Monday, July 6th | 07:00 PM – 08:30 PM CET | Hall D

In Europe, several countries have made significant efforts to develop and implement national brain plans or strategies in partnership with key stakeholders in the brain space (neuroscientists, neurologists, psychiatrists, patients, industry partners, and many more) and their respective governments, including Spain, Switzerland, and Norway, to name a few. Many other countries have established concrete short-term objectives or have initiatives currently underway, and momentum in this area is rapidly growing. Following a Welcome & Opening by Prof. Suzanne Dickson, President of the European Brain Council, this Networking Event, chaired by Frédéric Destrebecq, EBC Executive Director, will provide a platform through which we aim to showcase success stories and best practices, facilitate knowledge exchange and brainstorming, and support the emergence of additional national brain plans. This event is particularly timely given the increasing engagement of National Brain Councils in the development of brain plans, in the context of Member States committing to establishing tangible strategies to tackle the burden of brain disorders by 2031 through the World Health Organization Intersectoral Global Action Plan on Epilepsy and Other Neurological Disorders.

This event is organised by the Hellenic Brain Council and the European Brain Council.

Tuesday, July 7th | 12:00 PM – 13:00 PM CET | Hall H

This Special Interest Event, organised by the FENS Advocacy Committee, will explore why political advocacy for neuroscience research funding is more important than ever in a rapidly changing global landscape.
The session will open with an overview of the current European research funding environment, highlighting the growing challenges facing neuroscience research. The discussion will emphasise the critical role of advocacy for neuroscience research funding, and how long‑term engagement between the scientific community and policymakers is essential for ensuring consistent funding and supportive policies.
Building on this context, speakers from the FENS Advocacy Committee will share personal advocacy experiences, illustrating national differences, opportunities, challenges, and lessons learned from engaging in science advocacy as researchers and citizen‑advocates. These stories will underline the unique credibility and impact scientists bring when advocating for research.
The speakers will then introduce plans for the FENS Advocacy Training Network – an initiative aimed at empowering a Europe-wide cohort of neuroscientists through specialised advocacy training in Brussels. Participants in the network will be equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to engage effectively with European decision‑makers, particularly during key moments in the EU budgetary and legislative processes.
The session will conclude with an interactive audience Q&A, followed by a clear call to action encouraging participants to consider how they can contribute to a strong, competitive, and well‑represented neuroscience ecosystem in Europe.

This event is organised by the FENS Advocacy Committee.

Wednesday, July 8th | 12:00 PM – 13:00 PM CET | HALL H

Brain health has emerged as a central societal, scientific, and economic priority worldwide. Neurological and mental disorders are now the leading cause of disability and a major driver of healthcare costs, lost productivity, and social inequality across Europe and globally. At the same time, the concept of brain capital, which integrates brain health with cognitive skills, creativity, emotional resilience, and innovation capacity, has gained traction as a framework to link neuroscience, economics, education, and public policy. Despite major advances in neuroscience, current research and innovation ecosystems remain fragmented, with limited integration between fundamental brain research, clinical neuroscience, prevention strategies, and socio-economic impact. This disconnect hampers the translation of discoveries into effective interventions and policies that promote lifelong brain health and sustainable brain capital. This Special Interest Event chaired by Mara Dierssen, aims to position brain health and brain capital as unifying concepts that can guide the future of neuroscience research, fostering interdisciplinary approaches, new funding paradigms, and closer interaction between scientists, clinicians, policymakers, industry, and society.

This event is organised by the FENS Forum Host Society Committee (SENC), the European Brain Council and the Spanish Brain Council.

Thursday, July 9th | 12:00 PM – 13:00 PM CET | HALL H