Epilepsy Network Australia and Synthesis Neurology are active contributors to epilepsy research, clinical innovation, and healthcare policy advocacy — working to close the gap between what patients deserve and what the current system delivers.
Epilepsy affects approximately 1 in 25 Australians and is the second most burdensome neurological condition after dementia. Despite this, access to timely specialist care, advanced diagnostics, and adequate Medicare funding remains profoundly unequal — particularly for patients in regional and rural Australia.
Our involvement in the following programmes reflects a commitment that extends beyond the consulting room — to the systems, policies, and innovations that shape epilepsy care at a national level.
The Australian Epilepsy Project (AEP) is a landmark $30 million Medical Research Future Fund initiative led by The Florey and the University of Melbourne. It aims to transform epilepsy diagnosis and treatment for thousands of Australians by providing access to advanced MRI, neuropsychological assessment, and genetic testing — testing that can otherwise take more than 15 years to reach patients through standard care pathways.
Epilepsy Network Australia is a participating referring practice in the AEP. Eligible patients seen at our clinics may be referred into the study to access this advanced diagnostic platform at no cost.
Who may be eligible: Adults aged 18–67 who have experienced a first seizure, been recently diagnosed with epilepsy, or have drug-resistant epilepsy. Referral is made through a treating neurologist.
AEP participants receive a comprehensive report — including advanced MRI, cognitive assessment, and genetic screening results — shared with their treating neurologist to directly inform clinical decision-making. Clinicians at Epilepsy Network Australia have contributed to AEP-related research publications.
Learn about the AEP ↗ Ask about AEP referralAEP at a glance
15+ years shortened
The AEP can shorten the journey from diagnosis to appropriate management by more than 15 years on average.
1,600+ patients connected
The AEP platform connects over 1,600 patients with more than 160 neurologists across all mainland states.
Proven outcomes
10% improved lesion detection, 8% improved quality of life, 9% improved work productivity across AEP cohorts.
Three advanced tests
Advanced MRI, online neuropsychological assessment, and genetic testing via saliva kit — at no cost to eligible participants.
The 2026 Senate Inquiry into Epilepsy in Australia examined access to specialist care, diagnosis, treatment, and support for people living with epilepsy. The inquiry received a substantial volume of submissions from patients, carers, clinicians, and advocacy organisations.
Epilepsy Network Australia has been engaged in advocacy in connection with this inquiry, contributing to sector-wide efforts led through the Australian and New Zealand Association of Neurologists (ANZAN) and the Epilepsy Society of Australia (ESA) to ensure that the clinical perspective on access, diagnosis, and EEG services is well represented.
The committee is due to report on 10 September 2026. We will continue to monitor and engage with findings as they are released.
Current Medicare rebates for EEG services have not kept pace with the true cost of delivering high-quality neurophysiology. This creates access barriers — particularly in private and regional settings — and disadvantages patients who need these tests most.
Epilepsy Network Australia has participated in the coordinated campaign to reform Medicare EEG rebates, working alongside ANZAN and the ESA to prepare formal submissions and engage with MSAC and the Department of Health.
Advocacy milestones
Epilepsy Network Australia is engaged with partners in the medtech sector who are developing technologies with the potential to meaningfully improve outcomes for people living with epilepsy and neurological conditions.
Epilepsy Network Australia is engaged with Solentropy — a Melbourne-based medtech commercialisation firm that works with medical technology ventures from early concept through TGA registration and market entry.
Solentropy supports Quadlytics as a commercial partner, coordinating the user research programme that Epilepsy Network Australia is helping to facilitate for Australian patients.
Our broader engagement with Solentropy reflects an interest in supporting the responsible development of neurology-focused medical technologies, bringing clinical insight into the design and validation process from an early stage. Further details of collaborative projects will be shared as they develop.
Beyond external partnerships, Epilepsy Network Australia and Synthesis Neurology are committed to developing innovative models of care — including our home video-EEG recording programme, regional outreach clinics, and telehealth-enabled pathways.
We are continuously exploring ways to use technology and clinical innovation to expand access to specialist neurology care for patients who face geographic, financial, or systemic barriers.
If you are a researcher, clinician, or medtech organisation interested in working with Epilepsy Network Australia or Synthesis Neurology, we welcome the conversation.
