Kwan group
Epilepsy and Personalised Medicine
Our work | Our people | Our news| Publication highlights
The Kwan Group undertakes highly multidisciplinary translational research that covers a broad spectrum of areas in relation to epilepsy. We are interested in improving treatment outcomes by changing the conventional ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach used in managing epilepsy to a more individualised, personalised paradigm.
We are committed to promoting the translation of research findings into clinical practice through engaging consumers and clinicians widely in our research, and understanding the economic, ethical and legal ramifications of therapeutic interventions.

Our work
Our group’s translational research covers a broad spectrum of areas in relation to epilepsy - ranging from basic discovery to clinical implementation. We use innovative approaches to achieve our goal - pharmacogenomics, stem cells models, point of care diagnostic tools and machine learning models (including genetic, EEG, ECG, video and neuroimaging data) to identify new approaches to improve the outcomes and even prevent the development of epilepsy.
Our work focuses on three major research themes:
Genomics and Medical Technology in Epilepsy
Genetic variants can cause epilepsy as well as how patients respond to drug treatment. Our study focuses on the genetic variants in a cohort of patients with epilepsy and explore the genetic basis for adverse drug reactions. We also focus on the development of medical technology, such as wearables, mobile apps, and other digital tools to improve patient outcomes and overall health and wellness. Find out more
Stem Cells for Drug Discovery and Regenerative Therapy
Our group utilize advance in cell biology to generate stem cells from patients to use for drug discovery. In particular, test efficiency and response to existing anti-seizure medication, screen and identify compounds with anti-seizure properties which could potentially lead to the development of new anti-epileptic medications. Find out more
Outcomes and Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Machine learning model can be applied across a number of different datasets to help recognise the patterns of epilepsy and predict effective anti-seizure medication. Find out more
Highlighted research studies and trials
Our people

2024 Kwan group.
Whether you want to be involved in our research, study with us, collaborate with us or donate to our work, we would be delighted to hear from you.
Email us – kwangroup@monash.edu
Group Leader
Principal Investigators
Our news
Research highlights
- Find out about our latest research highlights
In the media
Saliva Matches Blood in Keto Diet Epilepsy Management
A simple saliva test could transform the lives of millions of children and adults worldwide who are on the keto diet to manage their epilepsy, and who currently endure uncomfortable finger prick tests. Read article.
Publication highlights
Below are a selection of some of published studies reflecting our high impact work. A full list of our publications can be found here
Validation of the Seizure-Related Impact Assessment Scale (SERIAS): a study protocol. BMJ Open Jun 2024. E Foster, A Conquest, C Ewart, J-P Nicolo, G Rayner, T Winton-Brown, T J O'Brien, P Kwan, C Malpas, J A French
Australian Headache Epidemiology Data (AHEAD): a pilot study to assess sampling and engagement methodology for a nationwide population-based survey. J Hea dache Pain May 2024. E Foster, Z Chen, C E Wakefield, Z Ademi, E Hutton, T J Steiner, A S Zagami
Generation of a stably transfected mouse embryonic stem cell line for inducible differentiation to excitatory neurons. Experimental Cell Research, February 2024 J Gu, B Rollo, G Berecki, S Petrou, P Kwan, H Sumer, B Cromer
Role of machine learning in the management of epilepsy: a systematic review protocol. BMJ open, January 2024 RS Chang, S Nguyen, Z Chen, E Foster, P Kwan
Applications for Deep Learning in Epilepsy Genetic Research. Int J Mol Sci, September 2023 Zeibich R, Kwan P, J O'Brien T, Perucca P, Ge Z, Anderson A
Sleep and respiratory abnormalities in adults with developmental and epileptic encephalopathies using polysomnography and video-EEG monitoring. Epilepsia Open, September 2023 Sivathamboo, S., Myers, K. A., Pattichis, A., White, E. J., Ku, K. N., O'Brien, T. J., Perucca, P. & Kwan, P.
Experience of waiting for seizure freedom and perception of machine learning technologies to support treatment decision: A qualitative study in adults with recent onset epilepsy. Epilepsy Research, February 2023 Reeder S, Foster E, Vishwanath S, Kwan P
Human In Vitro Models of Epilepsy Using Embryonic and Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells. Cells, December 2022 Javaid MS, Tan T, Dvir N, Anderson A, J O'Brien T, Kwan P, Antonic-Baker A.
Modified low ratio ketogenic therapy in the treatment of adults with super-refractory status epilepticus. Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition, November 2022 Kaul, N., Nation, J., Laing, J., Nicolo, J-P., Deane, A. M., Udy, A. A., Kwan, P. & O'Brien, T. J
Preferences and user experiences of wearable devices in epilepsy: a systematic review and mixed-methods synthesis. Neurology. September 2022 S Sivathamboo, D Nhu, L Piccenna, A Yang, A Antonic-Baker, S Vishwanath, M Todaro, L W Yap, L Kuhlmann, W Cheng, J O'Brien T, N A Lannin, P Kwan
Alpha-lipoic acid analogues in the regulation of redox balance in epilepsy: A molecular docking and simulation study. Journal of Molecular Graphics and Modelling, May 2022 Javaid, M. S., Antonic-Baker, A., Pitsillou, E., Liang, J., French, C., Hung, A., O'Brien, T. J., Kwan, P., Karagiannis, T. C. & Anderson, A.
Markov modelling of treatment response in a 30-year cohort study of newly diagnosed epilepsy. Brain May 2022 Simpson, H. D., Foster, E., Ademi, Z., Lawn, N., Brodie, M. J., Chen, Z. & Kwan, P.