The American Epilepsy Society (AES) announced University of Colorado Anschutz Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Professor and Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Studies Manisha Patel, PhD, as the recipient of the 2026 Founders Award, honoring her exceptional contributions to epilepsy research, scientific leadership, and service to the epilepsy community.
"Receiving the American Epilepsy Society Founders Award is a tremendous honor. AES has been an important part of my scientific journey, both as a community of colleagues working toward a common goal and as an organization committed to advancing epilepsy research and care," Dr. Patel said. "I am grateful for the many collaborators, mentors and trainees who have contributed to this work over the years. This recognition reflects not only the importance of the research, but the collective efforts of a community dedicated to improving the lives of people living with epilepsy."
A medical and scientific society of 4,700 members, the AES is dedicated to advancing research and education for preventing, treating and curing epilepsy. Founded in 1946, AES is an inclusive global forum where professionals from academia, private practice, not-for-profit, government and industry can learn, share and grow to eradicate epilepsy and its consequences.
A faculty member at CU Anschutz Pharmacy since 2002, Patel has built a distinguished career advancing understanding of the biological mechanisms underlying epilepsy and identifying promising therapeutic approaches. Her research focuses on the redox and metabolic basis of epilepsy, including the role of mitochondrial dysfunction in acquired epilepsy and Dravet syndrome. For over 20 years, Patel has directed a National Institutes of Health (NIH) grant-funded research program at CU Pharmacy. Her laboratory seeks to understand the redox and metabolic basis of epilepsy and develop metabolism-based therapies for the treatment of epilepsy, and their work has contributed important insights into novel approaches. Patel has authored 150 scientific publications, received more than 15,000 citations, and secured numerous research grants from the National Institutes of Health and other organizations.
"Research is never accomplished in isolation. I have been fortunate to work alongside exceptional colleagues, collaborators and students who share a curiosity about the unanswered questions in epilepsy research," said Patel. "One of the most rewarding aspects of my career has been mentoring the next generation of scientists and watching them develop their own ideas and make meaningful contributions to the field. This recognition from AES is especially meaningful because it celebrates the collective work of the epilepsy research community."
A past president of AES, Patel has provided extensive leadership and service to the Society, including serving on the Board of Directors; chairing the Research and Training Council, the Scientific Program Committee, the Basic Science Committee, and the DEI Taskforce; serving as a contributing editor to Epilepsy Currents, and associate editor of Epilepsia Open. Her numerous honors include the NINDS Javits Neuroscience Investigator Award, the AES Distinguished Service Award, the CURE Innovator Award, the CU Anschutz Distinguished Research Award, the CU Anschutz Shell Prize for Research and Graduate Education, and the Karen Gale Outstanding Women in Neuroscience Lectureship. Through her scientific achievements, mentorship, and longstanding commitment to AES, Patel exemplifies the leadership and dedication recognized by the Founders Award.
