As part of Brain Awareness Week 2026, the European Brain Council (EBC) joins forces under the Brain Health Mission with key strategic partners the European Academy of Neurology (EAN) and the Federation of European Neuroscience Societies (FENS). Supported by MEP Angelika Winzig (EPP, AT), a full day of events will take place in Brussels under the umbrella Brain Health Day: Prevention, Policy, Progress on 18 March 2026. The event in question, A European Vision for Brain Health: Coordinating Research, Care & Innovation, hosted by MEP Angelika Winzig (EPP, Austria), will take place in the Presidential Salon of the European Parliament from 16:00 – 18:00.

Brain Awareness Week is the global campaign to increase public awareness of the progress and benefits of brain research. Every March, the week unites the efforts of partner organizations world-wide in a celebration of the brain for people of all ages. EBC takes part annually with an initiative to promote and communicate on brain health and research, showcasing ongoing efforts to prevent and treat brain disorders – neurological and mental alike – in Europe. The goal of these activities is to gain more attention for brain health, not only from within the wider brain community but also from EU policymakers and the public, to ensure that more resources are channelled towards prevention awareness, research on the brain and for the millions of Europeans currently living with or affected by a brain condition.

As the European Union finalises its 10th Framework Programme for Research and Innovation, which will define the trajectory of Europe’s scientific and technological leadership for the years to come, there is a unique window of opportunity to ensure that the brain is firmly anchored in the EU’s policy agendas. This event will help shape a powerful political momentum at a decisive time for concerted EU action. Building on the growing movement across Europe and globally to develop national brain strategies, this year’s event will serve as a platform to highlight how coordinated approaches – across research, care systems, innovation ecosystems and prevention frameworks – can accelerate progress and reduce fragmentation. The event will also leverage the activities led by the European Academy of Neurology, from its Brain Health Summit to the week-long exhibition in the European Parliament, therefore offering an unprecedented opportunity to amplify messages, strengthen collaboration and build a unified momentum for brain health in the European union. It will also connect directly with the ongoing work to establish an EU Coordination Plan for the Brain, ensuring that Europe’s brain health ecosystem evolves in a coherent and impactful way.

Programme

16:00 – 16:05

16:05 – 17:00

Moderated by:

17:00 – 17:15

17:15 – 17:45

Moderated by:

17:45 – 17:55

17:55 – 18:00