The Blue Skies Legacy
BIG IDEAS START HERE.
The Blue Skies Research Challenge was built to breathe life into ambitious epilepsy innovations.
Over the years, researchers and innovators have brought forward ideas designed to challenge what is possible in epilepsy diagnosis, treatment and quality of life.
In 2027, that tradition takes a bold new step as Blue Skies joins the New England Epilepsy Convention.
The pitch only lasts one night, but for the impact... the sky's the limit.
The Research Archive
Ideas funded through Blue Skies
2026
01Innovations in Diagnosis or Treatment
NeuroWeaves: Minimally-Invasive, Long-Term Electrodes
Sydney Cash, MD, PhD, FAES · MGH
A minimally invasive alternative to scalp EEG electrodes designed for quick application, no ongoing upkeep and long-term, high-fidelity EEG recording.
2025
02Innovations to Improve Quality of Life
SALUD: Screening for Access, Language, & Unmet Determinants
Christina Briscoe Abath, MD, EdM · BCH
Improving quality of life for children with epilepsy by identifying and addressing social determinants of health.
2024
03Innovations in Diagnosis or Treatment
Developing Clinical Trial Readiness for EPM1-related Progressive Myoclonus Epilepsy
Darius Ebrahimi-Fakhari, MD, PhD · BCH
Building the research tools, patient data and disease measures needed to accelerate the development and testing of new treatments for EPM1.
2024
04Innovations to Improve Quality of Life
Rise Above: An Epilepsy Program
Seth Margolis, PhD, ABPP · Brown
Elaine Kiriakopoulos, MD, MPH, MSc · DHMC
Empowering people living with epilepsy with the tools, knowledge and strategies to reduce stigma and support healthier lives.
2023
05Innovations in Diagnosis or Treatment
Igniting Awareness of Neurodiagnostic Careers
Megan Selvitelli, MD · Tina Wakefield, RN
Maine Medical Center
Building Maine's EEG technician workforce through education, recruitment and training to expand access to epilepsy diagnostic services across the state.
2023
06Innovations to Improve Quality of Life
LGI in Pregnant People with Epilepsy
Regan Jo Lemley, MD, MS · P. Emma Voinescu, MD, PhD
Brigham and Women's
Exploring low glycemic index diet as an effective treatment option during pregnancy, with the goal of reducing the amount of antiseizure medication needed.
The legacy continues at NEEC.
THE ROAD TO BLUE SKIES
From Concept to Reality
The journey begins months before Blue Skies. Ideas move through a competitive application and review process before selected finalists take the stage live at NEEC.
✓ Completed
Letter of Interest
LOI Due
Applicants introduce their research idea, team, timeline and proposed use of grant funds.
✓ Completed
Selected Applicants
Invitation to Submit
Selected projects are invited to move forward and prepare a formal research proposal.
Upcoming
Full Proposal
Proposal Due
Invited applicants submit their full proposal for consideration in the Blue Skies Challenge.
Upcoming
Finalist Selection
Notification to Present
Selected finalists are invited to present their research live at Blue Skies.
The Main Event
Blue Skies at NEEC
Take the Stage
Finalists deliver their live pitch at the Blue Skies Research Challenge.
✓ Completed
Letter of Interest
LOI Due
Applicants introduce their research idea, team, timeline and proposed use of grant funds.
✓ Completed
Selected Applicants
Invitation to Submit
Selected projects are invited to move forward and prepare a formal research proposal.
Upcoming
Full Proposal
Proposal Due
Invited applicants submit their full proposal for consideration in the Blue Skies Challenge.
Upcoming
Finalist Selection
Notification to Present
Selected finalists are invited to present their research live at Blue Skies.
The Main Event
Blue Skies at NEEC
Take the Stage
Finalists deliver their live pitch at the Blue Skies Research Challenge.
The Blue Skies Research Challenge
RESEARCH TAKES THE STAGE
Finalists pitch their work live at NEEC, competing for two $75,000 research grants decided by our panel of judges AND the audience!
Total Research Funding
Two ideas. Two awards.
$75,000 AWARD
Innovations in Diagnosis or Treatment
Supporting innovative approaches that could advance how epilepsy is identified, understood or treated.
$75,000 AWARD
Innovations to Improve Quality of Life
Supporting innovative approaches focused on improving daily life, well-being and outcomes for people affected by epilepsy.
Meet the 2027 Judges
The panel will be revealed soon.
Four judges will join the live audience in helping decide which ideas receive this year's two $75,000 Blue Skies research grants.
2027 Panel
2027 Panel
2027 Panel
2027 Panel
A Special Event at NEEC 2027
BLUE SKIES Research Challenge
Big ideas. Live pitches. $150,000 in research funding.
Blue Skies Research Challenge
BE IN THE ROOM.
For years, the Blue Skies Research Challenge has been an invitation-only event. In 2027, we're opening the doors. Join us for a special Friday night featuring cocktails, connection, food and a front-row seat as ambitious epilepsy innovations take the stage.
The Evening Begins
Networking Hour
Cocktails • Conversation • Connection
Start the evening with a traditional cocktail hour and an opportunity to connect with researchers, clinicians, industry partners, people living with epilepsy and members of the broader epilepsy community.
Then Take Your Seat
Blue Skies Research Challenge
Live Pitches • Dinner • Big Ideas
Take your seat for the main event and enjoy food while finalists present their ideas to both a panel of judges and the live audience. Help our judges vote for which groups deserve the two $75,000 research grants.
Actual times and the full evening agenda will be announced later.
Don't Miss Your Chance
Be part of the Northeast's largest epilepsy research event.
Date
Friday, February 5, 2027
Location
Charles View Ballroom Boston / Cambridge
Attire
Business / Cocktail Elevated, comfortable and evening-ready
Admission
Open to the Public Separate Blue Skies ticket required
February 5, 2027
One night. A room full of possibility.
Experience Blue Skies live or help make the evening possible by partnering with us.
Convention registration is not required to attend Blue Skies.