We are delighted to share that Professor David Henshall, Director of the FutureNeuro Research Ireland Centre, has been named a recipient of the Ambassador for Epilepsy Award by the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE). This award recognises exceptional personal contributions to advancing the international cause of epilepsy. It will be presented this September at the International Epilepsy Congress in Lisbon. 

Pioneering Epilepsy Research 

Based at RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Professor Henshall is a global leader in epilepsy research, especially known for his pioneering work on microRNAs. These tiny molecules have a big impact, controlling when and how proteins are made in our cells. His landmark 2012 study in Nature Medicine was the first to show that targeting microRNAs can reduce seizures in animal models and and it remains the most cited paper in this field. Thanks to this work, RNA-based therapies are now advancing toward clinical trials, offering hope for new treatments. 

Leading FutureNeuro 

Since founding FutureNeuro in 2017 — the Research Ireland Centre for Translational Brain Science — Professor Henshall has expanded the centre to include 30 investigator teams across eight universities. More than just labs and data, FutureNeuro connects researchers, clinicians, industry partners, and, crucially, patients, to ensure research is shaped by the needs and voices of people living with neurological conditions. 

Championing Patient Involvement 

A committed advocate for Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) in research, Professor Henshall has been instrumental in embedding meaningful PPI throughout FutureNeuro’s work. By developing a comprehensive PPI strategy, collaborating closely with organisations like Epilepsy Ireland, and ensuring patient representation at governance level, he has helped create a more inclusive and impactful research culture. 

Global Impact 

Professor Henshall’s influence extends well beyond Ireland. He currently chairs the ILAE Neurobiology Commission, is a founding member of the ILAE Climate Change Commission, and plays an active role in global initiatives that align epilepsy research with the real-world challenges faced by patients today. 

Science Communication and Recognition 

Beyond the lab, David is known for his clear and engaging communication style. In 2024, he published Fine-Tuning Life: A Guide to microRNAs, Your Genome’s Master Regulators (Cambridge University Press), which tells the story of microRNAs—from their discovery and role in regulating protein levels to their practical applications in brain health and medicine. That same year, his scientific contributions were recognised with election to the Royal Irish Academy—one of Ireland’s highest academic honours. 

A Well-Deserved Honour 

A special thank you to Epilepsy Ireland and the Irish Epilepsy League for nominating Professor Henshall. We are proud to celebrate this achievement during National Epilepsy Week—a time to reflect on progress, amplify lived experiences, and honour those dedicated to advancing care and understanding. 

Congratulations, David, from all of us at FutureNeuro.