Simon Shorvon qualified in medicine from Cambridge University in 1973. He specialised in neurology and epilepsy in Oxford, Manchester and London, and in a stint in Virginia USA. His current affiliation is as Honorary Consultant Neurologist at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery and Emeritus Professor of Clinical Neurology at UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology in London.

He has served inter alia as Chair of the UCL University Department of Clinical Neurology, Medical Director at the Chalfont Centre for Epilepsy, President of ILAE British Branch, Vice-President of ILAE and co-Editor-in-Chief of Epilepsia. He has devoted his career to a large epilepsy clinical practice, teaching and an extensive research portfolio into the epidemiology, causes, investigation, treatment and history of epilepsy.

His latest book, The Idea of Epilepsy: a medical and social history of epilepsy in the modern era (1860-2020), was published by Cambridge University Press in 2023.

‘There are many others who were more worthy than me, but I grateful and very honoured to have received this award. Epilepsy has been the focus of my medical life since the early 1970s and my career has been based almost entirely at Queen Square where I have been fortunately enough to have been exposed to some of the greatest neurologists of the age. I learned a great deal. 

This period has been a golden era for epilepsy - not only because of the medical advances but also because of the changes in the attitudes of society to epilepsy and disability. As a result, the life of a person with epilepsy today is incomparably better it was say in the early 20th century. 

There is still much more to do, and as the world seems to be moving away from the liberal democratic ethos which dominated those years, to something darker, we will need to be vigilant to ensure that those disabled with epilepsy and other neurological disorders receive the medical care that they deserve.’ Professor Simon Shorvon

“It is a great pleasure to celebrate the lifetime achievement award to Professor Simon Shorvon, a proper recognition of a career that has shaped the field of epilepsy. From his appointment in 1983 to establish the Epilepsy Research Group at Queen Square and Chalfont (of which the Queen Square component later evolved into the present-day Research Department of Epilepsy), his contributions have been foundational. This is, without doubt, the most prestigious and meaningful honour in epilepsy research worldwide.” Professor Gabriele Lignani, Professor of Translational Neuroscience, Head of the Research Department of Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology

“I am really delighted that Simon has received this well deserved recognition. Simon is undoubtedly a world leading epilepsy pioneer. He has had a huge impact on epilepsy patient care worldwide  through his sustained highest quality research over decades. My warmest Congratulations to Simon!” Professor Michael Hanna, Director, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology.

The Lifetime Achievement Awards are given every two years by the Joint Executive Committee of the International Bureau for Epilepsy and the International League Against Epilepsy to honour those truly exceptional persons with a record of achievement in work against epilepsy. It is the highest honour presented by IBE and ILAE, and exceeds even that of those who have been awarded the Ambassador for Epilepsy Award or the Social Accomplishment Award.

If such a person is elected, then he/she will be presented with an engraved trophy and a certificate during an International Epilepsy Congress.

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