CHICAGO — The American Epilepsy Society (AES) is pleased to announce Jamie Maguire, PhD, as the recipient of the 2026 Basic Science Research Award, recognizing her outstanding contributions to understanding the biological mechanisms of epilepsy and identifying new opportunities for therapeutic intervention.
Dr. Maguire is Vice Dean for Research and the Kenneth and JoAnn G. Wellner Professor at Tufts University School of Medicine. An internationally recognized neuroscientist, her research investigates how neuroendocrine signaling and inhibitory neural circuits influence brain function in health and disease, with particular emphasis on epilepsy, stress, and women's health.
Her laboratory has made fundamental contributions to understanding the role of GABAergic inhibition and neurosteroid signaling in regulating neuronal excitability. This work has helped establish important connections between hormonal transitions, brain network activity, seizure susceptibility, and neurological and psychiatric conditions.
More recently, Dr. Maguire's research has explored how seizures affect neuroendocrine and autonomic systems, including mechanisms that may contribute to psychiatric comorbidities and sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP).
Her research integrates molecular, cellular, circuit, systems, and behavioral neuroscience to identify mechanisms with potential clinical relevance. These investigations have helped inform emerging therapeutic approaches targeting neurosteroid and GABAergic signaling.
Dr. Maguire has led numerous National Institutes of Health-funded research programs, including numerous R01s, a Conte Center, a BBRF Distinguished Investigator Award, and has extensive experience collaborating across academia and industry. She has served on NIH review panels and scientific committees for the American Epilepsy Society and CURE, as well as others.
The 2026 Basic Science Research Award recognizes Dr. Maguire's significant contributions to advancing fundamental epilepsy science and expanding understanding of the mechanisms that influence seizures and their consequences.