Major international award for improving epilepsy treatments

Associate Professor Piero Perucca from the Department of Medicine (Austin Health) has been awarded the Michael Prize 2023 in the field of pharmacology and pharmacotherapy for his research into epilepsy.

Established in 1963 to encourage epilepsy research in Germany, the Michael Prize has grown globally and is now a of  highly regarded international award for the best scientific contribution to progress in the field of epilepsy.

It is awarded every two years to researchers under the age of 45. This is the first time the award has been won by an Australian.

A major focus of Associate Professor Perucca’s research program has been the optimisation of the pharmacological treatment of epilepsy. His contributions range from characterising adverse antiseizure medication (ASM) effects to investigating their underlying mechanisms, defining the impact of adverse ASM effects on health-related quality of life, and identifying strategies to minimise ASM toxicity. These findings have been incorporated in routine practices and have influenced  national/international recommendations.

Associate Professor Perucca will receive his award at the 35th International Epilepsy Congress, to be held in September 2023 in Dublin.