Strengthening the sfax university expertise for diagnosis and management of epileptic encephalopathies
Epileptic encephalopathies (EE) are heterogenous epilepsy syndromes associated with severe cognitive disturbance. EE vary in their onset age, seizure types, electroencephalographic patterns and etiologies. New molecular technologies increased the genetic diagnosis rate. Inline with EU orientations and Twinning requirements, the SEED project will provide Sfax University (SU), with capacity building in excellence and innovation for earlier clinical and genetic diagnosis of EE, thanks to collaboration with AMU and UA, two internationally leading organisations for the diagnosis of EE.  Early clinical and genetic diagnosis allows early management, improves prognosis and reduces health costs. The SEED project will: 1) strengthen the medical and technological capacity towards innovative technologies of SU in the field of EE 2) allow access to scientific excellence at international level for members of the SU which will lead  ultimately to a better  integration into international networks in MENA and EU regions. The successful implementation of this strategy will rely on specific actions including: 1)enhancement of the existing and the creation of innovative scientific and technical collaborations through short-term staff exchanges and short-term on-site training activities; 2)training young researchers from SU to become trainers; 3)creating an experts’network for EE management centred at SU; 4) increasing awareness among the patient’s families through targeted dissemination and communication activities and 5) developing a strategy to sustain network activity beyond the project deadline.  Through the completion of these activities, and with the support of AMU and UA, SU will be able to significantly reduce networking gaps, to increase its ability to compete for international research funds and to link further with stakeholders. In addition, thanks the SEED project, SU will become the reference center for  the clinic and genetic diagnosis of EE in the MENA region.