The European Brain Council (EBC) was proud to lead the 2026 Brain Days at the Science Summit of the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA81) in New York, marking another major milestone in the efforts to advance brain health, research and capital on the global policy agenda.

In collaboration with Perkins&Will, Victoria Walsh, Devin Kleiner and Katlyn Blong of Perkins&Will, Christopher Moses (Alliance Theatre), Mike Schleifer (Lincoln Center Theater) and Moushumi Sharmin (Western Washington University), moderated by Hala El Khorazaty (Perkins&Will), examined how inclusive and evidence-informed design can support learning, emotional wellbeing and brain health from childhood through higher education.

The afternoon opened with Carmencita Bua (Skylark Transition Program) in conversation with Hala El Khorazaty on Skylark at Meleto and the need to better support young people in the transition to independent adulthood.

In collaboration with HKS and The Pedersen Foundation, Kara Hourihan (The Pedersen Foundation) and Upali Nanda (HKS) presented Neurospatial Design: Evidence in Practice, showing how the design of physical environments can be informed by evidence on cognitive, emotional and psychological wellbeing.

In collaboration with the Center for BrainHealth, Sandra Chapman and Ian Robertson (Center for BrainHealth, The BrainHealth Project), George Vradenburg (Davos Alzheimer’s Collaborative) and Krystal Sexton (Cognitive Capital Group), moderated by Richard Hatzfeld (Finn Partners), explored how to turn brain science into scalable impact, including the launch of the BrainHealth Pulse assessment.

In collaboration with the Davos Alzheimer’s Collaborative Global CEO Initiative on Alzheimer’s Disease, Lisa Mosconi (Weill Cornell Medicine), Susan Peters (Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health) and Lynn Posluns (Women’s Brain Health Initiative) joined moderator Dan Pawson (Business Collaborative for Brain Health) to address the urgent need for sex- and gender-responsive research, menopause-aware workplace policies and greater support for women’s cognitive health throughout the life course.

Suzanne Dickson closed the programme by reflecting on the collective energy, knowledge and partnerships represented across the two days, and on the opportunity to carry this momentum forward.

The 2026 Brain Days were made possible through the commitment and collaboration of an exceptional group of partners: the European Partnership for Brain Health, Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute, Coordination & Support Action BrainHealth, Centre for Aging + Brain Health Innovation, Northwell Health, European Academy of Neurology, Brain Health Mission, The Carter Center, Siemens Healthineers, Catalight Foundation, Perkins&Will, HKS, The Pedersen Foundation, Center for BrainHealth and the Davos Alzheimer’s Collaborative Global CEO Initiative on Alzheimer’s Disease.

These partnerships make it possible to convene leaders and contributors from across Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe and the Americas – and, crucially, to connect the perspectives of science, policy, clinical practice, patient advocacy, education, business, finance, philanthropy, design and communities.

From a 25-person roundtable five years ago, the Brain Days have grown into a two-day convening space for leaders in research, care, prevention, education, policy, finance, technology, design, advocacy and lived experience. As the fifth edition draws to a close, the message is clear: brain health is a social, economic and human priority, and the momentum now is to turn a shared vision into sustained collaboration, political commitment and meaningful action. The next phase is to build on it – through stronger global collaboration, science diplomacy, national leadership and continued work towards a UN Resolution for the Brain.

For the fifth year in a row, the European Brain Council (EBC) joined partners and stakeholders from across the global brain health community in New York during the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA81), bringing brain health, research, innovation and the broader societal and economic value of brain health into discussions taking place throughout the UN High-Level Week.

Across a week of high-level meetings, scientific exchanges and multi-stakeholder dialogue, EBC helped connect European and international perspectives around a common objective: strengthening global action on brain health and ensuring that brain health is recognised as a strategic priority for societies, economies and sustainable development.

As part of EANS 2026, the European Brain Council (EBC) contributed to Session 57: RISE Europe (Research Spotlight Session) on Friday, 2 October. The session brought together perspectives on the European research landscape and the conditions needed to strengthen and advance neuroscience research across Europe.

EBC President Prof. Suzanne Dickson presented “An overarching and cohesive approach in advocating for the brain in Europe,” highlighting the importance of coordinated advocacy for brain health and research at European level.

EBC Board Member Prof. Tomás Ryan followed with “How do we stay competitive? European neuroscience research landscape,” focusing on the European neuroscience research landscape and the challenges and opportunities for maintaining Europe’s competitiveness in research.

The session also featured presentations on translating research into clinical trials, developments in academic networks in European neurosurgery, and clinical research in cranial subdural empyema, followed by a discussion.

The EBC booth was present throughout the congress, serving as a visible representation of the Council and its ongoing initiatives. It provided attendees with an opportunity to learn more about EBC’s work, including its projects, partnerships, and advocacy efforts in neuroscience and brain health. Through the booth, the Council was able to maintain a presence at the event, reinforce its role within the European neurosurgical and neuroscience community, and highlight its commitment to promoting research, collaboration, and innovation across Europe.

From 6 to 10 July 2026, the European Brain Council (EBC) participated in the FENS Forum 2026 in Barcelona, Spain. Organised by the Federation of European Neuroscience Societies (FENS) in collaboration with the Spanish Society of Neuroscience (SENC), the biennial Forum is Europe's largest neuroscience congress, bringing together more than 8,000 scientists, clinicians, students and stakeholders from around the world to explore the latest advances in brain research. The scientific programme spanned the full spectrum of neuroscience, from fundamental discovery science to translational and clinical research, and included plenary and special lectures, scientific symposia, technical workshops, special interest events, career development activities and networking opportunities. 

At FENS Forum 2026, EBC contributed through the organisation of several networking and special interest events, led a dedicated session on the European Partnership for Brain Health, and engaged with the neuroscience community throughout the congress via its exhibition booth. The Forum provided an important platform for EBC to connect with researchers, clinicians, policymakers, patient organisations, National Brain Councils and European partners, strengthening collaboration across the neuroscience community and supporting efforts to translate research into innovation, improved brain health and better care and policy across Europe. 

On the 7th of July, EBC contributed to the Special Interest Event “Political Advocacy for Neuroscience Research Funding in a Changing World – ‘What Can I Do?’”, organised by the FENS Advocacy Committee. The session explored the increasing importance of advocacy in securing sustainable support for neuroscience research amid a changing European and global funding landscape.

Bringing together neuroscientists and advocacy representatives, the discussion examined the role of the scientific community in engaging with policymakers, developing advocacy networks and fostering collaboration across sectors to promote effective research funding strategies and supportive policies.

Frédéric Destrebecq, Executive Director of the European Brain Council and European Brain Foundation, contributed to the session by highlighting the importance of cross-sector collaboration in neuroscience advocacy and the value of connecting researchers, patient organisations, policymakers and other stakeholders to strengthen collective impact.

Other speakers shared national experiences, practical approaches to advocacy engagement and lessons learned from efforts to influence research policy. The session concluded with a panel discussion and audience exchange, encouraging participants to actively contribute to a strong, competitive and well-represented neuroscience ecosystem in Europe through sustained advocacy and collaboration.

On the 8th of July, EBC co-organised the Special Interest Event “Brain Health and Brain Capital: Shaping the Future of Neuroscience Research, Innovation and Policy” together with the Spanish Brain Council and the Spanish Society of Neuroscience (SENC).

Moderated by Mara Dierssen, President of the Spanish Brain Council, President of the Spanish Association for the Advancement of Science, and researcher within the Systems and Synthetic Biology Programme at the Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), the session explored how the concepts of brain health and brain capital are influencing future priorities for neuroscience research, innovation and public policy across Europe.

The event highlighted the growing societal and economic impact of neurological and mental disorders and the need to translate neuroscience advances into improved healthcare, prevention strategies and evidence-based policies. Frédéric Destrebecq provided a policy perspective on brain health, brain capital and the brain economy in Europe, emphasising the importance of strategic investment in brain health.

Rym Ayadi, Founder and President of the Euro-Mediterranean Economists Association, Co-founder of the Brain Capital Alliance and Member of the Steering Committee of the Global Brain Economy Initiative, presented insights into the Brain Capital Index and the transition towards a brain economy in Spain. Esther Berrocoso, Board Member of the Spanish Brain Council, Scientific Director of the Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation of Cádiz (INiBICA), Professor in the Department of Neuroscience at the University of Cádiz and researcher within the CIBER Mental Health network (CIBERSAM), discussed the current state of neuroscience in Spain, including key challenges, opportunities and the importance of European alignment.

The session underscored the need for stronger links between research, healthcare systems, innovation ecosystems and policymaking to accelerate the translation of neuroscience discoveries into societal impact. It concluded that positioning brain health as a strategic priority for Europe is essential not only to improve health outcomes, but also to foster scientific excellence, drive innovation and support long-term societal and economic resilience.

From 27–30 June 2026, the European Brain Council (EBC) participated in the 12th Congress of the European Academy of Neurology (EAN) in Geneva, Switzerland. Bringing together neurologists, researchers, healthcare professionals, patient representatives and policymakers from across Europe and beyond, the annual congress provided an important platform to exchange knowledge, foster collaboration and discuss the future of neurology and brain health.
Throughout the congress, EBC highlighted the importance of placing brain health higher on the European policy agenda, advocating for stronger investment in research and innovation, improved care pathways and greater collaboration across sectors. Through a series of scientific sessions, policy discussions and stakeholder engagements, EBC contributed to ongoing conversations on how to improve outcomes for people living with neurological and brain disorders.

Prof. Suzanne Dickson also participated in the plenary session “Partnering for the Brain in Europe and Beyond”, where she presented EBC’s ongoing work to advance a coordinated European approach to brain health.

The session emphasised the importance of collaboration between scientific organisations, policymakers, patient organisations and international partners to accelerate progress in brain health. EBC’s contributions highlighted its involvement in the European Partnership for Brain Health, as well as its advocacy efforts at international level, including engagement in global policy discussions such as the United Nations General Assembly.

The discussion explored the growing momentum for brain health at European level, highlighting recent policy developments and the importance of a coordinated EU approach to neurological health. Speakers reflected on the progress achieved to date while discussing future priorities for strengthening brain health policy, promoting research and ensuring that neurological disorders remain high on the European agenda.

The meeting was chaired by Prof. Sameer Zuberi, EBC President-Elect.

1. Purpose & Strategic Framing

The EAN 2026 side event convened global policy representatives, scientific societies, clinicians, patient advocates, researchers and industry stakeholders to discuss how global policy commitments under the WHO Intersectoral Global Action Plan on Epilepsy and Other Neurological Disorders 2022–2031 and the WHA Rare Disease Resolution can be translated into practical improvements in rare neurology care pathways. The policy context was set by Nicoline Schiess (WHO) and Matilde Leonardi (Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan), with Christophe Hotermans (Alexion) highlighting the need for greater awareness of the overall disease burden of MG and other rare neurological conditions.

Myasthenia gravis (MG) was used as a concrete implementation case. The discussion highlighted that MG reflects broader rare-neurology challenges: delayed or missed diagnosis, fragmented referral pathways, uneven access to specialist and multidisciplinary care, under-recognition of treatment burden and socioeconomic impact, limited integration of patient-reported outcomes, and unequal access to innovation.

The central conclusion was that global policy commitments will only become meaningful for patients if they are translated into measurable pathway improvements: earlier recognition, timely referral, coordinated specialist care, outcomes that reflect daily life, and accountability for implementation.

2.2 MG illustrates persistent care pathway gaps

MG demonstrates how clinical innovation can fail to deliver its full value when care pathways remain fragmented. Evidence and stakeholder experience highlighted delays in recognition and diagnosis, limited access to specialist diagnostic capacity, variable referral to expert centres, inconsistent multidisciplinary care, and insufficient monitoring of outcomes that matter to patients. Patient and advocacy perspectives — shared by Lutgarde Allard (EU MG Association, EuMGA) and Monika Kaempf (ASRIMM), including national-level insights — emphasised that diagnosis is not the end of the journey.

Many patients face a “second odyssey” after diagnosis, including difficulty navigating services, accessing support, coordinating care across providers, and understanding available treatment options. The discussion also highlighted the need to address fatigue, fluctuating function, mental health, treatment burden, work and education impact, caregiver burden and quality of life.

2.3 Innovation must be matched by system readiness

Scientific progress in MG is advancing, but implementation is uneven. New and emerging therapies, digital tools, registries and real-world evidence can support better care, but only if health systems are prepared to use them appropriately. Participants stressed that innovation should be linked to earlier diagnosis, specialist referral, shared-care models, treatment optimisation and patient-relevant outcomes. Better data are needed to assess not only clinical effectiveness, but also functioning, fatigue, mental health, caregiver impact, socioeconomic burden and long-term quality of life. This evidence base, drawing on the Rare Brain Disease Ecosystem work presented by Vinciane Quoidbach (EBC), helped set the scene for pathway optimisation.

2.4 Care pathways should become learning systems

A recurring message was that care pathways must go beyond describing the patient journey — they should define who acts, when, where and with what responsibility. Pathways should include symptom-based entry points, red flags, referral criteria, escalation routes, expert-centre coordination, local shared care, multidisciplinary input, patient-reported outcomes and feedback loops for improvement.

This theme was explored during the first roundtable discussion, moderated by Sameer Zuberi (EBC President-Elect), with contributions from Anne Bruijnes (on behalf of the European Academy of Neurology (EAN), Maastricht University Medical Centre+), Massimiliano Filosto (on behalf of EAN, University of Brescia), Maya Uccheddu (EuMGA / Associazione Italiana Miastenia), Orla Galvin (European Federation of Neurological Associations), Holm Graessner (ERN-RND), Corinna Hermann (UCB), Adrian Kielhorn (Alexion) and Sumaira Ahmed (The Sumaira Foundation).

European and national actors have complementary roles. Scientific societies can support standards, education and guideline implementation. ERNs can provide knowledge frameworks, referral criteria, disease modules and indicators. Patient organisations can co-design and evaluate pathways. Industry can contribute evidence, real-world data and innovation expertise within transparent and independent frameworks. Policymakers and payers are essential to ensure implementation, financing and accountability.

The European Brain Council (EBC) is pleased to launch the Rethinking Myasthenia Gravis (MG) Policy Brief, a key outcome of the two-year Rethinking Myasthenia Gravis project.

Launched during EBC’s Rare Disease Day event “Towards a Rare Brain Disease Ecosystem” in 2025, the project brings together researchers, clinicians, patient representatives, policymakers, and European Reference Networks to develop evidence-based recommendations aimed at improving the lives of people living with MG across Europe.

The Policy Brief builds on the Rethinking Myasthenia Gravis Advocacy Paper, released in February 2026, which highlighted the need for faster diagnosis, stronger multidisciplinary care, equitable access to innovative therapies, and greater integration of digital tools and patient-experienced data in MG care.

Despite significant advances in diagnostics and treatment, people living with MG continue to face diagnostic delays, fragmented care pathways, unequal access to specialist expertise and therapies, and insufficient recognition of the disease’s wider impact on mental health, cognition, and quality of life.

About Myasthenia Gravis

Myasthenia Gravis (MG) is a rare autoimmune disorder of the neuromuscular junction characterised by fluctuating muscle weakness and fatigue. Despite affecting more than 700,000 people worldwide and approximately 1 in 5,000 people in Europe, MG remains under-recognised and often misunderstood. Beyond its physical symptoms, the condition can have a significant impact on daily functioning, mental wellbeing, social participation, and quality of life for people living with the disease and their caregivers.

Key priorities of the Rethinking MG Policy Brief

• Embedding multidisciplinary care pathways
• Ensuring equitable access to innovative therapies
• Addressing the socioeconomic and psychological burden on patients and caregivers
• Reducing diagnostic delay and misdiagnosis
• Harnessing digital tools and data to improve MG management

The Policy Brief also presents recommendations at European, national, and global levels to strengthen care pathways, improve access to diagnostics and treatments, support patients and caregivers, and advance coordinated action on rare neurological diseases.

By positioning MG as a practical example of how rare disease and brain health commitments can be translated into action, the Policy Brief aims to support more equitable, patient-centred care across Europe.

Registration is now open for the 5th edition of the Brain Days at the United Nations General Assembly, set to take place on 23rd and 24th of September in New York City.

Taking place on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA81) during the High Level Week, the Brain Days 2026 will once again serve as a platform to bring together policymakers, scientists, innovators, patient advocates, funders and international organisations to help advance a shared global agenda.

In recent years, brain health has gained growing recognition in global and regional policy agendas — from its increasing visibility within discussions on non-communicable diseases, to its emergence in debates on neurotechnology, brain capital and its socioeconomic repercussions on current and future generations. Momentum is building and this growing traction comes at a critical time. The coming years will be decisive in shaping the post-SDG agenda, the UN’s emerging vision for the future, and broader global governance frameworks for health, innovation and sustainable development.

Structured around two interconnected pillars, this year’s event will explore global collaboration in brain health research and innovation — including funding, science diplomacy and international partnerships — and the broader societal and policy dimensions of brain health, including brain capital, prevention, resilience and pathways towards greater recognition at United Nations level, forging the way towards a UN Resolution. Building on discussions initiated in previous editions while looking firmly ahead, the event will aim not only to showcase progress, but to create a space for active discussion and catalyse concrete next steps for collective action.

As brain health takes the global stage, the Brain Days at UNGA offer a unique and increasingly important convening space to bring key international actors together through a truly cross-sectoral, global lens. This year’s gathering will be a critical opportunity not simply to join the conversation, but to help shape it. For those committed to advancing global collaboration in brain health, research and innovation, UNGA81 will be a moment not to miss.

Register through the link below and follow us on LinkedIn for programme announcements, coming soon.