Researcher at the Institut de Psychiatrie et Neurosciences de Paris (IPNP), I study the role of astrocytes — long-overlooked brain cells — in the generation and spread of epileptic seizures. As a member of the Scientific Committee of the French Federation for Epilepsy Research (FFRE), I am deeply committed to advancing the fundamental science that will open new treatment avenues for people living with epilepsy. To support this cause — one I work on every day in the lab — I am running the Paris Half Marathon on 7 March. And this one is extra special: it also happens to be my birthday! There is no better way to celebrate than crossing a finish line for a cause that truly matters. Every donation directly supports epilepsy research in France — thank you so much! Elena