The awarded work, titled "The visibility of epilepsy on Instagram: the role of influencers as health content creators", analyzes how testimonies from people affected on social media contribute to combating prejudice and fostering social understanding of epilepsy. The research highlights Instagram's potential as a space for outreach, awareness, and support.
The award, presented during the XII SEEP Congress, also recognizes the professors' research trajectory focused on communication, awareness, and improving the quality of life for people with epilepsy. Professor Carmen Carretón has dedicated over 20 years to increasing the disease's visibility and promoting communication that reduces stigma and lack of knowledge.
Previous recognitions for Carretón include the 2020 Epilepsy Award for the Epidog project, which trains dogs for epilepsy seizure detection, and a nomination for the Somos Pacientes Awards from the Farmaindustria Foundation for this initiative.
Through this award, the SEEP values research that connects scientific outreach with patient experiences and underscores the importance of communication and social awareness for a more informed and inclusive society.
