As part of the dissemination and networking activities of the Horizon Europe-funded GEMSTONE Project, Prof. Filiz Onat, Primary Principal Investigator from Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University, attended the 16th European Paediatric Neurology Society (EPNS) Congress, held in Munich, Germany, from 10 to 12 July 2025.
Prof. Onat delivered an e-poster presentation titled “Orexin Type-1 Receptor Expression in Somatosensory Cortex in Post-natal 21-day-old Rats with Absence Epilepsy,” showcasing GEMSTONE-supported research exploring novel molecular mechanisms of absence epilepsy, a neurological condition that is characterized by brief episodes of impaired consciousness.
Her presentation highlighted a significant increase in orexin type-1 receptor (OX1R) expression in the somatosensory cortex of Genetic Absence Epilepsy Rats from Strasbourg (GAERS) compared to control Wistar rats at post-natal day 21 (PN21). This suggests a potential role for the orexinergic system in the epileptogenesis of absence epilepsy, particularly in early development.
In addition to her scientific contribution, Prof. Onat took part in several networking and thematic sessions. One notable highlight was her participation in a networking event at the Brainlab Headquarters, where researchers, clinicians, and industry leaders came together in an inspiring setting to discuss emerging trends and foster collaboration in paediatric neurology. She also attended sessions focusing on long COVID and neuromuscular disorders, as well as speech development and its related pathologies, further broadening the interdisciplinary exchange that GEMSTONE promotes.
Prof. Onat’s participation at EPNS 2025 marks another important step in GEMSTONE’s mission to elevate neuroscience research excellence and strengthen international scientific collaboration, particularly in the field of childhood neurological disorders.