The AES Fellows Program is the Society's flagship career development program for early career researchers, clinicians, and advanced practice providers. Its goal is to engage promising epilepsy professionals in AES activities, education, and mentoring—and to connect them with AES leaders, members, and each other. AES Fellows attend the Annual Meeting for intensive exposure to epilepsy science, medicine, career skills, networking, top-notch education, and social events.

Approximately 105 fellows from institutions in the US and Canada will be accepted following a competitive review process, including clinical fellows in approved epilepsy, clinical neurophysiology, or neurosurgery fellowship programs; advanced practice providers (up to five); and postdoctoral research fellows and trainees (up to 15) with advanced degrees in professional fields related to nursing, pharmacology, pharmacy, psychology, and basic science.

Program Objectives

Following participation in this program, Fellows should be able to:

• Identify various types of careers in epilepsy (academic, practice) and what training and experience are necessary for these respective pathways
• Define a career path based on extensive interaction with a matched mentor who will address specific aspects of career development
• Advance their career with additional career management skills, i.e. interviewing and networking
• Maintain a wide-ranging professional network of epilepsy clinicians and researchers
• Improve clinical and/or research skills based on learning through AES symposia, special interest groups, investigator workshops, and other education events at the AES Annual Meeting

Recipients of research grants, abstract awards, AES Fellows, or those who receive other travel awards or stipends meant to offset annual meeting expenses will only receive one monetary stipend for the event.  

Who May Apply?

Eligible candidates. Professionals in the following categories may apply for a spot in the AES Fellows program:

• Clinical fellows enrolled in ACGME-approved epilepsy, clinical neurophysiology, or neurosurgery fellowship programs or other eligible training at an institution in the US or Canada at the time of the annual meeting
• Postdoctoral research fellows or other trainees (PhD or equivalent advanced degree) in nursing, pharmacology, pharmacy, psychology, basic science, and other relevant fields enrolled at an eligible institution in the US or Canada at the time of the annual meeting
• Advanced practice providers in the early stages of their career (within five years of graduation and an initial clinical job at the level of PA or NP) and/or in transition to a new role within the epilepsy field within the last three years

Diversity matters. A wide range of experience and background enriches the AES Fellows Program. AES aims for balance and diversity in all its aspects when considering candidates for this program. Applications are explicitly encouraged from professionals meeting the above criteria who:

• Identify as a member of a group historically underrepresented in medicine or research
• Work on issues affecting medically underserved people who have epilepsy or seizures

Ineligible groups. The following groups are not eligible to apply:

• Individuals who have previously participated in the AES Fellows Program
• Individuals who are recipients of a 2024 AES early career grant or fellowship
• Residents and medical students

Nomination limits per program. Only one Fellow may be nominated per program or mentor, with these exceptions:

• Institutions with clearly distinct adult and pediatric fellowship programs may submit one nomination from each program
  
• A mentor may nominate an advanced practice provider in addition to an MD or PhD
• If the program nominates more than one Fellow per recognized fellowship program, the selection committee will request that the program director select an applicant to move forward

Priority for poster presenters. Abstract submission to the AES Annual Meeting is not required for participation as an AES Fellow. However, applicants who will be giving presentations or displaying posters at the meeting will be given priority, particularly for the postdoctoral spots.

Questions? Email grants@aesnet.org

How to Apply

1. The application materials include both a form submitted by the applicant and a reference form completed by the applicant’s program director/mentor. Please note that each program director/mentor can only nominate one trainee per program/lab. If the program nominates more than one individual per recognized fellowship program, the selection committee will ask the program director to choose one applicant to move forward.
2. Before accessing the application form, please log in to your AES account. While active AES membership is not needed, you must have an AES account to apply.
• If you do not remember your account username or login, please contact AES at 312-883-3800 or at membership@aesnet.org for assistance in locating your account. If you do not have an AES account, please create one at this link.
3. The application must be completed by the candidate and submitted to begin your candidacy for the AES Fellows Program.
4. Completed applications are due by Monday, August 12, 2024, at 5:00 PM ET and must include both the application and the reference form (Applications must be submitted first in order for program directors/mentors to receive reference forms. Please ensure that the application is submitted well before the deadline to allow time for completion of the reference form.)
5. Application Materials. 

• Applicant Information: Enter applicant information, such as name, degree, and two email addresses. Entering two email addresses will ensure we can contact you in the coming months. Click Next.
• Demographic Info: Please complete optional demographic information on your race, gender identity, and any disability accommodations you may need at the AES Annual Meeting. Click Next.
• Institution and Program: Enter information on your institution and program, such as the name of your institution, department, city, program type, position, expected completion date for fellowship/training, and whether you are presenting a poster or speaking at the 2024 Annual Meeting.
• Applicant Statement: Please provide a brief statement regarding your career plans in epilepsy, and, any other information that might be useful in matching you with potential mentors. This section is critical to the selection and match process. (Maximum characters: 3,000).
• AES Mentor: If accepted to the AES Fellows program, you will be matched with an experienced AES member as your mentor.  Enter information on your preferred AES mentor, including preferred expertise, practice setting, etc. You can upload your CV (optional), which will be shared with your mentor.
• Reference: Enter the name and email of your fellowship Program Director, postdoctoral mentor, or equivalent by selecting ADD REFERENCE. Enter the required information and click SAVE. Once you submit your application form, your mentor/program director will receive an email asking them to complete the reference form. To be considered eligible for the program, this form must be completed by the fellowship program director (fellows) or by a primary mentor (postdoctoral fellows) by the deadline in order to be considered eligible for the program.
• Submit: After completing all required information, click PREVIEW to view your application in its entirety, and when ready, click SUBMIT. You will receive an email confirming your submission, and your mentor/program director will receive an email asking them to complete your reference form.

6. All application materials, including the reference form, must be completed in their entirety, and submitted by Monday, August 12, 2024, at 5:00 PM ET, for your application to be considered.
7. The AES Fellows and Junior Investigators Professional Development Committee co-chairs will select the Fellows Program participants. Notifications will be sent out via email by early September. Selected participants will then be asked to confirm their participation in the program.  
   

Review Criteria

The Fellows Program often receives more applications than we can support. The AES Fellows and Junior Investigators Committee aims to accept 105 applicants representing various clinical, research, and interprofessional disciplines. In order to make their selections, the Fellows and Junior Investigators Committee will review using the below criteria:

• Applicant’s personal statement. Does the applicant articulate why participation in the program will further their training and career goals? Does the applicant state a dedication to epilepsy?
• Mentor’s Letter of Reference. Does the letter come from the applicant’s program director, postdoctoral mentor, or equivalent? Does the letter clearly voice support for the applicant and their participation in this program? Does the letter clearly discuss how the Fellows program could help the applicant?
• In a competitive application cycle, review chairs may take secondary factors into consideration to make final selection decisions, including whether the applicant is presenting at the AES Annual Meeting, and if the applicant has additional years of Fellows program eligibility left.

If you have applied to be an AES Fellow, please do not register for the annual meeting until you have been notified regarding your Fellows Program status. Notifications will be sent in time for you to receive the early bird registration pricing for the meeting if your application is not selected.

The AES Fellows Program is distinct from the honorary FAES (Fellow of the American Epilepsy Society) designation in recognition of long-term professional accomplishment and dedication in the field of epilepsy.