD): member Metabolics.be – member Nederlandse Vereniging voor Kinderneurologie: member Nederlandse Vereniging voor Neurologie: member
Professor Ronny Wickstrom, EPNS Board Member
SWEDEN
Training and Fields of interest: Both clinically and in my research I am focusing on neuroimmunology (in particular autoimmune encephalitis and demyelinating disease) and complex epilepsy. The intersection of the two areas, i.e. autoimmune epilepsies and acute conditions such as NORSE/FIRES is of particular interest. In addition to leading this research at Karolinska University Hospital and on a national level, I am involved in several international collaborations in the Nordic countries, In Europe and globally.
Memberships of other professional societies: President National ILAE Chapter SwedenScientific board member NORSE InstituteBoard member NORSE Biorepository Yale UniversityMember International Paediatric Multiple Sclerosis Study GroupMember American Epilepsy SocietyMember of Steering committee for Nordic Epilepsy Research Network (NorEpiNet)Head of local organisation EPNS Annual meeting 2029.
Professor Dimitrios Zafeiriou, EPNS Chair Scientific
GREECE
Training and Fields of interest: Graduated from Aristotle University Thessaloniki Medical School.Pediatric specialty training and PhD in Pediatrics at the LMU Munich, Germany.Further training in Pediatric Neurology at LMU and at GOSH, London, UK.Currently Professor of Pediatric Neurology and Developmental Pediatrics – Head of the 1st Department of Pediatrics, AUTH.Since 2013 Guest Professor, Department of Pediatric Neurology, Boston’s Children Hospital, Harvard University, USAMain interests: neuromuscular & neurometabolic disorders, neonatal neurology, clinical neurophysiology, paediatric epileptology, stroke and bioethics of fetal and pediatric neurology.More than 220 peer-reviewed publications (Medline).Participation in approx. 40 clinical trials as Principal Investigator in the last 15 years.”
Memberships of other professional societies: EPNS ICNA SSIEM BPNA CNS German Society for Neuropediatrics American Epilepsy Society American Academy of Clinical Neurophysiology Past President: Greek Pediatric Neurology Society & the Greek SSIEM International Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis Study Group International Pediatric Stroke Society Since 2014 EPNS Board Member (currently Secretary)Since December 2020 Editor-in-Chief EJPN
