Welcome to the
MICHAEL FOUNDATION
– a non-profit foundation for epilepsy
The MICHAEL FOUNDATION is the most notable and oldest private foundation for epilepsy in Germany
The statutory tasks of the MICHAEL FOUNDATION focuses three points: On the one hand, scientific research into the causes and treatment methods of seizure disorders. This includes stimulating research, e.g. by awarding the internationally renowned Michael Prize or - since 2021 - the Harald Fey Prize.
The second focus is advanced training in epileptology through the annual practical seminar on epilepsy and EEG, as well as targeted promotion of young people by providing stipends, initiating a fellowship program or financial support for further education courses for younger doctors.
And thirdly, the foundation works in the socio-medical field by publishing guidance on a wide range of topics related to epilesia - such as legal issues, social assistance, family, school, sport, epilepsy in old age, SUDEP - and by awarding the Sibylle Ried Prize for exceptional achievements in improving treatment, counseling or collaboration with people with epilepsy.
The MICHAEL FOUNDATION was founded in 1962 by the southern German publicist Dr. Fritz Harzendorf and was named after his son Michael, who suffered from epilepsy in his early childhood. The MICHAEL FOUNDATION is funded exclusively by private donors and has, to this day, never received any government subsidies. It depends on your willingness to donate.
The FOUNDATION mourns the loss of MICHAEL
On February 10, 2023, Michael Harzendorf passed away in Überlingen on Lake Constance. He was 80 years old. Michael was more than just the name giver of the foundation, he was the reason that the foundation exists at all. His father Fritz Harzendorf and epileptologist Dieter Janz came together more than 60 years ago and recognized the need to build an organization to improve the treatment and quality of life of people with epilepsy.
Michael could not live an independent life. We can only guess whether he knew what significance the foundation had attained over the decades of its existence. Michael was always present for us, who lead the fortunes of the foundation, and always will be. His destiny is our constant mission and motivation. The Michael Foundation was deliberately not named after its founding fathers. As a person and name, Michael is an example of everyone to whom the foundation feels committed: people with epilepsy.
In deep mourning
Board of Trustees and Chair of the Michael Foundation
For his 80th birthday in October 2022, his sister Dr. Agathe Bühler described his life and personality in touching lines: „My brother Michael“.
The MICHAEL PRIZE 2023
is awarded to
Piero Perucca, MD, PhD (Australia),
Daichi Sone, MD, PhD (Japan/UK) and
Gabriele Lignani, PhD (UK)
The HARALD FEY PRIZE 2023
is awarded to the 11-strong team around
Nora-Elena Wadle
(Frankfurt/Greifswald/Magdeburg, Germany).
35th Practical Seminar EPILEPSY and EEG
in Gargnano / Lake Garda, Italy.
September 13th - 16th, 2023
Seminar language is German.
Physicians up to the age of 32
can apply for a scholarship.
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
Sports and Epilepsy
[german]
by Rupprecht Thorbecke,
Christine Dröge, Christian Brandt
Revised brochure. Available as download and print more... [german]
The MICHAEL FOUNDATION provides
financial support for the qualification as
"Specialist Epilepsy Assistant"
and "Specialist Epilepsy Counselor"
Fellowship support for German residents /
education language is German
The FOUNDATION mourns the loss of MICHAEL
On February 10, 2023, Michael Harzendorf passed away in Überlingen on Lake Constance. He was 80 years old. Michael was more than just the name giver of the foundation, he was the reason that the foundation exists at all. His father Fritz Harzendorf and epileptologist Dieter Janz came together more than 60 years ago and recognized the need to build an organization to improve the treatment and quality of life of people with epilepsy.
Michael could not live an independent life. We can only guess whether he knew what significance the foundation had attained over the decades of its existence. Michael was always present for us, who lead the fortunes of the foundation, and always will be. His destiny is our constant mission and motivation. The Michael Foundation was deliberately not named after its founding fathers. As a person and name, Michael is an example of everyone to whom the foundation feels committed: people with epilepsy.
In deep mourning
Board of Trustees and Chair of the Michael Foundation
For his 80th birthday in October 2022, his sister Dr. Agathe Bühler described his life and personality in touching lines: „My brother Michael“.
The MICHAEL PRIZE 2023
is awarded to
Piero Perucca, MD, PhD (Australia),
Daichi Sone, MD, PhD (Japan/UK) and
Gabriele Lignani, PhD (UK)
The HARALD FEY PRIZE 2023
is awarded to the 11-strong team around
Nora-Elena Wadle
(Frankfurt/Greifswald/Magdeburg, Germany).
35th Practical Seminar EPILEPSY and EEG
in Gargnano / Lake Garda, Italy.
September 13th - 16th, 2023
Seminar language is German.
Physicians up to the age of 32
can apply for a scholarship.
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
The MICHAEL FOUNDATION provides
financial support for the qualification as
"Specialist Epilepsy Assistant"
and "Specialist Epilepsy Counselor"
Fellowship support for German residents /
education language is German
Sports and Epilepsy
[german]
by Rupprecht Thorbecke,
Christine Dröge, Christian Brandt
Revised brochure. Available as download and print more... [german]
MICHAEL FOUNDATION /
STIFTUNG MICHAEL
Alsstrasse 12
53227 Bonn
Germany
Phone: +49 228 - 94 55 45 40
Fax: +49 228 - 94 55 45 42
E-mail: poststiftung-michael.de