NORSE Scientific Symposium

The NORSE Scientific Symposium is an annual virtual meeting convening global experts to share the latest clinical approaches and basic research in New Onset Refractory Status Epilepticus (NORSE) and Febrile Infection-Related Epilepsy Syndrome (FIRES). 

A doctor working on a laptop at a white desk with a potted plant, a cup filled with pens, a smartphone, a mouse, a notebook, and various papers.

Why This Symposium Matters

NORSE/FIRES strikes without warning and remains poorly understood. Data is scarce and until recently, poorly integrated. Our goal is to provide a forum for experts to present their research and engage in Q&A about that research.

We provide a platform for cross-disciplinary learning, collaboration, and action. Presentations often include unpublished emerging data and experimental approaches.

We believe NORSE is a window to understanding refractory status epilepticus, drug-resistant epilepsy and epileptogensis. 

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What to Expect

The Symposium is focused, fast-paced, and practical. Each session tackles real-world challenges faced by clinicians and researchers, with plenty of time for questions and discussion. Presentations often include emerging data and experimental approaches that haven’t yet made it to publication.

Key elements include:

  • Themed sessions with global speakers

  • Focus on clinical application and translational science

  • Regular updates on the NORSE/FIRES Biorepository

  • Opportunities to get involved in multi-centre collaborations

  • A commitment to patient-family centred research priorities

A diverse group of healthcare professionals, including doctors and nurses, standing in a line outside a medical facility.

Who Should Attend?

The Symposium is designed for clinicians, scientists, and researchers in pediatric and adult care involving

  • Neurology and epilepsy

  • Critical care

  • Neuroimmunology and rheumatology

  • Infectious diseases

  • Genetics, epitgenetics, transcriptomics

Whether you are a NORSE/FIRES pioneer or a newcomer, your voice and expertise are welcome.

If you’re a family member or advocate

While patients and their families are welcome to attend the Scientific Symposium, please note that it is primarily aimed at clinicians and scientists (though some family members may be medical professionals themselves). Many families may prefer the NORSE Family Conference, which offers accessible research updates, opportunities to share lived experiences, and a chance for direct dialogue between families and clinicians.

Go to the Family Conference

Previous NORSE Scientific Symposium Recordings

Recordings are freely available for professionals and families who wish to revisit sessions or catch up on what they missed. Each event offers a snapshot of how the field is evolving and where it’s heading next.

more recordings
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Join the next Scientific Symposium

This event is hosted annually in June and our next event will be in 2026. Sign up to our newsletter below and we will send you details and registration information as soon as dates are confirmed.