We have reviewed some of the important studies published within the last 18 months that have advanced our understanding of the epilepsies, their aetiology and treatment. Clinical studies have revealed new insights into old themes including seizure prediction, mortality in epilepsy, febrile seizures and the pathophysiology of focal cortical dysplasias. The rapid advances in genetics and particularly whole exome sequencing have had an impact on our understanding of epileptic encephalopathies, and the aetiology of hippocampal sclerosis. Experimental research techniques such as viral vector gene delivery, optogenetics and cell based transplantation techniques have set the framework for novel approaches to the treatment of pharmacoresistant epilepsy. These few examples are indicative of the great strides that have recently been made in epilepsy research.