It’s a great honour to have been awarded this year’s Michael Prize alongside Sophie. Over the last 10 years, we have been privileged to collaborate with an amazing network of hospitals across the world through the MELD project. This prize reflects the hard work of our amazing team, who have contributed so much to developing tools that make a real difference. We look forward to building on this work and continuing to advance the diagnosis and treatment for people with epilepsy.
Dr Konrad Wagstyl, Senior Research Fellow at the School of Biomedical Engineering & Imaging Sciences and co-winner of the Michael Prize
12 September 2025
Dr Konrad Wagstyl co-awarded Michael Prize 2025 for contribution to epilepsy research
Senior Wellcome Research Fellow at the School, Dr Konrad Wagstyl, and his collaborator, Dr Sophie Adler (UCL), are joint recipients of the prestigious Michael Prize 2025 for their exceptional contributions to epilepsy neuroimaging and artificial intelligence.
Dr Wagstyl's work involves using imaging, machine learning and genetics to better understand, diagnose and target treatment in neurodevelopmental disorders, with a particular focus on epilepsy.
Together, Dr Wagstyl and Dr Adler co-founded the Multicentre Epilepsy Lesion Detection (MELD) project, where they developed the world’s largest MRI dataset for focal epilepsy. Their recent work, covered by BBC News, was the development of MELD Graph, an AI-powered tool that detects 64% of brain abnormalities linked to epilepsy that human radiologists miss, and is projected to save the NHS by up to £55,000 per patient.
Dr Wagstyl and Dr Adler's algorithms, now integrated into over 65 MRI scanners globally, have significantly improved diagnostic accuracy. Their work, published in the journals Brain, JAMA Neurology, and Annals of Neurology, has demonstrated how AI can bridge the gap between research and clinical practice, improving outcomes in both well-resourced and resource-limited settings.
In addition to their research, they have made invaluable contributions to global initiatives, including ILAE and EpiCARE, advancing international collaboration in epilepsy care.
Through their trailblazing work, Dr. Adler and Dr. Wagstyl embody the essence of the Michael Prize. We congratulate them on this well-earned recognition and look forward to their continued impact on the field.
The Michael Foundation
The Michael Prize, established in 1963, is one of the most highly regarded international awards for the best scientific contribution to progress in the field of epileptology. It is awarded biennially to young researchers who have made significant contributions to epilepsy research. Dr Wagstyl and Dr Adler were presented the award at the 36th International Epilepsy Congress in Lisbon on August 30, 2025.
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