From 1989 through 2004, the American Epilepsy Society/Milken Family Foundation Epilepsy Research Award, Grant & Fellowship Program recognized outstanding physicians and scientists working to improve the lives of people with epilepsy. Specifically, the Program gave the Society a mechanism for providing major awards to individuals whose achievements in basic neuroscience and clinical investigation made important contributions to the present level of understanding of epilepsy. The Foundation also developed a program of research grants and training fellowships to offer younger scientists support at a critical stage in their careers.

The goals of the Program were to provide additional incentive for superior physicians and scientists—and early incentives for younger researchers—to pursue epilepsy research and to promote the acquisition, dissemination, and application of knowledge concerning epilepsy in all of its phases—biologic, clinical and social. The breadth of the investigative effort needed to encompass the problem of epilepsy was reflected each year in the spectrum of scientific endeavor represented in recipients' work. Thirty-eight scientists received research awards and another 57 were awarded grants and fellowships.

For more information on the American Epilepsy Society, visit their Web site at www.aesnet.org.