UCB is committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of those living with or caring for someone with epilepsy or rare epilepsy syndrome, as well as the broader communities that support them. We are proud to be the lead sponsor of the American Epilepsy Society (AES) Unlocking Potential through Leadership and Inclusion for a Future of Transformation (UPLIFT) initiative and to partner with them as the exclusive sponsor at their 2025 AES Annual Meeting. This collaboration reflects our shared values and our commitment to fostering a culture of excellence, inclusivity, and healthcare for all.

A Shared Commitment to Core Values

UCB's dedication to creating opportunity and providing expansive care aligns seamlessly with the Society’s priorities, which encompass integrity, interprofessional engagement, collaboration, and innovation. As we come together in our hometown of Atlanta to support the AES 2025 Annual Meeting for the 26th year, we recognize the significance of our collective efforts in advancing epilepsy research and care. Together, we not only drive progress in science and clinical practice but also ensure that unique perspectives are elevated, enriching the dialogue and strengthening the future of epilepsy research and treatment.

Driving Innovation Through Emerging Talent
Our sponsorship of AES programs exemplifies our unwavering commitment to enhancing the lives of individuals affected by epilepsy and rare syndromes. Through this collaboration, UCB supports AES's aim to provide essential career support for both current and emerging epilepsy scientists and clinicians who come from a variety of backgrounds and experiences. By doing so, we aim to help bridge gaps and foster greater opportunity within the epilepsy community.

This sponsorship includes a range of exciting initiatives designed to create meaningful change within the epilepsy community through the AES BRIDGE programs. At the core of AES's commitment to expanding pathways and outcomes within epilepsy research, it includes the following components:

• AES Summer Research Interns at AES Annual Meeting: We are thrilled to support the nine 2025 AES summer interns as they are introduced to the epilepsy community, providing them with exposure to cutting-edge research, networking opportunities, and career-building activities.
• AES Summer Research Intern Poster Presentations: By awarding grants to university-based laboratories and AES member scientists, this initiative identifies and supports promising undergraduate students who are the next generation of the epilepsy workforce. These budding scientists engage in epilepsy research, contributing fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to the field. This year, all nine interns will present their work at the AES Annual Meeting.
• AES BRIDGE Poster Session: We're dedicated to supporting and showcasing the remarkable work of epilepsy investigators. This session highlights their significant scientific contributions and fosters collaboration across epilepsy research, providing them with valuable exposure to cutting-edge research, networking opportunities, and career-building activities.
   

Supporting the Next Generation of Epilepsy Researchers

Through the AES Summer Internship Program, we proudly support early-career researchers with varied interests and backgrounds as they are introduced to the epilepsy community. One of last year’s summer interns, Zachary Stayn, a neuroscience major at Harvard University, exemplifies the powerful impact of early exposure to epilepsy. Having encountered epilepsy at a young age through the diagnosis of someone to him, Zachary developed a deep curiosity about the condition and its complexities. That early connection inspired him to pursue a path in neuroscience and eventually led him to the AES internship program. 

“It was a great experience to go to the AES conference and to see the scale of epilepsy research being done on a national and international basis. In our lab we have read a lot of research papers about the gene we were working on, and it was really great to see the people responsible for those papers and then talk about their research at the poster sessions,” he said. 

“One of my proudest moments was being able to stand next to my poster at the conference...being there even at my age as one of the youngest people at the conference and being able to make a difference in the epilepsy community felt so meaningful.”

UCB's Role in Population Health

At UCB, we believe that our commitment to community extends beyond research. Our population health teams collaborate with various stakeholders, including healthcare professionals, integrated delivery networks, academics, patients, and caregivers, to address health challenges faced by different communities. By working together, we strive to improve healthcare outcomes.

At UCB, sponsorship serves as an investment in our community. We believe that through sponsorship, we can ensure that the research we conduct and the work we do for patients and caregivers continues. Programs like the AES BRIDGE internship encourage and support young minds who want to pursue careers in STEM, and specifically biopharma. By uplifting young professionals via their education and expanding access to opportunities, we create a better and more impactful healthcare industry.

Join Us on this Journey

We invite you to learn more about our initiatives and the impact of our partnership with AES. By championing community and opportunity, we are not only advancing epilepsy research but also driving positive change in the lives of individuals and communities that need it most. As we embark on this journey together, let's continue to inspire, innovate, and create a brighter future for all.

For further information on our work across different therapeutic areas and the resources available for various stakeholders, explore our website here. 

Together, we can create a lasting impact in the world of epilepsy research and beyond.