Advancing Brain Research in Europe: A Call for Collective Action
26.06.2025 @ 09:00 - 11:00
On 26 June 2025, MEP Romana Jerković (S&D, Croatia), Vice-Chair of the European Parliament Public Health Committee, will host an event titled ‘Advancing Brain Research in Europe: A Call for Collective Action’. Set to take place in the European Parliament, this timely event will bring together high-level policymakers, researchers, clinicians, industry representatives, patient advocates and international organisations to collectively shape the future of brain research in Europe.
Brain conditions, neurological and mental alike, are the leading cause of disability and the second leading cause of death globally. With the growing societal and economic burden of brain conditions, there is a pressing need for a united approach to brain health and research across the EU. Understanding how the brain works, how brain disorders progress, and finding treatments and cures for these diseases is a long-term endeavour; therefore, making increased investment and support crucial.
With the next Framework Programme for Research & Innovation (FP10), the European Research Area Act, the EU Life Sciences strategy and the upcoming European Partnership for Brain Health on the horizon, EBC welcomes this event as a critical platform to:
- Reflect on recent scientific advancements in brain research across Europe,
- Address the challenges faced by the European research ecosystem, including funding pressures, ethical challenges and regulatory hurdles,
- Call for reinforced EU-level action to secure and expand support for brain health and research.
Programme details to be announced soon.
Practical Details
Date: 26 June 2025
Time: 09:00-11:00 (Brussels time)
Host: MEP Romana Jerković (S&D, Croatia)
Location: SPINELLI 5G305, European Parliament, Brussels
The event will be moderated by Frédéric Destrebecq, Executive Director, European Brain Council.
Frédéric Destrebecq, Executive Director, European Brain Council
Programme
09:00 – 09:10
Welcome from EBC and Host MEP
MEP Romana Jerković, Member of the European Parliament (S&D, CR)
Kasia Jurczak, Head of the Combatting Diseases (RTD.D.1) Unit, Directorate-General for Research and Innovation, European Commission
Suzanne Dickson, President of the European Brain Council (EBC)
Fireside Chat: A European Partnership for Brain Health: The Emergence of an EU Ecosystem for Brain Health and Brain
Research
09:10 – 09:20
Friederike Bathe, Head of the Coordination Office, Coordination & Support Action BrainHealth
Panel Discussion: Ethical & Regulatory Challenges in Brain Research
09:20 – 09:55
Sabine Hölter-Koch, Chair, ECNP Preclinical Data Forum Network
Kirk Leech, Executive Director, European Animal Research Association
Hervé Chneiweiss, Director, Neuroscience-Paris Seine-IBPS Laboratory
Alice Accorroni, RRFS Representative to the EAN Board, European Academy of Neurology (EAN)
Fireside Chat: From Excellence to Practice: Translating Research Outcomes into Clinical Care
09:55 – 10:15
Alina Tomoiaga, Project Advisor, European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency (EISMEA)
Andreas Reif, President Elect, European College of Neuropsychopharmacology (ECNP)
Panel Discussion: Future Orientations to Promote Research Excellence in the European Union
10:15 – 10:50
Jan Palmowski, Secretary-General, The Guild of European Research-Intensive Universities
Tomás Ryan, EBC Board Member; Chair, FENS Advocacy Committee
Kasia Jurczak, Head of the Combatting Diseases (RTD.D.1) Unit, Directorate-General for Research and Innovation, European Commission
Isaac Middelmann, Director of Strategic Fundraising, EIT Health Accelerator
Panel Discussion: Future Orientations to Promote Research Excellence in the European Union
10:50 – 11:00
Suzanne Dickson, President, European Brain Council