Professor Simon Shorvon is a distinguished neurologist whose pioneering work has fundamentally shaped the contemporary understanding and treatment of epilepsy worldwide. He currently holds the position of Emeritus Professor of Clinical Neurology at UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology and serves as an Honorary Consultant Neurologist at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery in London. Having qualified in medicine from Cambridge University in 1973, he subsequently specialized in neurology and epilepsy through training in Oxford, Manchester, London, and Virginia USA. Throughout his illustrious career, Professor Shorvon has held numerous leadership positions including Chair of the UCL University Department of Clinical Neurology and Medical Director at the Chalfont Centre for Epilepsy, establishing himself as a central figure in neurological research and practice.
Professor Shorvon's groundbreaking contributions to epilepsy research began with his 1983 appointment to establish the Epilepsy Research Group at Queen Square and Chalfont, which evolved into the present-day Research Department of Epilepsy. His extensive research portfolio spans the epidemiology, causes, investigation, and treatment of epilepsy, significantly advancing diagnostic methodologies through the integration of MRI scanning, CT scanning, and video telemetry technologies. He has served as co-Editor-in-Chief of Epilepsia, the premier journal in the field, shaping scholarly discourse and research standards for decades. His most recent scholarly achievement, The Idea of Epilepsy: a medical and social history of epilepsy in the modern era (1860-2020), published by Cambridge University Press in 2023, represents a comprehensive synthesis of medical and social perspectives on epilepsy across more than 160 years.
In recognition of his unparalleled contributions to the field, Professor Shorvon was awarded the 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award by the International League Against Epilepsy, described as the most prestigious and meaningful honour in epilepsy research worldwide. His leadership extends beyond clinical practice to include service as President of the ILAE British Branch and Vice-President of the International League Against Epilepsy, where he has championed global collaboration in epilepsy research and treatment. Colleagues describe his work as foundational to modern epilepsy research, with Professor Gabriele Lignani noting that his contributions have been instrumental in shaping the field. As an educator and mentor, Professor Shorvon has devoted his career to teaching and clinical practice, ensuring that his decades of expertise continue to influence the next generation of neurologists and epilepsy specialists worldwide.
