Dr Ava Easton
Chief Executive of Encephalitis International
Dr Ava Easton is Chief Executive of Encephalitis International, a researcher and global expert on encephalitis patient outcomes and quality of life.
Ava has produced and published many papers, book chapters, and a book (Life After Encephalitis) on various aspects of encephalitis and its after-effects; she also speaks at conferences and lectures around the world on the condition and its impact for patients and their families.
Her expertise also extends to neuro-narratives, narrative medicine, and patient and public engagement.
Ava is involved in a number of research studies looking into the processes and outcomes of encephalitis and is an Honorary Fellow in the Dept. of Clinical Infection, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Liverpool; Consultant, Campaign for Infectious Diseases, The Wellcome Trust; Member, Global Neuro Research Coalition: Member, Steering Committee, COVID-CNS [The COVID-Clinical Neuroscience Study] and Patient and Public Engagement Lead; Chair, Patient and Public Involvement Panel; and Steering Committee Member – The Global Health Research Group on Brain Infections; Ambassador for the European Brain Injury Council.
Ava also acts as a consultant to various Media (Radio and Television) on encephalitis and acquired brain injury. Most recently with ITN Productions and the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene on a Global Health documentary with Natasha Kaplinsky; Hollyoaks, a UK TV show, for a long-running storyline on encephalitis; Consultancy on three episodes of UK drama Doctors; and on the documentaries The Kids with no memory (UK) and Wiped Clean (Australia). Theatre consultancy has included Off The Wall Theatre Company; and Derby Live Productions.
Selected awards/recognition
- Charity Leader of the Year – Charity Times Awards – Highly Commended, 2022
- CEO of the Year – Third Sector Awards – Finalist 2021
- Charity Leader of the Year – Charity Times Awards – Finalist 2020
- Inspiring Communicator of the Year, Charity Comms – Winner 2019
- Top UK Social CEO – 2014, 2017, 2019 – Winner
- EyeForPharma – Patient Advocate of The Year – Finalist – 2019
- CEO of the Year – Third Sector Awards – Finalist – 2018
- Charity of the Year – The Charity Times Awards – Winner – 2017
Ava was invited by The Queen to her Diamond Jubilee Garden Party at Buckingham Palace (2012) in recognition of her work in encephalitis and also received an award in 2018 from the Queen’s High Sheriff of North Yorkshire for her work on encephalitis. In 2023, Encephalitis International was one of six charities chosen to present their work to King Charles during a visit to North Yorkshire.
