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UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology

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New Head of Research Department, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology

18 March 2025

Professor Gabriele Lignani has been appointed as the next Head of Research Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy at the UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology. He will commence his appointment on 26th May 2025.

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Professor Michael Hanna, Director of UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, said:

"I am very pleased to announce that Professor Gabriele Lignani has been appointed as the next Head of the Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy and will commence his role in late May. This appointment followed a rigorous process that involved an all-Institute presentation followed by a formal interview. 

Gabriele presented a compelling vision to work to unite the department, renaming it the Department of Epilepsy. He plans to work to link all colleagues, including those working on basic and translational research and clinical work, across all the department’s locations at Queen Square and Chalfont."

Prof Lignani
Professor Hanna continued:  "Gabriele has an outstanding basic science research track-record with major grant income and internationally recognised research outputs. He is also an excellent UCL citizen with a leading role in EDI and Athena Swan, and teaching."
"I would also like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank Professor Ley Sander for his excellent leadership of the department as Head. 
During his tenure the department has significantly increased its research income to now over £50m and has had excellent internationally recognised research outputs. It is one of the world’s leading epilepsy research departments. 
I am very pleased that Ley will continue his own outstanding epilepsy research programme at the Institute"

ley sander

Professor Gabriele Lignani, Professor of Translational Neuroscience, Clinical & Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, said :

“ It is a great honour to lead this prestigious department. Over the coming year, I will build on our outstanding research achievements and strengthen our international reputation. I am thrilled to support all members of staff, students, and professional services in creating a vibrant and stimulating environment.

Together, we will ensure that our department remains the place for pioneering epilepsy research and improving patients’ lives”. 

Professor Ley Sander, NSE Professor of Epilepsy, Clinical & Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, said:

“I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to have led the Department. These have been challenging times with the pandemic and have tested our resilience. I am proud of the Department’s substantial growth and sustained financial stability during this difficult period. I want to express my sincere gratitude to all my clinical and experimental colleagues for their unwavering support throughout my tenure.

I am particularly indebted to my deputy, Kirill Volynski, whose insightful direction and steadfast backup were invaluable. My thanks also extend to our administrative team, Charlotte Burt and Liam Trench, for their diligent work in maintaining the Department’s operations smooth and straight. I also thank Mike Hanna and Hélène Crutzen for their attentive listening and consistent support whenever needed.

Last but certainly not least, I extend my warmest wishes to my successor, Gabriele Lignani. As a young and outstanding scientist, I have no doubt he will guide the Department to new heights in our shared quest to improve the lives of people with epilepsy worldwide.”

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