On 24 March 2026, the Polish Parliament hosted the European Brain Health Day under the theme “Prevention, Health Policy, Future Generations,” as part of the Year of Prevention. The event, initiated by the Mental Power for Brain Health Foundation, brought together representatives of the scientific and clinical communities, policymakers, and social organizations to discuss the urgent need to make brain health a key public health priority. The meeting was opened by Deputy Marshal of the Sejm, Monika Wielichowska, who highlighted prevention as the cornerstone of modern health policy. She emphasized that promoting healthy lifestyles and early interventions is essential for improving long-term public health outcomes, particularly in the context of the Year of Health Prevention. A central part of the programme was the joint session of parliamentary groups, during which participants explored the future direction of brain health strategies in both Poland and Europe. Among the distinguished speakers were Adam Jarubas, Member of the European Parliament and Chair of the Committee on Public Health (SANT), Frédéric Destrebecq, Executive Director of the European Brain Council, and Iwona Kozłowska, Chair of the Parliamentary Group on Central Nervous System Diseases and Health Prevention.

The discussion was enriched by leading experts, including Prof. Alina Kułakowska, Prof. Agata Szulc, Prof. Halina Sienkiewicz-Jarosz, Prof. Konrad Rejdak, Prof. Paweł Koczkodaj, Dr Aleksandra Lewandowska, Dr Łukasz Dembiński, Dr Maja Herman, Dr Joanna Wojsiat, and Dr Joanna Gradek. Together, they emphasized that a significant proportion of brain disorders is linked to modifiable risk factors, and that everyday choices, such as physical activity, sleep, diet, and stress management—play a crucial role in maintaining brain health.

During the event, the Mental Power Foundation presented the concept “Ten for a Healthy Brain – daily choices for lifelong health,” as part of its educational campaign “Your Brain Loves Movement.” The initiative promotes simple, accessible actions that can support brain function and overall well-being throughout life. Importantly, the event moved beyond discussion to practical demonstration. It concluded with a symbolic slow jogging session in Ujazdowski Park under the slogan “Your Brain Loves Movement,” led by Dr Joanna Gradek from the Slow Jogging Poland Association. Participants included Deputy Marshal Monika Wielichowska, MP Iwona Kozłowska, Dr Maja Herman, and Adrian Bart Kowalski, co-creator of the podcast “Przypadkiem.” Their participation underscored a key message: brain health prevention begins with simple, everyday actions.

This practical element reinforced one of the event’s central themes, physical activity as a fundamental pillar of brain health. Scientific evidence clearly shows that regular movement improves concentration, supports memory, enhances cognitive performance, and reduces stress. It also stimulates neuroplasticity, promotes the formation of new neural connections, and may lower the risk of neurodegenerative diseases and mental health disorders.

In today’s world, characterized by chronic stress, information overload, and sedentary lifestyles, physical activity is one of the most accessible and effective tools for prevention. Even small, consistent efforts can significantly improve both mental well-being and quality of life, regardless of age. The slow jogging session symbolized a shift from policy to action and from dialogue to daily practice. As promoted by the “Your Brain Loves Movement” campaign, maintaining brain health does not require radical change, but rather consistent, conscious choices.

Following an audience with Her Majesty Queen Letizia earlier this month, the Spanish Brain Council will present a new report on neuroscience research (2014–2024) on 15 April 2026. The report provides a comprehensive analysis of scientific output, impact, and funding, and is intended to inform future research and policy priorities within the Spanish Brain Plan. The Presentation Event will take place at 16:00 at the headquarters of the Spanish Medical Association. The initiative is promoted by the Spanish Brain Council and aims to serve as a reference tool for understanding the evolution of brain health research and guiding future development in this field. The event is designed as a space for reflection and dialogue among institutional representatives, the scientific community, and funding agencies, emphasizing the role of research as a central pillar of the Spanish Brain Plan. It will feature participation from institutional representatives, scientific societies, and leading researchers, and will conclude with an open discussion on the challenges and opportunities in brain health research in Spain.

True to tradition, HjärnForum – the National Association for the Fight against Brain Diseases in collaboration with the Brain Council opens this year’s Brain Week in Copenhagen on 9th March.

The Danish Brain Council invites you to three exciting lectures about the brain, as well as a subsequent debate about the establishment of a brain plan for Denmark. The afternoon ends with some snacks and the opportunity to see some of HjärnForum’s annual brain books. The event is free to attend, open to everyone interested.

Place: Centre for Health and Society, Øster Farimagsgade 5A, 1353 Copenhagen K, room 1.1.18

Her Majesty Queen Letizia received this morning in audience at the Zarzuela Palace a delegation from the Spanish Brain Council (CEC), in an institutional meeting in which the entity presented the strategic advances developed in recent months in the field of research, brain health and international positioning of Spanish neuroscience.

This event has allowed the Royal Household to understand the role of the CEC as a scientific and health coordination platform, integrating scientific societies, health professionals, researchers and entities committed to promoting brain health as a strategic national priority.

Among the main milestones presented is the Report on the State of Neuroscience in Spain , whose official presentation will take place on April 15, 2026. This is the first comprehensive analysis of the brain science research ecosystem in our country, with a structured and comparative view of the period 2014–2024.

The report, sponsored by the Ramón Areces Foundation, Merck, and the Biomedical Innovation Research Institute of Cádiz (INiBICA), was prepared based on a systematic analysis of scientific publications and funded projects between 2014 and 2024. The document provides a comparative overview of the international standing of Spanish neuroscience, its funding, its geographical distribution, and its main areas of specialization. The work was developed using advanced semantic classification methodologies in a co-design process with experts from the Spanish Neuroscience Centre (CEC). The document’s structure encompasses an analysis of scientific output and its impact, international leadership and collaboration, a study of national and European public funding, and the evolution of research across major areas and selected pathologies based on epidemiological criteria such as disease burden and prevalence. The result is a detailed map that will help identify challenges and strengths and better understand the opportunities for future development of Spanish neuroscience.

Bill Gates took part in a panel discussion at Karolinska University Hospital on the future of Alzheimer’s research. The panel featured four leading researchers, including Miia Kivipelto, Henrik Zetterberg, and Maria Ankarcrona—three scientists whose work has been supported by Swedish Brain Council. The discussion highlighted key breakthroughs in diagnosis, treatment, and prevention, ranging from blood-based biomarkers and antibody development to AI-supported clinical practice and precision prevention based on the FINGER model.

Bill Gates underscored Sweden’s leading role in Alzheimer’s research and emphasised how Swedish science is contributing to tangible progress at the global level. For Swedish Brain Council, this is a clear example of why long-term, strategic investment in research is essential. When research is given the right conditions, it can make a real difference for patients, healthcare systems, and society as a whole.

On 15 January 2026, the Belgian Brain Council (BBC) took part in a political forum on brain health (REBELEPSY) held at the Belgian Federal Parliament to advocate for stronger national policy and political engagement on brain and mental health issues. At the event, the BBC brought forward evidence and perspectives from scientists, clinicians and patient representatives to highlight the societal and health impact of neurological and psychiatric disorders and to urge federal policymakers to prioritise research, coordinated care and national strategic action on brain conditions.

The National Hub for Brain Health, launched and coordinated by the Portuguese Agency for Clinical Investigation and Biomedical Innovation (AICIB), represents a significant step toward structuring and aligning Portugal’s efforts in brain health. By bringing together a broad range of national stakeholders, including research institutions, healthcare providers, industry, patient organisations and public administration, the Hub creates a long-needed platform for coordination and strategic dialogue. In a complex political and social context, this initiative has the potential to act as a catalyst for overcoming fragmentation and moving closer to a coherent national approach to brain health.

The Portuguese Brain Council has been involved in the National Hub for Brain Health since its inception in September 2024, participating in selected meetings and acting as a signatory partner from the outset. This engagement reflects the Council’s mission to promote an integrated, multidisciplinary vision of brain health that connects research, clinical care, advocacy and policy. Through its participation, the Portuguese Brain Council contributes its experience in stakeholder engagement and representation of scientific and patient communities, helping to ensure that the Hub’s development is inclusive, evidence-based and aligned with both national needs and European priorities.

Neurological and mental health disorders substantially reduce life expectancy and represent a major public health and socioeconomic burden in Europe, accounting for a significant proportion of disability and productivity loss. In Spain, conditions affecting brain health are among the most costly chronic diseases, representing nearly 8% of the national gross domestic product. In response to this growing challenge, and in line with the World Health Organization’s definition of brain health as a life-course concept encompassing cognitive, emotional, behavioral, and motor functioning, several European countries have developed national brain plans under the coordination and advocacy of the European Brain Council.

This white paper presents the Spanish Brain Plan, a national, policy-oriented framework designed to promote brain health across the lifespan through prevention, early detection, evidence-based treatment, integrated care, and research coordination. The document aims to (i) synthesize current evidence on the burden of brain disorders in Spain, (ii) identify structural gaps in research, care, and data infrastructures, and (iii) propose strategic priorities aligned with European and international brain health initiatives. The Spanish Brain Plan is situated within the broader landscape of existing European national brain plans, enabling cross-country comparison and shared learning. The manuscript was developed through expert consultation within the Spanish Brain Council, complemented by a review of current scientific literature, policy documents, and international frameworks. By articulating a coordinated, science-based strategy, this white paper seeks to support policymakers, clinicians, researchers, and patient stakeholders in advancing brain health as a national and European public health priority.

On December 10, 2025, the International Congress Center hosted the first edition of the Children’s Health Forum – an event dedicated to a holistic approach to children’s health and development from birth to school age. During the Forum, I had the pleasure of moderating the panel How to ensure the safety and mental health of children? The session focused on key challenges and strategies supporting children’s wellbeing. The aim of the Forum was to create a space for open, interdisciplinary dialogue, promote good clinical and organizational practices, and support the education of both the medical community and parents and caregivers. Participants included paediatricians, paediatric specialists, representatives of medical and educational professions, decision-makers, local government representatives and other experts. Find below more information, including the agenda and list of experts: https://www.forumzdrowiadzieci.pl/2025/pl/.