I DEEs Research Roundtable
From Science to Impact: advancing clinical trials, translational research and innovative therapies in DEEs
A two-day working meeting convened by Dravet Syndrome Foundation Spain, bringing clinicians, researchers and industry around the same table to turn discussion on developmental and epileptic encephalopathies into shared priorities and concrete next steps.
- Dates
- 22-23 October 2026Thursday afternoon and Friday morning
- Venue
- Innova BuildingUMH Science Park, Elche
- Format
- Strategic roundtableModerated and rotating group discussion
- Access
- Invitation onlyNo open registration
The meeting
What are DEEs, and why this meeting matters
Developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (DEEs) are a group of rare and severe neurological disorders characterised by early-onset, drug-resistant epilepsy and significant developmental impairment. Despite major advances in genetics and neuroscience, they remain conditions with a high unmet medical need.
The past decade has brought a rapid expansion of novel therapeutic approaches, and with it a growing recognition that traditional clinical trial paradigms are not fully adapted to the complexity and heterogeneity of these conditions.
- Limited and non-standardised clinical endpoints beyond seizure frequency
- Difficulties in trial design and recruitment in rare paediatric populations
- Lack of validated biomarkers and translational tools
- Fragmentation between preclinical research, clinical development and patient realities
Bridging silos
Clinicians, researchers, industry partners and patients rarely have the opportunity to interact in a setting designed for true co-creation. This meeting enables direct exchange and alignment across sectors.
Better clinical development
By focusing on trial design, endpoints and feasibility, the roundtable aims to generate actionable insights that can directly inform future therapeutic programmes.
Tangible outcomes
The goal is not only discussion, but the identification of shared priorities and next steps, potentially leading to collaborative initiatives and consensus outputs on DEE research priorities.
The I DEEs Research Roundtable is an invitation-only meeting with a limited number of participants, so that every attendee can take an active part in the discussion. There is no open registration form. If you believe your organisation should be represented, please write to us and we will consider it for this or future editions.
Objectives
What we set out to achieve
Unlike a traditional conference, this roundtable is structured around interactive dialogue, co-creation and actionable outcomes. Five objectives shape the programme.
Accelerate translation between basic research, clinical practice and therapeutic development in DEEs.
Create structured dialogue between clinicians, researchers, patients and industry.
Identify actionable priorities in clinical trial design, endpoints and outcome measures, and biomarkers and translational tools.
Deliver clear value for industry partners through meaningful, high-level engagement with the DEE ecosystem in a trusted, pre-competitive setting.
Position patient organisations as a connector and facilitator across science, care and innovation.
Who is in the room
- 01 Key opinion leaders: neurologists, epileptologists and geneticists
- 02 Preclinical and translational researchers
- 03 Industry representatives from Medical Affairs, Clinical Development and R&D
- 04 Dravet Syndrome Foundation Spain, as convener and patient voice
Programme
Agenda
Two half-days built around short framing talks, moderated panels and rotating small-group tables, closing with a shared roadmap for the next 12 to 24 months.
Day 1 · Thursday 22 October
From trial design to trial reality
Where DEE clinical trials stand, and what they still miss
- Trial design and feasibility in DEEs
- Integration of real-world evidence into clinical trials
- Patient stratification and trial readiness in DEEs
- Early intervention and timing in clinical trials
Day 2 · Friday 23 October
Real-world impact and implementation
From evidence to care, access and patient impact
- Implementing innovation in DEEs: from trials to clinical practice
- Building integrated care pathways in DEEs
- Biomarkers and target engagement: bridging preclinical and clinical evidence
- Patient-driven data and participation: from inclusion to co-creation
Programme as of September 2026. Chairs, speakers and moderators are confirmed individually with each participant and will be published here once the scientific programme is closed.
Venue and travel
Elche, Alicante
The roundtable takes place in the Innova building of the UMH Science Park (Parque Científico de la Universidad Miguel Hernández), on the Elche campus, a few steps from the laboratory that Dravet Syndrome Foundation Spain runs in the same park.
Innova Building, UMH Science Park
Parque Científico de la UMHAvenida de la Universidad s/n
03202 Elche, Alicante
Spain
| By air | Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport (ALC), about 10 minutes by car from the campus, with direct flights from most European hubs. |
|---|---|
| By train | Elche Carrús and Elche Parque Empresarial stations connect to Alicante and to the national high-speed network via Alicante Terminal. |
| Dinner venue | The networking dinner on 22 October takes place on the Science Park campus. |
| Accommodation | Travel and accommodation arrangements are handled directly with each invited participant by the Foundation. |
With the support of
Sponsors
The I DEEs Research Roundtable is made possible by companies that support open, pre-competitive dialogue in rare and complex epilepsies. Sponsorship does not influence the scientific programme.
Sponsors to be announced shortly
The companies supporting this edition will be listed here ahead of the meeting.
Support the roundtable
Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze packages are available, as well as customised options. The full sponsorship booklet is available on request.
Contact
Who to write to
Dravet Syndrome Foundation Spain is a non-profit organisation that promotes, encourages and connects the world’s leading research centres working on Dravet syndrome and related disorders.
Participation and programme
Aroa Arboleya
Scientific Coordinator, Dravet Syndrome Foundation Spain
Sponsorship and industry
Simona Giorgi
Scientific Director, Dravet Syndrome Foundation Spain