Press Release Archives – European Brain Council (EBC)

Event Report – 2026 SANT Hearing

Hugo Hermantin — Mon, 02 Mar 2026 10:28:25 +0000

On 24 February 2026, the European Parliament Committee on Public Health (SANT) held a Public Hearing on ‘Brain health: Policy challenges and opportunities to manage neurological diseases’. The European Brain Council (EBC) was pleased to be invited to take part in this essential discussion through the contribution of its President-Elect, Professor Sameer Zuberi, as well as Board Member and Executive Director of the European Federation of Neurological Associations, Dr. Orla Galvin, strengthened only further by presentations from Professor Ana Verdelho and Professor Mirosław Ząbek.

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The Hearing began with a presentation of a briefing commissioned by the Policy Department of Directorate for Transformation, Innovation and Health, European Parliament, focused on ‘Strengthening Brain health: Policy Recommendations to Tackle the Rising Burden of Neurological Diseases’. This briefing provided deeper context and insight for MEPs to understand the current state of brain health in the EU, particularly in terms of burden of disease, ongoing policy challenges as well as recommendations for how best to improve and build from the status quo. This helped set the scene and provide insight for why the Hearing is incredibly timely and needed.

Moving into the first Panel and Q&A session, invited experts Mirosław Ząbek (Professor, Head of the Neurosurgery Clinic at Mazowiecki Bródnowski Hospital, Warsaw) and Ana Verdelho (Professor, Associate Professor of Neurology at the School of Medicine, University of Lisbon) spoke on the Successes and challenges of cutting-edge research on neurology and the potential of neurotechnology.

“I think that gene therapy is really the future in medicine, not only in neurosurgery but also in other specialisations” – Professor Mirosław Ząbek, Head of the Neurosurgery Clinic at Mazowiecki Bródnowski Hospital in Warsaw

“We need citizens to be involved and empowered by the understanding that they can also be active in preventing neurodegenerative disorders”. – Professor Ana Verdelho, Associate Professor of Neurology at the School of Medicine, University of Lisbon

Prof. Verdelho started by reminding the audience of the clear need to improve prevention and early intervention for neurological disorders, demonstrating the tangible improvements in the prevalence and incidence of neurological disorders when such policies are in place. The EU should also ensure rigorous, clear and ethical research designs, and improve the training of GPs on neurological health and neurological disorders. Citizens need to be empowered to become actors and active participants in prevention strategies: “Any type of (policy) action needs to be transversal and must be multimodal — and we need citizens to be involved and empowered by the understanding that they can also be active in preventing neurodegenerative disorders“. Prof. Ząbek then took the floor to demonstrate that EU investment in research and clinical infrastructures yield very concrete results, by sharing the experience of a young patient having benefited from gene therapy: “I think that gene therapy is really the future in medicine, not only in neurosurgery but also in other specialisations“.

EBC President-Elect, Professor Sameer Zuberi, and Board Member and Executive Director of the European Federation of Neurological Associations, Dr. Orla Galvin, followed in the second panel of the Hearing, focused on European collaboration on neurological health, particularly in the field of dementia and other neurodegenerative diseases. They highlighted the urgency that the European Union adopts an overarching and collaborative approach to tackle the growing burden of neurological disorders, which affect more than one in three European citizens. Dr. Galvin reminded the audience that symptoms associated with neurological conditions can often be invisible, making it even more urgent to make people with lived experience equal partners in prevention, care, research and policymaking: “for a European Strategy to be effective for people living with neurological conditions, it must include their insights and expertise. Neurological health requires an integrated life course based approach and not siloed specialities.”

“Neurological health requires an integrated life course based approach and not siloed specialities.” – Orla Galvin, Executive Director, European Federation of Neurological Associations (EFNA); Board Member, European Brain Council (EBC)

“There is a significant policy overlap between mental health and neurological disease – and the EU has the scale to make a tangible impact”. – Professor Sameer Zuberi, President-Elect of the European Brain Council

Prof. Zuberi then addressed the misconception that neurological disorders only affect older citizens. Most of brain disorders, neurological and mental alike, actually start in early childhood. This means that prevention strategies are essential and must go beyond traditional approaches, by tackling education, socialization, and many more determinants across the entire life course. Brain health is a key driver of competitiveness, leadership in technology and life sciences, resilience and productivity. Neurological disorders have a crucial interplay with many other conditions, notably mental health disorders and rare diseases, requiring overarching approaches and coordination mechanisms to better tackle them. “Neurological health and mental health must be united. They are two sides of the same coin.” urged MEP Vytenis Andriukaitis.

Throughout the public hearing, Members of the European Parliament showed strong willingness and commitment to acting on the burden of brain disorders, neurological and mental alike. They asked panellists how the EU could step up its approach of brain health and neurological disorders, while maximizing the impact of existing initiatives such as the European Partnership for Brain Health.

A lively discussion followed on the challenges associated with bringing innovation from the lab to the market, the needs for researchers to use all methods at their disposal to tackle the immense complexity of the human brain, or the importance of ensuring that this innovation can reach those who need it the most across the entire European Union. “It is now clear that we need to keep neurological health high on the EU agenda” concluded MEP Adam Jarubas, Chair of the Public Health Committee of the European Parliament.

Following the Exchange of Views session held by SANT in October 2024 [1], the growing attention from the European Parliament to brain health demonstrates the recognition of the urgency, timeliness and need to better tackle the staggering burden posed by brain disorders – neurological and mental alike. The emphasis placed on the need for increased coordination in the Briefing document [2] strongly echoes with the work spearheaded by the European Brain Council in drafting an EU Coordination Plan for the Brain. Actively involving its Member Organizations and partners, this Plan is dedicated to providing a cross-sectoral policy framework that aligns existing initiatives, reduces duplication, scales up best practices and maximizes impact across the brain health continuum.

Brain disorders, neurological and mental alike, represent one of the most pressing health challenges facing the European Union. At least one in three Europeans currently lives with a brain condition [3], with such disorders now the leading cause of disability and second leading cause of death worldwide. In Europe alone, they impose an annual economic burden estimated to range between €800 billion [4] and €1.3 trillion [5], a figure set to rise as the population ages [6]. While recent strides have been made in improving the understanding of the brain, significant limiting factors remain – prompting the need for increased prioritization and coordination across the EU.
In this context, the members of the European Brain Council – bringing together researchers, clinicians, patients, carers and industry partners – are actively working toward the development of such a Coordination Plan to support more coherent, efficient and strategic action across Europe. The hearing of the SANT Committee represented an important milestone in this process and, we hope, the beginning of a sustained and coordinated European approach that recognizes brain health as a strategic priority for the Union’s resilience, competitiveness and societal well-being.

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Sources

EBC Invited to Address the European Parliament Public Health Committee, European Brain Council.
Strengthening Brain Health: Policy Recommendations to Tackle the Rising Burden of Neurological Diseases, Briefing Document Requested by the SANT Committee, PE 780.418 – February 2026.
Economic Burden of Neurological diseases in Europe, European Academy of Neurology.
J. Olesen et al., The economic cost of brain disorders in Europe, European Journal of Neurology 2012, 19: 155–162.
Economic Burden of Neurological diseases in Europe, European Academy of Neurology.
The Hidden Depths of Neurological Disease, Politico.

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Press Release – Brain Health: Policy Challenges & Opportunities to Manage Neurological Diseases

Hugo Hermantin — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 06:00:51 +0000

Brussels, 24 February 2026 – Today, the European Parliament Committee on Public Health (SANT) will hold a Public Hearing on ‘Brain health: Policy challenges and opportunities to manage neurological diseases’.

The European Brain Council (EBC), a network of key stakeholders in the brain space, has been invited to provide insight to the committee in a presentation and Q&A session, “European collaboration on neurological health, in particular in the field of dementia and other neurodegenerative diseases”, led by President-Elect, Professor Sameer Zuberi, and Board Member and Executive Director of the European Federation of Neurological Associations, Dr. Orla Galvin. Professors Ana Verdelho and Mirosław Zabek will also speak on Successes and challenges of cutting-edge research on neurology and the potential of neurotechnology.

Following the Exchange of Views on Neurological Health held by the SANT Committee in October 2024 [5], the growing attention from the European Parliament to brain health is welcomed by the community and demonstrates a reassuring and growing recognition of the urgency, timeliness and need to better tackle the staggering burden.

Furthermore, the emphasis placed on the need for increased coordination in the circulated briefing document [6] strongly echoes with the calls for an EU Coordination Plan for the Brain, work currently spearheaded by the European Brain Council. Actively involving its Member Organizations and partners, this Plan is dedicated to providing a cross-sectoral policy framework that aligns existing initiatives, reduces duplication, scales up best practices and maximises impact across the brain health continuum.

Despite the demonstrated burden of brain disorders as well as the central role of brain health in Europe’s resilience and competitiveness, policy responses remain fragmented across Member States. While 93% of EU Member States have mental health policies in place [7], only half of the WHO European Region has comprehensive neurological health policies as of 2017 [8].

The establishment of a European Coordination Plan for the Brain that aligns national and EU-level action around shared objectives, indicators and timelines is needed. Such a plan would reduce duplication of efforts, break down silos and maximise the impact of existing investments by adopting an integrated brain health approach spanning neurological and psychiatric disorders. The added value of increased EU action far outweighs the costs of inaction, which include escalating healthcare expenditure, lost productivity and avoidable disability.

Today’s SANT Committee hearing represents an important milestone in this process and, we hope, the beginning of a sustained and coordinated European approach that recognizes brain health as a strategic priority for the Union’s resilience, competitiveness and societal well-being.

Additional Resources

Click Here to Access the Document

Media Contact

Hugo Hermantin, Policy Coordinator. Contact.

Sources

Economic Burden of Neurological diseases in Europe, European Academy of Neurology.
J. Olesen et al., The economic cost of brain disorders in Europe, European Journal of Neurology 2012, 19: 155–162.
Economic Burden of Neurological diseases in Europe, European Academy of Neurology.
The Hidden Depths of Neurological Disease, Politico.
EBC Invited to Address the European Parliament Public Health Committee, European Brain Council.
Strengthening Brain Health: Policy Recommendations to Tackle the Rising Burden of Neurological Diseases, Briefing Document Requested by the SANT Committee, PE 780.418 – February 2026.
Mental health systems capacity in European Union Member States, Iceland and Norway. Copenhagen: WHO Regional Office for Europe; 2024, p.3.
Atlas: country resources for neurological disorders – 2nd ed. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2017. p.19.

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European Brain Council in Davos During World Economic Forum 2026

Tao — Mon, 26 Jan 2026 11:11:24 +0000

From January 19-23, 2026, the European Brain Council (EBC) travelled to Davos, Switzerland for the World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting in order to engage with global leaders and decision-makers. EBC seized this opportunity to advance brain health as a fundamental pillar of economic prosperity through a series of strategic events and sessions, particularly through discussions focused on brain capital, mental health, the care economy, and purposeful longevity, making the case to key stakeholders for increased investment in overall brain health alongside research and innovation as essential catalysts for productivity, wellbeing, and long-term societal impact.

20 January 2026

Future of the Mind: Investing in Cognitive Health for Human & Economic Flourishing

EBC Executive Director Frédéric Destrebecq moderated this opening plenary session, which brought together leading voices in neuroscience, investment, and innovation to explore the transformative potential of brain capital. The session examined how cognitive health serves as a cornerstone for both human wellbeing and economic prosperity.

Featuring diverse perspectives from Dominik Böke, CEO of Neotiv; Harris Eyre, Lead of the Brain Capital Alliance and Senior Fellow at the Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute; Pawel Swieboda, Founder of NeuroCentury; and Dr. Don Mordecai, National Leader for Mental Health and Addiction Care at Kaiser Permanente Foundation, the panel delved into the critical intersection of brain health and economic development, with discussions highlighting the urgent need for increased investment in neuro-innovation.

Frédéric Destrebecq emphasised how supporting brain health can unlock unprecedented levels of productivity, wellbeing, and long-term societal impact—core themes that would resonate throughout EBC’s engagement in Davos. The session set a powerful tone for the week ahead, establishing brain capital as an essential framework for understanding the relationship between cognitive health and economic flourishing.

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The $11+ Trillion Care Economy: Steps for Investors, Boardrooms, and AI

EBC participated in a high-level roundtable at the IHC House that examined the vast potential and persistent challenges within the global care economy. The session positioned brain health as a defining example within the broader care landscape, exploring how emerging models in MENA, Asia, and other regions are increasingly integrating best practices from cancer, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes care.

The discussion centered on the transformative role of AI and digital health innovations across multiple disease areas, with participants evaluating breakthroughs in early detection, remote monitoring, and personalised treatment that are transitioning from pilot programs to scale. The conversation moved beyond technological optimism to confront the substantial barriers that remain: workforce shortages that technology alone cannot address, fragmented data systems that hinder care coordination and outdated payment models that continue to incentivise volume over value.

The roundtable reinforced the urgent need to properly recognise caregivers—not only for their impact on health outcomes, but for their essential contribution to the broader economy. EBC’s participation in this session reinforced our commitment to advocating for systemic change in how brain health and broader care systems are funded and delivered. The roundtable brought together investors, industry leaders, and healthcare innovators to identify concrete shifts needed in investment strategy, regulatory policy, and organisational design—critical steps to unlock the $11+ trillion care economy’s potential for patients, providers, and payers worldwide.

21 January, 2026

21 January 2026

Brain Economy Lunch with West Health, Rice and Davos Alzheimer’s Collaborative

EBC colleagues participated in a strategic working lunch co-hosted by West Health, The Brain House, and the Global Brain Economy Initiative at the Brain House in Davos. This intimate convening brought together leaders pioneering brain economy initiatives across different regions and institutions to explore the establishment of a Brain Economy Place-Based Community of Practice.

The session focused on the critical need for structured global collaboration to accelerate progress in brain health innovation and implementation. EBC was able to share insights on the work underway in Europe, particularly highlighted the recently launched European Partnership for Brain Health as an excited multi-country, EU-led initiative focused on empowering brain research, and to speak on its role in advancing regional coordination and evidence-based policymaking. The lunch fostered candid dialogue on creating a trusted, action-oriented forum where regions and institutions can share practical tools, insights, best practices, metrics, governance models, and lessons learned. Participants recognised that such a community of practice is essential to avoid duplication of efforts and fragmentation—challenges that too often slow the translation of brain health research into real-world impact. The conversation underscored a shared commitment among attendees to move beyond siloed initiatives toward coordinated action that can unlock the full economic and social potential of brain health investment.

Join CBS News for an Exclusive Session: What Brain Health Means to Me

EBC Executive Director, Frédéric Destrebecq, was invited to participate in a recorded interview panel session hosted by CBS News, the Brain House and Catalight Foundation at the Seehof Davos Hotel. The session captured personal perspectives from leaders, innovators, and advocates on why brain health matters, how it shapes our lives, and its significance for society’s future. This session will be included in an upcoming CBS News documentary on brain health, offering an opportunity to bring EBC’s mission and vision to a broader global audience beyond the Davos community.

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Health and Longevity Roundtable

Frédéric Destrebecq joined was invited to present in a line-up of speakers that spoke around reframing longevity beyond purely biomedical advances. The session was partnership-forward and solution-oriented, framing longevity as a shared opportunity for governments, multilateral institutions, the private sector, and civil society to advance health, wellbeing, and societal impact across generations, fostering ethical leadership, inclusive innovation, and intergenerational solidarity while promoting equitable access globally.

Participants explored how cross-sector partnerships, ethical leadership, and collaborative innovation can ensure purposeful longevity becomes achievable across all regions, including low- and middle-income countries. EBC’s participation reinforced our vision that brain health is integral to enabling not just longer lives, but lives filled with dignity, purpose, and continued contribution to society.

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22 January 2026

The Science of Mindfulness: Rethinking Leadership, Wellbeing, and the Human Potential

EBC Executive Director Frédéric Destrebecq spoke during a session which served as a cross-disciplinary conversation on the science of mindfulness bridging neuroscience research, technology and contemplative wisdom. The discussion explored how mindfulness shapes brain health, resilience, and human flourishing, offering evidence-based insights and lived perspectives on its role in wellbeing, leadership, and longevity.

Moderated by Elisabetta Jiang, Executive Director of the Social Innovation Park and Co-Founder of Unicorns for Good, the panel brought together Venerable Monk Burin, Executive Director of The Middle Way Meditation Institute; George Vradenburg, Founding Chairman of the Board of the Davos Alzheimer Collective; and Christopher Carey, General Manager of Calm Health. In a memorable exchange with Venerable Monk Burin, Frédéric Destrebecq shared perspectives on consciousness and meditation, and advocated for a more evidence-based recognition of the role of psychedelics to open minds and heal trauma. The session highlighted the growing convergence between ancient contemplative practices and modern neuroscience, demonstrating how mindfulness can serve as a practical tool for leaders and individuals seeking to optimize cognitive performance and overall wellbeing.

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Launch of the Global Brain Economy initiative (GBEI)

A landmark development during the week was the official launch of the Global Brain Economy Initiative (GBEI), which recognises brain capital as essential infrastructure for the 21st-century economy. Strategic investment in brain capital has the potential to unlock an estimated $6.2 trillion in annual global GDP, yet efforts remain fragmented across healthcare, education, workforce development, and public policy.

GBEI will work with a group of global leaders to bring these efforts together and move a coordinated brain economy forward. EBC was announced as a member of the Advisory Committee, where we will play an important role in shaping priorities and ensuring the initiative stays grounded in real-world impact. This appointment reflects EBC’s leadership in advancing brain health as a strategic economic priority and positions our organisation at the forefront of global coordination efforts to realise the transformative potential of brain capital investment.

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in conclusion…

Beyond these featured sessions, EBC participated in numerous events across on Mental Health Day, and in the Brain House, Frontiers Science House, House of Collaboration and more, witnessing what can only be described as a watershed moment for brain health at Davos. From just a handful of related events in previous years, 2026 saw over 30 sessions focused around the brain—spanning neuroscience, brain health (particularly mental health), and brain capital. This remarkable growth signals that brain health has firmly established itself on the global agenda, with momentum continuing to build across sectors and regions.

Davos also provided invaluable opportunities to connect with the expanding brain health community, bringing together familiar colleagues and new partners to explore synergies with scientists, entrepreneurs, policymakers, organisations and companies from around the world. Throughout the week, Destrebecq presented the European Brain Health Partnership in multiple forums as the largest transnational initiative bringing together countries and the European Commission to support integrated brain research in Europe, in collaboration with international partners.

As Frédéric Destrebecq, EBC Executive Director, reflected: “There was something unsettling about being in a place where you could feel a rupture in the global order unfolding in real time. And yet, what truly restored my hope was meeting extraordinary people deeply committed to advancing science and international collaboration for those living with brain disorders.” EBC returns from Davos with renewed conviction that positioning brain health as a driver of economic and societal resilience has never been more urgent—and with a clear sense that the diverse ideas and contributions emerging across sectors must now be gathered, coordinated and deployed to meet the complex challenges ahead.

Brain Health on the Global map

Several news items and initiatives were launched during the week of the World Economic Forum. A few items have been highlighted below:

The human advantage: Stronger brains in the age of AI

The McKinsey Health Institute, in collaboration with the World Economic Forum, launches a new report exploring brain capital – an economic asset combining brain health and brain skills – as a foundation for individual and collective progress.

WHO Director-General's opening remarks at Brain House at the World Economic Forum – 22 January 2026

Now in its second year, Brain House has become a focal point in Davos for global leaders advancing brain health and brain skills as priorities for economic and social resilience.

Launch of the Global Brain Economy initiative (GBEI)

The Global Brain Economy Initiative (GBEI) was launched by Rice University on January 21, 2026, during the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. This initiative aims to position brain capital, which includes brain health and skills, at the forefront of global economic development, particularly in the age of artificial intelligence.

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January 2026: Start of the European Partnership for Brain Health!

Tao — Mon, 05 Jan 2026 12:00:06 +0000

January 2026 marks the official launch of the European Partnership for Brain Health (EP BrainHealth), following the two-year preparatory ‘Coordination & Support Action (CSA) BrainHealth‘ project. EP BrainHealth is a major initiative involving over 55 partner institutions from more than 30 countries across Europe and beyond, co-funded by the European Commission.

Launched in January 2026, EP BrainHealth is a ten-year partnership with a total planned budget of approximately €500 million. It is one of the largest collaborative efforts in brain research worldwide, and the European Brain Council is looking forward to collaborating in this project through several Work Packages. The partnership shares a common vision of improving brain health for everyone, using scientific knowledge to promote brain health throughout lifetime. It aims to prevent and treat brain diseases, as well as improve the wellbeing of people living with neurological and mental health conditions in Europe and globally.

The partnership will strengthen transnational collaboration as well as increase and better align investments in brain-related research and innovation. Its mission is to promote the translation of research findings into tailored solutions for prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care, accessible to all. EP BrainHealth operates as a coordination platform, bringing together stakeholders along the entire translational pathway to support research, patient and public involvement, innovation and implementation, and to foster strategic alignment and dialogue in the brain health field.

Learn more about the project

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EBC at the 2025 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought Ceremony

Helena Kousi — Thu, 18 Dec 2025 11:15:09 +0000

The European Brain Council (EBC) attended the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought ceremony yesterday at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, where the 2025 award was presented to Georgian journalist Mzia Amaglobeli and Belarusian journalist Andrzej Poczobut. Established by the European Parliament in 1988 and named after Russian physicist and human rights advocate Andrei Sakharov, the prize recognises individuals and organisations that demonstrate extraordinary courage in defending human rights, democratic values, and freedom of expression.

The 2025 Laureates

Mzia Amaglobeli, co-founder and director of independent Georgian media outlets Batumelebi and Netgazeti, was arrested in January 2025 during anti-government protests and sentenced to two years in prison. She became the first female journalist political prisoner in independent Georgia, and her case has become symbolic of the crackdown on press freedom in the country.

Andrzej Poczobut, a journalist and advocate for the Polish minority in Belarus, has been detained since 2021 following a government crackdown. He was sentenced to eight years in a penal colony for his outspoken criticism of the Lukashenka regime and his work on minority rights and historical truth. His health has deteriorated in detention, and his family is not permitted to visit him.

Learn more about the finalists here.

Why EBC Attended

Whilst EBC’s primary mission focuses on advancing brain health research and improving the lives of people living with brain conditions, our presence at the Sakharov Prize ceremony reflects a fundamental truth: health advocacy cannot exist without human rights.

The freedom to seek medical care, to advocate for patients, to conduct research without interference, and to challenge stigma all depend on the basic freedoms that journalists like Amaglobeli and Poczobut have sacrificed their liberty to defend.

The Ceremony

The ceremony brought together representatives from civil society organisations, European Parliament officials, and advocates from across Europe to honour the laureates. Family members and representatives accepted the awards on behalf of both imprisoned journalists, with Poczobut’s daughter Jana and Amaglobeli’s colleague Irma Dimitradze among those present.

The event also recognised the finalists for this year’s prize: Palestinian journalists and humanitarian workers, and Serbian students fighting for democracy and freedom of expression.

EBC’s Commitment to Human Rights

EBC’s attendance at the Sakharov Prize ceremony reaffirms our commitment to the intersection of health and human rights. Our advocacy work for brain health exists within a broader framework of fundamental freedoms, including the right to health, the right to information, and the right to organise and advocate for change.

As we continue our mission to improve outcomes for people living with brain conditions across Europe, we recognise that this work is only possible in societies that protect freedom of thought, expression, and human dignity.

Learn more about the Sakharov Prize and the 2025 laureates here.

Watch the video from the ceremony here.

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Save the date for the 2025 Brain Innovation Days

Dominika Suchonova — Wed, 19 Feb 2025 09:42:06 +0000

The European Brain Council (EBC) is pleased to announce that the 5th edition of the Brain Innovation Days will take place on 15-16 October 2025 at La Tricoterie in Brussels!

The Brain Innovation Days, led by EBC, originate from a collaboration between the scientific and business communities, uniting to highlight opportunities within the brain space. Researchers, clinicians, industry professionals, and other stakeholders worldwide are striving not only to deepen our understanding of the brain but also to translate this knowledge into innovative treatments, interventions, and tools to improve brain health. This event, along with its growing community, serves as a dynamic platform to enhance collaboration, facilitate knowledge sharing, drive business development, connect key stakeholders, attract investments, encourage dialogue, and showcase cutting-edge innovations and progress, particularly in Europe.

Building on the success of previous years, the 2025 edition will continue to feature two full days dedicated to high-level brain innovation, providing extensive networking opportunities for key stakeholders and experts in the field. Attendees can explore groundbreaking projects in the Innovation Hall, engage in insightful Brain Talks and panel discussions, and witness a pitch competition showcasing brain-related start-ups.

Follow the Brain Innovation Days social media channels and dedicated newsletter for all the latest updates – more information to be released soon!

Visit the Brain Innovation Days website

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Brain Health on the Global Stage in Davos During World Economic Forum 2025

Tao — Tue, 28 Jan 2025 08:29:14 +0000

The World Economic Forum (WEF)’s annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland has long been a leading gathering where global leaders in business, policymaking and activism converge to address critical international challenges. This year’s meeting, held from January 20 to 24, 2025, focused on the theme “Collaboration for the Intelligent Age”, with priorities including rebuilding trust, reimagining growth, and safeguarding the planet.

Across the globe, society is facing brain challenges like never before — improving the health and wellbeing of citizens has become the top priority for many governments and brain health plays a pivotal role in the lives of our populations. 2025 builds on the growing momentum for brain health at the global level. For the first time at the World Economic Forum, brain health and the brain economy emerged as critical priorities for discussion and attention, included also within a dedicated session on the official convention programme on the brain economy, addressing not only the challenges presented by the burden of brain disorders but also exploring how to unlock the immense economic potential behind brain health and thriving workforces.

Davos Dispatch from The Brain House at the World Economic Forum

Davos Alzheimer's Collaborative

Brain Health Emerges As Top Priority At Davos

Forbes

Your Content Goes Here

Brain Health is a Challenge That Needs Global Collaboration

Health Policy Watch

Brain gain: How improving brain health benefits the economy

World Economic Forum

The European Brain Council (EBC) was thrilled to have taken part in various sessions on brain health in Davos and help propel this momentum. The Brain House and the Social Innovation House served as platforms outside the convention centre where stakeholders from various fields met to discuss the critical importance of brain health and how innovation in brain capital can help address global challenges.

The Brain House, organised by the Davos Alzheimer Collaboration (DAC), was built on a fundamental truth: the brain— our source of innovation, creativity, and collaboration—is the most valuable driver of economic growth, resilience and transformation. By harnessing this potential, the urgent crises of our time can be tackled while reimagining progress that benefits everyone. The Brain House served as a hub for collaboration and innovation, demonstrating the need for greater understanding and prioritization brain health, brain research and brain capital to shape a healthier, more resilient, and productive future. Here, leaders, innovators, and changemakers from across sectors and continents converged to:

Build an inclusive and resilient global coalition prepared to lead transformative change.
Understand the connections between the brain, climate change, population aging, AI and global issues reshaping our world.
Share urgent, actionable solutions to today’s global crises while driving productivity and boosting GDP.
Mobilize resources and innovation at scale to meet the magnitude of our shared challenges.

‘Setting a Yearlong Course of Action: Starting a Global Brain Health Movement’

EBC was pleased to take part in the closing session at the Brain House on the Global Brain Health Movement. The session focused on fostering partnerships and building momentum through key global platforms like the G7, G20, and the World Health Assembly. Claudio Bassetti, EBC Vice-President, discussed actionable steps to elevate brain health on the global agenda together with moderator George Vradenburg, Chairman and Board of Directors of Davos Alzheimer’s Collaborative, Cara Altimus, Managing Director, SPARC, Milken Institute Strategic Philanthropy, Lucy Perez, Senior Partner at McKinsey & Company and Christa Studzinski, Director of Business Development and Partnerships at the Ontario Brain Institute.

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The Social Innovation House acts as a catalyst for global transformation. Here, groundbreaking solutions reach scale, visionary leaders find their community, world-changing ideas come to life and the House acts to bridge grassroots wisdom with global leadership. With over 5,000 members and more than 100 collaborations across 144 countries, the House creates a space in Davos where social innovators connect, collaborate, and drive transformational change. From education to climate action, from mental health to gender equality, their work advances the Sustainable Development Goals while pioneering new solutions beyond them. This year the House hosted a full day dedicated to mental health, with EBC as an official partner, including sessions around innovation, men’s mental health, meditation, psychedelics, youth, AI and leadership in the space.

‘Brain Capital & Human Flourishing: Connecting Brain Health, Purpose, and Economic Prosperity’

Frédéric Destrebecq, EBC Executive Director, moderated a session on Mental Health Day at the Social Innovation House around brain health and economic prosperity. This timely session delved into the significant connection between brain health, purposeful living, and their collective impact on economic and human prosperity. The concept of ‘Brain Capital’ was raised, which emphasizes the value of mental health, cognitive performance, and emotional resilience in driving societal and economic growth. Attendees learned how prioritizing brain health not only enhances individual well-being and purpose but also fosters innovation, productivity, and equity. Speakers discussed actionable strategies for building brain capital, supporting human flourishing, and creating a more prosperous and purposeful future for all. Experts in this panel include Harris Eyre, Co-Lead at the Brain Capital Alliance, Geoff Moore, Founder and CEO of Impactᴬᴺᴰ and Tadeusz Hawrot, Founder and Executive Director of Psychedelic Access and Research European Alliance (PAREA) Science.

During the discussion, EBC was able to highlight the launch of the ‘Value of Social Production in Norway’ report that day, a collaborative effort between EBC, The Mental Wealth Initiative (MWI), the Norwegian Brain Council, the European Policy Centre, the World Bank, Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy and the Euro-Mediterranean Economists Association. This report presents a pioneering approach to measuring national prosperity by integrating the concept of Mental Wealth, explicitly valuing social production alongside traditional economic output.

Read the Report

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Value of SP in Norway_v9(FINAL)

In conclusion, the message from Davos is clear: by investing in brain health we can foster a more productive, creative, and resilient society capable of navigating the turbulent years ahead. As we face a poly-crisis of climate extremes, public health threats, and global instability, it’s clear that our current socio-economic paradigm is inadequate to address these challenges. This paradigm shift towards prioritizing brain health may well be the key to sustaining human development, well-being, and our collective ability to overcome the complex global challenges we face. An editorial on the Brain Economy, co-authored by EBC, provides more insights into the brain economy and how this model could be transformative to societies worldwide.

Energised by the insightful discussions in Davos, EBC returns with renewed commitment to advancing the global brain health movement, inspired by the collaborative efforts to prioritize brain health on the international economic and policy agenda.

EBC was able to be present at the World Economic Forum 2024 with thanks to support from Roche.

Impactful quotes collected at the Brain House

“Our healthcare costs amount to $2 billion. Every quarter, our CFO asks, ‘What are we doing about this?’ That’s why we prioritize brain health—it directly impacts our bottom line.”

Sheri Bronstein, Bank of America

“Surveys have shown people care more about their brain health than physical health. We’re starting to see the first preliminary shoots of lifelong human flourishing.”

Patrick Brannelly, The 10,000 Brains Project

“…prioritizing brain health for ourselves, for our families and our communities across the life course, we can build a healthier, more resilient society for generations to come.”

Catharina Boehme, World Health Organization

“We all have family members who have brain health issues, or we have brain health issues. As Bill Clinton said when he ran for president, ‘it’s the economy, stupid.’ In this case, it’s the brain, stupid.”

Patrick J. Kennedy, former US congressman

“Public private partnerships are the key to aligning on our collective aspiration and driving systems change.”

Lucy Pérez, McKinsey Health Institute

“Collaborative innovation is the theme this year and coming together physically and virtually under this common umbrella is critical. This allows us to do the work together to catalyze funding and find solutions.”

Andy Moose, World Economic Forum

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Transforming Sovereign Wealth to Mental Wealth – Norway’s Social Production Report Launches during the World Economic Forum

Dominika Suchonova — Wed, 22 Jan 2025 04:21:06 +0000

The Mental Wealth Initiative (MWI), in partnership with esteemed collaborators from the European Brain Council, Norwegian Brain Council, the European Policy Centre, the World Bank, Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy, and the Euro-Mediterranean Economists Association, proudly announce the release of their report, “The Value of Social Production in Norway,” during the World Economic Forum, in Davos, Switzerland, January 2025.

This report presents a pioneering approach to measuring national prosperity by integrating the concept of Mental Wealth, explicitly valuing social production alongside traditional economic output. It calls for a crucial policy shift to integrate social production into Systems of National Accounts, fostering a more comprehensive view of national prosperity. The report advocates for investments in brain and social capital, suggesting these be considered new target asset classes for Norway’s Sovereign Wealth Fund. By aligning with the European Brain Council’s National Brain Plans, it aims to catalyse a transition to more sustainable wellbeing-oriented economies.

Key Highlights:

Valuation of Social Production: The report estimates that the total value of social production in Norway reached an impressive 284.4 billion Norwegian Kroner (NOK) in 2022, accounting for 4.98% of the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This figure underscores the significant yet often overlooked contributions of unpaid work to societal wellbeing and economic resilience.
Demographic Contributions: The findings reveal that women contributed the most to social production, valued at 160 billion NOK, primarily through family care. In contrast, men contributed 123.65 billion NOK, with notable contributions to family care and leading contributions to voluntary work. The report highlights the essential roles played by various demographic groups, including the unemployed and retirees, in fostering community cohesion and support.
Social Production Categories: The report categorises social production into eight key areas, including volunteering, unpaid care for children and the elderly, community participation, and environmental stewardship. However, it acknowledges that current estimates are likely an understatement due to incomplete data, emphasizing the need for improved data infrastructure to capture the full scope of social contributions that contribute to national prosperity.
Global Context: This report arrives at a pivotal moment as global momentum shifts towards wellbeing-oriented economies. It aligns with recent international resolutions among WHO and UN Member States recognizing the link between economic policies and health, urging nations to prioritize sustainable development and social wellbeing alongside traditional economic measures.
Future Directions: The Mental Wealth Initiative and its international partners emphasize the importance of regular measurement and reporting of social production to facilitate international comparisons and track progress towards a Wellbeing Economy. This initiative aims to inspire other nations to adopt similar frameworks, fostering a global dialogue on the value of social contributions to the Mental Wealth of Nations.

Value of SP in Norway_v9(FINAL)

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The launch of this report during the World Economic Forum 2025 marks a significant step towards redefining prosperity in the 21st century. By monitoring and valuing social production we can guide investments to create more inclusive, resilient, and thriving communities worldwide.

For further information, please contact: Jo-An Occhipinti (Co-Director, Mental Wealth Initiative: jo-an.occhipinti@sydney.edu.au); Frédéric Destrebecq (Executive Director, European Brain Council: frde@braincouncil.eu); or Henrik Peersen (Secretary General, Norwegian Brain Council: henrik@hjerneradet.no).

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Perspective Paper Event at the European Parliament on 3 December 2024

Tao — Tue, 03 Dec 2024 10:34:01 +0000

We are at a historical crossroads in the management of Alzheimer’s disease, with new treatments becoming available in various countries. For the first time in history, science is delivering new, potentially disease-modifying treatments for devastating diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease. However, the current healthcare system and regulatory frameworks do not easily allow the implementation of such innovations, even for the subset of people living with Alzheimer’s who would be eligible.

A Perspective Paper, a collaborative effort between the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA) and the European Brain Council (EBC), has been launched in September 2024 on the occasion of World Alzheimer’s month. This Perspective Paper does not merely document the status quo but challenges it – and thereby motivates the reader to rethink how Alzheimer’s Disease is addressed. By offering a comprehensive review of current practices, identifying gaps and barriers, and proposing policy recommendations, this report seeks to reshape the Alzheimer’s disease healthcare pathway in ways that enhance outcomes and quality of life for all involved, and thereby reduce the impact on society.

In order to bring to life this ‘Rethinking Alzheimer’s’ Perspective Paper, EFPIA and EBC organised an event at the European Parliament on 3^rd of December 2024. The aim of this event was to convene key stakeholders in the field of Alzheimer’s Disease and to rethink how we approach Alzheimer’s Disease treatment, care and management and shape the future of brain health in Europe.

RETHINK Alzheimer Perspective Paper_DEF_HD_pages

Read the report

The event kicked off with a warm welcome by host MEP Tsvetelina Penkova (S&D, Bulgaria), who emphasised the importance of such efforts and highlighted that much work is still necessary regarding the Alzheimer’s Disease diagnosis and care pathway. These efforts should not remain in the walls of the European Parliament, but also trickle down all the way to all EU member states. For this reason, MEP Penkova invited Kristiya Ivanova, a volunteer expert from the Alzheimer Bulgaria Association, to join and speak at this event.

Helen Rochford-Brennan, a patient advocate, shared her experience of living with Alzheimer’s Disease during her keynote speech titled ‘Embracing Life Amidst Alzheimer’s: Finding Purpose, Joy and Connection’. Helen is a Global Dementia Ambassador and vice-chair of the Irish Dementia Working Group, as well as a member of the European Working Group of People with Dementia. She guided us through her journey from the moment she was first diagnosed, how her family and friends reacted to the news, to how she now successfully copes and finds joy in each day, despite her diagnosis. Her keynote speech illuminated the journey of living with the disease: ‘For me, peace came when I stopped fighting the disease and learned how to live with it’.

A brief presentation on the key takeaways of the Perspective Paper by Frédéric Destrebecq, EBC Executive Director, then followed. Dementia costs global economies 1.2 trillion euros in 2019 – with 50% of this considerable sum attributed to informal caregiving. These numbers indicate that change is urgent, as early and effective treatments could help reduce these costs and alleviate burdens on families and caregivers. Key priorities include well-defined post-diagnostic pathways, funding, timely access to treatments, and high-quality care – prompting the need for a shift from late-stage care to early-stage active treatment and management. Society must rethink its approach to Alzheimer’s Disease, ensuring scientific progress translates into improved lives for patients and families.

Keeping these key priorities in mind, an Expert Panel Discussion brought to light the perspective of patient, caregiver, researchers and neurologists on how Alzheimer’s affects everyone involved, at a personal and societal level. The experts shared examples of successful support systems and impactful interventions. Moderated by Laura Campo, Executive Director International Corporate Affairs at Eli Lilly and Company, this panel included:

Ron Handels, Assistant Professor, Alzheimer Centre Limburg Maastricht University
Argonde van Harten, Medical Specialist in Neurodegeneration, Amsterdam UMC
Hassan Fadli, Founder of 5 Ironmans Beat Alzheimer’s Initiative
Helen Rochford-Brennan, Vice Chair, Irish Dementia Working Group

Next, the policy panel provided insights from policymakers, a neurologist and a patient representative on the need to prioritise holistic care and integrating therapies to Alzheimer’s Disease. Moderated by Katerina Valkova, Associate Director European Public Policy at Bristol Myers Squibb, this Policy Panel included:

MEP Tomislav Sokol (EPP, Croatia)
MEP Tomáš Zdechovský (EPP, Czech Republic)
MEP Maria Walsh (EPP, Ireland)
Sebastiaan Engelborghs, Full professor of neurology and neurosciences at Vrije Universiteit Brussel
Kristiya Ivanova, Volunteer Expert, Alzheimer Bulgaria Association

Prof. Sebastiaan Engelborghs highlights a significant disparity in funding between dementia care and research, noting that expenditures on dementia care often exceed those for research by more than four times. This imbalance is astounding and further emphasises the economic impact and burden of dementia on society. When compared to other diseases such as cancer, dementia research receives disproportionately less funding relative to its societal impact. Despite its growing prevalence and cost to society, dementia is not receiving the attention it so urgently needs. MEP Tomislav Sokol outlined the scope and limitations that Members of the European Parliament (MEP) can have. For instance, while MEPs cannot directly implement healthcare laws in individual member states, they can advocate for expedited market access for certain pharmaceuticals. This insight is particularly relevant for rapidly developing dementia treatments, highlighting the need for ongoing efforts to improve patient access to innovative therapies.

The successful event concluded with an interactive networking lunch, connecting speakers and attendees in the room. Discussions across sectors are critical in order to keep Alzheimer’s Disease high on the policy agenda. By facilitating the interaction between key stakeholders, scientists, and society as a whole this event in the European Parliament added immensurable value to the Rethinking Alzheimer’s disease project.

All Photographs were taken by Sylvain Crasset, more pictures can be found here!

Call to Action From the Perspective Paper: Policy Recommendations

Recommendation 1: Make Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and brain health a national, European, and global public health priority

National level: Implement and support the development of national AD/dementia strategies based on clearly defined KPIs following WHO’s guidelines, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and recommendations from people living with AD, clinicians, health professionals, researchers, carers and civil society.

European Commission (EC) level: Coordinate the AD/Dementia national strategies under an overarching EU policy framework with dedicated funding.

EC level: Create a subgroup on Dementia within the EU’s Expert Group on Public Health to define clear guidelines, establish a roadmap and identify best practices.

EC & European Parliament (EP) level: Ensure that AD and dementia are considered in all aspects of policymaking, by involving all relevant parties in the design and monitoring of policies and expanding the cooperation between units of the EC.

EP level: Support transversal approaches aiming to tackle (or better address) AD/dementia in the broader context of neurological and mental disorders through holistic and coordinated policy efforts.

EP level: Increase political leadership on AD/dementia by designating Brain Health Ambassadors within the EP.

International level: Continue the work made in the context of the WHO (World Health Organization) Global Action Plan on Dementia to seek its full implementation at the national level (Alzheimer’s Disease International, 2024) and prioritise the extension of this global instrument, due to expiration in 2025, and enshrine diagnostics, treatment and care at the heart of all National Dementia Plans (Alzheimer’s Disease International, 2024).

Recommendation 2: Promote training, education and awareness raising in healthcare professionals (HCPs) and citizens

Raise awareness about AD at national and EU level to reduce stigma.

Foster and support educational and awareness campaigns in society and among HCPs at national and EU level about early detection of AD, access to diagnostic centres, and the benefits of the post-diagnostic care across the EU through existing funding and educational mechanisms.

Provide ongoing training for healthcare professionals on the latest AD findings including early detection and treatment options.

Increase available training and educational programming for primary care providers to support them in taking a greater role in monitoring treatment effect and detecting and addressing adverse events, like Amyloid-related imaging abnormalities (ARIA).

Increase awareness and education in the society and among HCPs alike (on topics such as the difference between AD and normal ageing, AD and dementia, etc.) to tackle barriers in access to both diagnostic, treatment, and care.

Expand possible training offered to other members of Public Administration (i.e., 1st responders, volunteers, police & fire services, etc.).

Ensure that a module on dementia care is included in clinical and research curricula.

Recommendation 3: Leverage data, information sharing and technology

Support a precision medicine approach based on biomarkers and predictive algorithms for treatment response (that consider both efficacy and safety).

Facilitate exchange of best practices among member states in order to develop initiatives such as: EU Joint Actions on AD, EU AD registry, and monitoring based on a standardised set of statistics to regularly report for each country as an epidemiological surveillance of AD.

Implement electronic health records (EHR) to streamline person living with AD data sharing and improve coordination of care.

Initiate registries of family members and people diagnosed with AD.

Develop and implement standardised protocols for the administration of DMTs (Disease Modifying Treatments) and monitoring of ARIA across excellence centres.

Utilise big data and artificial intelligence (AI) to predict patient needs and optimise resource allocation for MRI units and infusion centres.

Implement EHR to streamline patient data sharing and improve coordination of care (e.g., Involve clinicians, researchers, patients and carers in the implementation of the EHDS).

Recommendation 4: Provide access to, optimisation and implementation of innovation

Ensure the pathway model is flexible enough to give people living with AD equitable access to innovation and dedicated funding to reimburse the treatment and care pathway (e.g., through the implementation of policies that ensure all people living with AD, regardless of socioeconomic status, have access to innovative AD treatments).

Provide reimbursement for people who cannot afford expensive treatments and MRI scans.

Support the implementation of a structured and sustainable care pathways supported by clear guidelines and taking stock of innovative tools and therapeutic innovation.

Optimisation of the innovative treatment delivery (i.e., increase the number and/or potentiate existing AD centres for the optimal care pathway in the post-diagnostic journey of AD patients).

Increase infusion capacity for treatment delivery.

Increase capacity for treatments monitoring.

Recommendation 5: Ensure dedicated funding to support Alzheimer’s research and infrastructure development

Ensure that Member States, the EC and private sector allocate sufficient funding to make the most of a coordinated efforts and approach to accelerate the development and distribution of innovative treatments (e.g., Innovative Health Initiative, European Partnership on Brain Health, Healthier Together initiative).

Ensure that funding adequately matches the health, economic, social, and research challenges posed by AD and dementia (e.g., increase the funding for AD clinical trials, which are currently mostly run in the USA, not European context).

Collaborative AD health system and implementation-focused research effort (e.g., Davos Alzheimer’s Collaborative (DAC) looking inter alia at health systems preparedness and building on the findings of the DAC Learning Laboratory, World Dementia Council (WDC), World Health Organization (WHO) Global Action Plan on the public health response to dementia 2017-2025, Global Dementia Observatory, Intersectoral global action plan on epilepsy and other neurological disorders 2022-2031Renew the EU4H-2023-PJ-04 call with increased funding to further ensure that recommendations trickle down at national level and are implemented).

Advocate for the increase in funding from governmental and non-governmental organizations to support AD research and infrastructure development.

Recommendation 6: Increase patient and public involvement

Involve people living with AD, their carers, and their healthcare professionals to work alongside ministries of health, social affairs, education, research, industry to develop and allocate relevant funding to the plan.

Involving people living with AD and their carers in the design and development of new clinical pathways, to ensure they are accessible, inclusive and patient-centered.

Educate and raise awareness of patients and caregivers about the importance of regular monitoring and adherence to treatment plans.

Integrate the voice of patients in the design of trial and especially endpoints.

Recommendation 7: Integrate multidisciplinary care teams

Form multidisciplinary teams including neurologists, radiologists, nurses, psychiatrists, geriatricians, nutritionists and primary care physicians to provide comprehensive care (Gauthier et al., 2022).

Call for the introduction of a skilled navigator designed to keep the person living with dementia at the heart of decision making by this multidisciplinary teams (Gauthier et al., 2022).

Potentiate psychosocial care for AD patients.

Use telemedicine to facilitate regular consultations and follow-ups, especially for people living with AD in remote locations.

Support a shift from care to active treatment, increasing the use of large multi-specialty practices.

Recommendation 8: Define post-diagnostic pathways through guidelines and funds allocated for optimal implementation

Fund and support the implementation of information-sharing mechanisms at all levels of the care pathways, from the caring team to the decision-making level. This will improve alignment and harmonisation of the pathways across countries.

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EBC Invited to Address the European Parliament Public Health Committee

Hugo Hermantin — Thu, 17 Oct 2024 06:00:47 +0000

Brussels, 17 October 2024 – Today, EBC’s Vice-President, Prof. Claudio Bassetti, addresses the European Parliament Subcommittee on Public Health (SANT) meeting in Brussels on neurological health, presenting not only on the burden of neurological disorders but the increasing momentum around prioritising brain health and brain capital in Europe and beyond.

As Europe faces unprecedented challenges around brain health, the European Brain Council (EBC) and its community have been rallying behind a call for increased attention to brain health, calling on Members of the European Parliament for urgent action to tackle the burden of brain disorders, neurological and mental alike, in the current mandate.

Neurological and mental make of brain disorders the #1 cause of disability and #2 cause of death

The brain is the most complex organ of the human body. Understanding how the brain works, how brain diseases progress (basic research) and finding treatments and cures for these diseases (applied research) is one of humanity’s greatest challenges. There are 400 classified neurological conditions and 200 psychiatric disorders, which include epilepsy, depression, Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s, depression, stroke, schizophrenia, headache, anxiety disorders, chronic pain and rarer brain disorders such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), dystonia and ataxia affecting millions of EU citizens of all ages.

These conditions fall under the term “brain conditions”, acting as an umbrella encompassing both neurological and mental disorders. Brain health is a growing priority across Europe and worldwide, exerting a massive toll on patients and their families, but also on labour markets, economies, and societies at large. Neurological and mental conditions make of brain disorders the #1 cause of disability and the second leading cause of death worldwide [1], accounting for over 18% of total health loss [2]. And this burden will keep on growing as the European population ages.

As defined by the World Health Organization (WHO), brain health is “the state of brain functioning […] allowing a person to realize their full potential over the life course, irrespective of the presence or absence of disorders.” [3] In the context of the upcoming European Partnership for Brain Health, the European Commission chose a more comprehensive understanding of brain health, defined as “a concept that encompasses neural development, neuroplasticity, brain functioning, and recovery across the life course, including mental health and wellbeing elements.” [4]

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Increased momentum to address brain health and brain capital as a priority.

Faced with this urgent need for action, the WHO has adopted multiple plans for mental health, for dementia and for epilepsy and other neurological disorders, thereby requiring from Member States to commit to addressing the burden of brain disorders in a cohesive manner, notably by establishing national brain strategies by 2030-2031.
This momentum has been echoed at the European Union level, with the recent Comprehensive Approach to Mental Health, the Healthier Together initiative, the Horizon Europe Framework Programme for Research and Innovation, and more specifically the upcoming European Partnership for Brain Health.

However, in the current context of increased focus on competitiveness and innovation, an overarching plan for the brain at the EU level would allow for streamlining of resources, avoiding duplication of efforts while maximising policy impacts for the millions of Europeans living with a brain condition, but also their families, carers, and societies at large.

The fact is, understanding the brain is not just to address a “burden”. It is also to allow people to thrive: to live in health and in happiness, to power our labor markets and economies, and to build for future generations. Brain health has an increasingly critical role in our economies, predicated on the concept of “Brain Capital” [5] – encompassing an individual’s social, emotional, and cognitive resources – with the world increasingly putting a premium on brain skills and brain health.

This broader understanding of the crucial role played by the brain as the powerhouse of our societies has recently been acknowledged by Cameroon, currently chairing the United Nations General Assembly, through its Yaoundé Declaration, calling for “Brain Health in All Policies” [6]. It is now imperative that the European Union follows suit by developing a comprehensive and overarching coordination plan for the brain, support the development of national brain strategies, and ensure that these efforts can trickle down at national level.

Calling for an Intergroup on Brain Health

Over 110 organisations and several MEPs have voiced support for stronger policy leadership and called for a dedicated EU Brain Health Plan and the establishment of a European Parliament Intergroup on Brain Health in the current mandate. This Intergroup would serve as a platform to foster collaboration between MEPs, experts, stakeholders, and civil society, but also as a crucial mechanism to coordinate current policy efforts, ensuring that brain health, brain research, and brain innovation receive the attention they deserve.

[1]: Intersectoral global action plan on epilepsy and other neurological disorders 2022–2031. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2023. Licence: CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO, p:2.

[2]: Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME). Findings from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019. Seattle, WA: IHME, 2022.

[3]: “Brain Health”, World Health Organization.

[4]: “Designing a European Brain Health Landscape (CSA BrainHealth)”, European Commission.

[5]: Ibanez A, Eyre H, Brain capital, ecological development and sustainable environments, BMJ Ment Health 2023;26:e300803.

[6]: The Yaoundé Declaration, Njamnshi, Alfred K et al., The Lancet Neurology, Volume 23, Issue 10, 966 – 967

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