International Congress for Ataxia Research (ICAR)
2022-11-01 - 2022-11-04 | Dallas, TX, United States
The International Congress for Ataxia Research (ICAR), to be held on 1-4 November 2022, will take place in Dallas, Texas (USA).
This Congress will combine the best of our organizations’ popular research meetings, including NAF’s Ataxia Investigators Meeting (AIM) and the International Ataxia Research Conference (IARC), co-led by FARA, Ataxia UK, GoFAR, and other partner organizations. ICAR 2022 will include plenary sessions, poster sessions, breakouts and workshops.
Featured topics include: gene discovery, disease mechanisms, cerebellar non-motor circuits and functions, emerging and existing therapeutics, biomarkers and late breaking research. ICAR will also feature workshops with practical demonstrations, discussions on challenges of new and established technologies, and sessions specifically designed by and for junior investigators.

Mental Health Week events in Greece – with special focus on child and adolescent mental health
2022-11-03 - 2022-11-05 | Athens, Greece
EBC as a member of the pan-European Mental Health Coalition (*) working package on mental health and well-being of children, adolescents and youth and in the framework of the joint Value of Treatment study on anorexia nervosa, autism and depression in Europe participated online in the Mental Health Week meeting that took place in Athens (Greece) on 3-5 November 2022.
The meeting aimed to share good practices in improving mental health and well-being for children and adolescents, to review progress to date and to refine priority actions for the future. It included interactive workshops to gather inputs from young people on developing a quality-of-care framework for child and adolescent mental health in Europe.
(*) The Coalition, launched in September 2021, is a network of individuals and organisations committed to ensuring that every person in the European Region has access to the resources needed for good mental health. It does so by harnessing the collective wisdom, expertise, and know-how of its more than 200 members, guided by the WHO European Framework for Action on Mental Health 2021–2025. A 2nd meeting of the Pan-European Mental Health Coalition “Local Action, Regional Transformation” will take place on 23-24 November 2022 in Ankara (Turkey). This meeting will show examples of good practices in national contexts, including Turkey, as well as looking to the future, and discuss how to continue towards mental health service transformation.
Look back at the programmeRead the EBC Call to Action on Improving Mental Health Care in Europe

EU Health Summit: Towards an EU Health Union
2022-11-15 09:00 - 19:00 UTC | Brussels, Belgium
The EU Health Coalition is delighted to invite you to its 3rd EU Health Summit to map the future of the European Health Union.
The event will build on the stark lessons learned from COVID-19 and discuss how to go beyond the status-quo in health, seizing opportunities to make positive changes. It will ask what it takes to build a successful EU Health Union centered on people, innovation, and value-based care so that Europeans’ health is better protected and our health systems are performant and resilient.
The EU Health Summit will reflect on progress towards reaching the EU Health Coalition’s 2020 recommendations and look at how we can power the change towards a stronger Health Union.
Register now!

Local action, regional transformation: WHO Pan-European Mental Health Coalition Meeting
2022-11-23 - 2022-11-24
WHO/Europe held the second meeting of its Pan-European Mental Health Coalition on 23–24 November 2022 in Ankara, Turkey, jointly hosted with the fourth Annual Conference on Social Inclusion of Persons with Mental Disabilities. Held in hybrid format, the conference aimed to leverage regional momentum and continue advocating for the necessary actions to improve mental health systems across the WHO European Region.
Subtitled “Local action, regional transformation”, the second Coalition meeting brought together government representatives; professionals working at the local, national and regional levels; people living with mental health conditions; academics; and others, to share good practice examples in national contexts and continue the development of the Coalition’s key priority areas.
EBC, as a member of the pan-European Mental Health Coalition, was pleased to participate in the meeting.
Dr Hans Henri P. Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe, connected from Ukraine, opening the WHO Pan-European Mental Health Coalition Meeting.
Petr Winkler, Director of the National Institute of Mental Health (Czech Republic) and one of the experts involved in the Value of Treatment case study on schizophrenia, met with Vinciane Quoidbach, Research Project Manager at EBC.

Psychedelic-assisted therapies in the treatment of brain disorders
2022-12-06 14:00 - 16:00 | European Parliament, Rue Wiertz 60, Brussels, 1047, Belgium
The Psychedelic Access and Research European Alliance and European Brain Council were pleased to hold the event, “Psychedelic-assisted therapies in the treatment of brain disorders”, hosted by MEPs Jarosław Duda (EPP, PL) and Alex Agius Saliba (S&D, MT) in the European Parliament on 6 December 2022 at 14:00 –16:00 CET.
Understanding our brain is an enormous task and brain research is extremely complex. Despite huge scientific efforts, mental, neurological and substance use disorders are leading the list of diseases without a known cure. Estimates show that – at the current pace – by 2040 e can prevent only a small proportion of a burden from neurological and mental health conditions: 23% and 14% respectively.
However, innovations that completely change the lives of patients continue to emerge and psychedelic-assisted therapies are one such area. Rapidly growing, rigorous, and compelling body of research demonstrates that these therapies can be a potent new class of treatments for mental, neurological and substance use disorders.
In 2021 alone – ground-breaking findings were published in prestigious journals such as Lancet, Nature Medicine, and New England Journal of Medicine. For example, a phase 3 clinical trial demonstrated that 67% of participants who received the MDMA-assisted therapy no longer had PTSD after two months of therapy. A double-blinded randomized study published in August 2022 in JAMA Psychiatry found that – with 2 doses of psilocybin paired with psychotherapy – nearly half of participants had stopped drinking entirely by the end of the 8-month trial. Psychedelics are also increasingly being researched in the context of neurological disorders such as headaches.
While no treatment is without risks, research shows that psychedelic-assisted therapy is generally physiologically and psychologically safe when delivered in controlled and supportive settings and psychedelic compounds are non-toxic and non-habit forming.
The President Biden Administration’s letter from May 2022 anticipates that US regulators will approve MDMA and psilocybin within the next two years for treatments of PTSD and depression. The administration is “exploring the prospect of establishing a Federal Task Force to monitor and address the numerous complex issues associated with these substances”. In the next few years, millions of Europeans may be eligible for a prescription of psychedelic therapies and we need to start preparing for this now.
AgendaLook back at the event

Rare Neurological Diseases in the EU: The Importance of Early Diagnosis and Real World Evidence to Drive Better Patient Outcomes
2022-12-07 16:00 - 17:30 | European Parliament, Rue Wiertz 60, Brussels, 1047, Belgium
On 7 December 2022 at 16:00-17:30, the European Alliance for Patient Access (EAfPA), with support of the European Brain Council (EBC) and European Federation of Neurological Associations (EFNA), hosted an event in the European Parliament on Rare Neurological Diseases in the EU, exploring the importance of early diagnosis and real-world evidence (RWE) to drive better patient outcomes.
Hosted by MEP Tilly Metz (Greens/EFA, Luxembourg), European stakeholders convened to discuss the critical need for improved access to care, services, and treatment for patients living with rare neurological diseases. Conversations were centred on revisions of current legislation to meet the needs of patients living with a rare neurological condition, as well as the importance of RWE and early diagnosis.
Frédéric Destrebecq, EBC Executive Director, presented the Value of Treatment for rare neurological and neurometabolic diseases case study results and 2022 call to action.
Read moreRegistration is now closed. The draft agenda is included below:
Draft Agenda - Rare Neurological Diseases in the EU- The Importance of Early Diagnosis and Real World Evidence to Drive Better Patient Outcomes

‘The Future of Brain Health: Clinically Informed & Patient-Centred Brain Research’
2022-12-08 14:00 - 16:00 | European Parliament, Rue Wiertz 60, Brussels, 1047, Belgium
EBC Member, the European Academy of Neurology, hosted an event on ‘The Future of Brain Health: Clinically Informed & Patient-Centred Brain Research’ on 8 December in the European Parliament. Held under the auspices of the Czech Presidency of the Council of the European Union and hosted by MEP Ondřej Knotek, the event highlighted the importance and need for research, as well as the main priorities and gaps within neurology, which if addressed will have major impact on brain health.
The event took place in-person at the European Parliament in Brussels on December 8 from 14:00 to 16:00 CET.
EBC President, Prof. Wolfgang Oertel, took part in the panel discussion “The Future of Brain Research in Europe: Key Priorities and How They Can Be Addressed”, together with Orla Galvin (European Federation of Neurological Associations), Paweł Świeboda (EBRAINS) and Frances-Catherine Quevenco (Women’s Brain Project). The panel was moderated by Jacqui Thornton.
Look back at the event and watch the full recording and the highlights video below.
Full Recording of the Future of Brain Health EventHighlights video

Launch event of the RETHINKING Alzheimer’s disease White Paper
2023-01-24 12:30 - 14:00
The launch event of the RETHINKING Alzheimer’s disease White Paper, calling for change in Alzheimer’s care, will take place virtually on 24 January 2023 at 12:30 – 14:00.
The European Brain Council (EBC), in collaboration with the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA), will present its White Paper “RETHINKING Alzheimer’s disease: Detection and diagnosis“. This paper is the first of EBC’s “RETHINKING Alzheimer’s disease” project, looking at how to improve the detection, diagnosis, care and monitoring of Alzheimer’s disease.
Moving Towards a new Alzheimer’s Disease diagnostic pathway in Europe
Our understanding of the progression of Alzheimer’s disease has improved significantly, leading to the development of advanced diagnostics and treatment approaches. To keep people living with Alzheimer’s disease in better health for longer, healthcare systems must be equipped to accurately diagnose the disease earlier and enable earlier access to treatment and support.
We’re at a crossroads in the management of Alzheimer’s disease, with new potential treatments on the horizon. Current healthcare systems are not set up to diagnose and treat the condition early enough to realise the value of upcoming advanced therapeutics, and the benefits they could deliver for broader society.
This must change now, with the support of clear policies that enable timely detection and timely clinical and accurate pathological diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease.
Rethinking the detection and diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease
Join the discussion and learn why an accurate and timely diagnosis is so crucial to advancing the science and our understanding of Alzheimer’s. You can look forward to opening remarks from MEP Sirpa Pietikäinen (EPP, Finland) and a keynote speech highlighting the value of an early diagnosis from a patient perspective.
The keynote will be followed by a panel discussion, moderated by Laura Campo (Eli Lilly and Company), featuring experts involved in the RETHINKING Alzheimer’s disease project, Kristian Steen Frederiksen (European Academy of Neurology), Maria Teresa Ferretti (Women’s Brain Project) and Linus Jönsson (Karolinska Institutet). The panel will emphasise a clear need for new clinical pathways building bridges between all stakeholders to improve the current situation and prepare for the future.
The event will conclude with a high-level policy panel, moderated by Frédéric Destrebecq (European Brain Council), with MEP Tomislav Sokol (EPP, Croatia), MEP Deirdre Clune (EPP, Ireland), Andrzej Rys (Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety – DG SANTE, European Commission) and Dr. Neerja Chowdhary (World Health Organization).
Have your say on how to improve Alzheimer’s care
Register now and share your views on how Alzheimer’s care can be improved by completing a short survey, which will be circulated to all registered participants prior to the event.

The results of the survey will feed directly in the policy recommendations of the RETHINKING Alzheimer’s disease White Paper, which will be released following the event. Preliminary results will also be shared to allow for exchange on the needed strategies and plans for change in the Alzheimer’s care pathway.

Join the discussion and be part of rethinking the way we approach Alzheimer’s disease.
Practical information
Date: Tuesday, 24 January 2023
Time: 12:30 – 14:00 (Brussels time)
Location: livestream
Registration: Please register here
All participants must register before attending this event. Once registered, Zoom instructions will be sent via email closer to the date.
Discover the programmeRegister nowRETHINKING Alzheimer's disease - Launch event of the White Paper - Programme

Europe Rare Disease Summit 2023
2023-02-15 | Madrid
With a new Rare Disease International Day coming up, Bamberg Health in collaboration with key actores of the industry, is organizing the Europe Rare Disease Summit in Madrid (Spain) and virtually.
The objective of the Summit was to discuss the key trends and topics relating to diagnostics and treatments for Rare Diseases, as well as the challenges to timely and equitable access to orphan drugs, and European initiatives for access, research and innovation programs to improve the lives of patients with rare diseases. The event wil be attended by governmental authorities and regulatory agancies from across the region, large public and private hospital groups, research centers, pharmaceutical and patient associations, scientifc societies and health professionals from all over the region.
EBC was delighted to be invited as a contributor this year, with EBC Research Project Manager, Vinciane Quoidbach, who took part in the 1st Panel ‘National Plans, Policies and Government Initiatives Against Rare Diseases’ from 09:15 to 10:00.
To access the program and whole agenda please click here

Mind-body Approaches to Boost Brain Capital
2023-02-15 14:00 - 19:00 | Barcelona, Spain
The world is increasingly relying on brain capital, where a premium is put on brain skills and brain health (e.g. individual’s cognitive, emotional, and social brain resources). Investing in building brain capital is fundamental to meet modern societal challenges and to drive innovation. However, understanding the brain, brain health, and brain disorders is essential to improving health and quality of life. It also offers a pathway to understanding the new economic and social reality.
On the 15th February 2023, at 14:00 – 19:00 CET, EMEA will hold the workshop Mind-body Approaches to Boost Brain Capital event as part of the BioRegion Health Innovation Week organized by BioCat, in collaboration with Brain Capital Alliance, OECD Neuroscience-inspired Policy Initiative, Center for Health and Bioscience at The Baker Institute for Public Policy at Rice University, University of Colorado Denver’s Imaginator Academy, and European Brain Council. The event will be broadcast live on EMEA social media.
This workshop aims to deep dive into examples which improve brain health and brain skills, respectively. We will explore exercise as an approach to improving brain health and creativity as a key brain skill allowing for an in-depth discussion on the links between exercise and creativity. The workshop aims to bring in a mixture of academic, clinical, economic, policy and private sector actors to generate new, scalable solutions and pilot projects that can drive a new economic dynamic that is needed to enhance wellbeing and resilience.
EBC is pleased to be a contributor to the event with Frédéric Destrebecq, EBC Executive Director, taking part in a session “Intersections between exercise and creativity to boost brain capital” at 17:30-19:30. This session has the aim to explore the powerful links between exercise and creativity to accelerate progress on brain capital. In a recent study, it was found that, in general, being more active meant being more creative demonstrating a link between the two. Exercise can boost brain health and creativity can boost brain skills, making the two activities potentially groundbreaking in driving a new economic dynamic for wellbeing and resilience.

BRAINTEASER Mid Term Workshop: Data science and artificial intelligence for supporting the care and cure of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and multiple sclerosis patients
2023-02-28 09:30 - 12:00 | Padua, Italy
BRAINTEASER is a data science project, which the European Brain Council is part of, employs AI-based clinical software and mobile apps to support patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and multiple sclerosis, their clinicians and families.
We have developed a prototype app-based solution with the aim of bridging the gap between hospital- and home-care. Through the app, the patients can send data and questions to the clinicians and receive help and suggestions.
We are also integrating wearable app sensor data collected through smart watches and air-quality data collected through wearable sensors. The first, together with the patient input, helps clinicians determine the patient status. The second is useful to study the possible impact of the environment on disease exacerbation.
We have adopted an open-science paradigm. We respect patient data confidentiality and ownership (data are fully anonymous), and, at the same time, challenge the scientific community to compare, discuss and openly publish their systems and solutions, including those developed by BRAINTEASER.
We have already organised a first open evaluation challenge in September 2022 with the aim of predicting disease prognosis in ALS, and the following is coming in Fall 2023, when we will discuss analogous AI solutions for MS and the possible impact of the environment.
These AI models will be then used to give integrated and augmented information to the clinicians, improving prognostication and intervention timing in routine clinical practice.
As the project has reached the halfway stage, on the 28th February 2023 the Consortium has planned its mid-term workshop.
The organisation of this event comes at the end of the first phase of the project and will serve as a basis to launch the second phase or “pilot phase” that will focus on transforming the current health approach from a reactive to a predictive system focused on risk prediction, patient stratification and prognosis.
The workshop will also serve as a place for reflection on the importance of transformative research, with a view to identifying the opportunities that arise from the National Plan for Recovery and Resilience and the related strategic lines of use of the funds envisaged by the Next Generation EU Programme.
The event, which can be also attended online, will be held in the prestigious location of the University of Padua Botanical Garden, Italy.
The BRAINTEASER Mid Term Workshop Full Programme can be accessed here.
You can register here to join the event online, but if you wish to join us in presence please click here!
Final programmeJoin onlineJoin in person

Global Partnerships in Brain Research | Brain Awareness Week 2023
2023-03-16 09:00 - 17:00
Brain Awareness Week 2023: Global Partnerships in Brain Research
Brussels, Belgium | 16 March 2022 | 10:00-17:00
Enhancing global collaboration in the domain of research and innovation is key for effectively addressing today’s societal challenges and improving the health and well-being of citizens. This is particularly true for brain disorders, including both neurological and mental conditions, which are widespread and highly disabling diseases that are often difficult to treat. It is crucial to explore how global research collaboration can support brain research in a meaningful way, to the benefit of people living with brain conditions across the globe.
Understanding the brain is not just to tackle a “burden”. It is also to allow people to thrive; to live healthily, to power our economies and to build for future generations. Investing in the brain and brain research is critical.
With plenty of high-caliber brain research underway across the world, the fostering of concrete global partnerships and alliances for brain research is urgently needed – sharing knowledge and learning from peers, working in collaboration rather than silos and strengthening alignment across diverse public and private entities to structure and track investments for the benefit of international research and the health of all populations. Brain health is global and should not be tackled solely at the regional level – but at a global level, particularly as our world grows increasingly borderless. Competition in this space would be futile to address the growing burden of brain disorders and the need for improved brain health in society.
This high-level, international event — organised by the European Brain Council in collaboration with the Federation of European Neuroscience Societies (FENS) and the International Brain Research Organization (IBRO) — will bring together key stakeholders to reflect on the global burden of brain disease, enhancing brain health and how to approach the challenges together through knowledge and data sharing, capacity building, funding and policy: key areas to forge a path towards stronger international alliances and a grander brain plan.
CLICK HERE FOR REGISTRATION & PROGRAMMEFurthermore, all event attendees are warmly invited to join us at the 1st Fundraising Gala Dinner of the European Brain Foundation later that evening. Tickets are available separately through brainfoundation.eu/gala-dinner/

Fundraising Gala Dinner | European Brain Foundation
2023-03-16 18:00 - 23:00 | Brussels, Belgium
Tickets are now available for the European Brain Foundation’s first Fundraising Gala Dinner, which will take place on 16 March 2023, in Brussels, on the occasion of Brain Awareness Week.
The Gala Dinner will fall under the theme “Healthy Brains – a key to future generations in Europe”. A nod to the EBF’s core mission and goal to serve society and support those affected by brain disorders, the theme showcases the great purpose we have to make sure that children, teenagers, and adolescents – our future generations – are provided with the best tools and care to protect their brain health. Guests and donors will contribute to help the EBF’s quest to reduce the impact of one of the biggest health challenges society is currently facing.
The newly-formed European Brain Foundation — an independent multidisciplinary and multistakeholder charity whose founding members represent leading European neurological, neurosurgical, and psychiatric clinical societies as well as neuroscience research and patient organisations — was officially launched on the occasion of the 2nd in-person Brain Innovation Days on 11-12 October 2022.
Its goal is to support research aiming at reducing the burden of brain disorders for European citizens. By coordinating all the partners concerned in this domain, the EBF will ensure the transparency and the sustainability of its actions. Donors will contribute to significantly reduce the impact of one of the biggest health challenges European society is currently facing.
Follow the EBF social media channels (Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram) for all the latest updates!
Discover the programmeGet your ticket

31st European Congress of Psychiatry
2023-03-25 - 2023-03-28 | Paris, France
After 3 years of virtual congress, we are pleased to inform you that the EPA 2023 Congress will take place in person from 25 to 28 March 2023 at the Palais des Congrès in Paris, guided by the motto “Social Cohesion, a Common Goal for Psychiatry”.
International experts will gather to discuss the newest developments in European psychiatry. It’s important, now more than ever, to get together and talk about mental health care.
Attending EPA 2023 will give you the opportunity to network face to face with some of the world’s expert professionals within the field of psychiatry.
EBC looks forward to being part of the Congress and having a booth in the exhibition area where our most recent publications will be displayed.
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Human Brain Project Summit 2023
2023-03-28 - 2023-03-31
The Human Brain Project Summit 2023 will take place under the overarching theme “Achievements and future of digital brain research” in Marseille, France, on March 28-31, 2023. The event will highlight the scientific achievements of the HBP at the point when the ten-year Flagship project approaches its conclusion (in Sept. 2023) and the legacy that it will leave for the brain research community.
The Summit will be a forum for stimulating and high-quality scientific exchange in different fields. Many European advances in the field of neurosciences, health and applications in clinical medicine, as well as brain-derived technologies will be presented. The programme has been carefully planned to offer you a memorable conference, it includes lectures, debates, a science market, a poster session and more…
EBC is pleased to be a contributor this year with Frédéric DESTREBECQ, Executive Director, taking part in the panel discussion “Brain health: an emerging European policy priority” on 28 March 2023 at 14:45-16:00. The panel, moderated by Paweł ŚWIEBODA (EBRAINS/HBP), will feature Philippe AMOUYEL (JPND/Fondation Alzheimer), Marlies DORLÖCHTER (ERA-NET NEURON), Gitte MOOS KNUDSEN (University of Copenhagen) and Stefan SCHRECK (European Commision DG SANTE).

Walking the Talk for Dementia
2023-05-01 - 2023-05-06
Walking the Talk for Dementia is an innovative, adventurous and immersive experience involving people working, researching and living with dementia.
Dementia is a pressing issue for our lifetime, and society needs to be responsive to ensure that people can live with more dignity and access to services and resources despite their diagnosis. The project’s main aim was to show that people are living with dementia despite the diagnosis, challenges and stigma, and that together we can rethink the way society perceives this community. The program brought together representatives from more than 20 countries on a 50km journey on the world’s most famous pilgrimage, Santiago de Compostela, followed by a scientific symposium led by people living with dementia.
EBC was deligthed to be part of the Walking the Talk for Dementia Symposium and participate in the session “Building an ecosystem: Connecting for thriving” on 5 May 2023. Dominika Suchonova, Communications & Advocacy Officer (European Brain Council), presented the work made in the context of the RETHINKING Alzheimer’s disease project, calling for change in Alzheimer’s care. RETHINKING Alzheimer’s disease is a research-driven project offering policy recommendations to make tangible changes with the aim to improve the lives of people living with Alzheimer’s disease across Europe.
Following the 50km Camino journey, a documentary will be produced, sharing the experiences of seven people living with dementia from six countries who participated in the event.

Policy Webinar: Animals in Research and a Pledge for Science
2023-05-05 14:00 - 15:30
A policy webinar organised by the European Brain Council in collaboration with its member organisations the Federation of European Neuroscience Societies (FENS), the International Brain Research Organization (IBRO) and the European College of Neuropsychopharmacology (ECNP) on the topic of Animals in Research and a Pledge for Science will be held on Friday, 5 May 2023 from 14:00-15:30 CET.
This webinar, featuring expert speakers, aims to provide insight on the current state of research policy in the European Union and how it affects the wider brain community, including people living with brain conditions. In line with EBC’s aim to speak with one voice for the entire community, EBC and its member organisations find it important to involve all relevant stakeholders in its policy and advocacy work. With topics such as the use of animals in research gaining traction at the political level and widespread communication channels, we want to ensure that the community is aware of the implications for brain research.
Furthermore, in mid May, members of the EBC community will take part in a day of visits with Members of the European Parliament to shed light on a number of important issues affecting the wider brain community and calling for a Pledge for Science – for innovation, prioritisation and overall support for the space. This webinar aims to prepare anyone wishing to gain further knowledge on key policy hot topics so important for the community’s advocacy work.
Please register for the webinar here. Programme details below:
14:00-14:10
Welcome and Opening Remarks
Prof. Suzanne Dickson, President, European Brain Council
14:10-14:30
The European Citizens Inititiave – a threat to patient health?
Kirk Leech, Executive Director, European Animal Research Association (EARA)
14:30-14:45
Advantages and limitations of animal- and non-animal methods
Dr Sabine Hölter-Koch, Head of the Behavioural Unit at the German Mouse Clinic, Helmholtz Zentrum München (Germany) and Chair, Preclinical Data Forum Network, European College of Neuropsychopharmacology (ECNP)
14:45-15:00
The use of animals in the research investigating the application of deep brain stimulation strategies to treat addiction
Dr Christelle Baunez, Chair, Federation of European Neuroscience Societies (FENS) Committee on Animals in Research (CARE)
15:00-15:20
Open Discussion and Q&A with Audience
Moderated by Stephanie Kramer, Head of Communications, Advocacy & Policy, European Brain Council
15:20-15:30
Concluding Remarks

European Brain Health Summit 2023
2023-05-09 17:00 - 20:00 | Livestream
European Brain Health Summit 2023
Tuesday May 9, 2023, 17.00 – 20.00 CEST

The European Academy of Neurology (EAN) held two first Brain Health events in 2022: The Brain Health Summit in May in Vienna and the Brain Health Event at the European Parliament in December. Both events highlighted the importance of advocacy for neurology, alongside cooperation with national societies, international authorities, organisations, and other stakeholders.
This year’s Summit will focus on European Brain Health Summit: Precision neurology and prevention of neurological diseases.
Visit the website for more information:
Programme

Genomics of Brain Disorders
2023-05-17 - 2023-05-19 | Wellcome Genome Campus, UK, United Kingdom
We are pleased to announce the fourth conference on the Genomics of Brain Disorders. This meeting will bring together international scientists and clinicians working on neurodegenerative and psychiatric diseases to compare approaches used and the emerging lessons from both categories of disease.
Psychiatric disorders, such as schizophrenia and depression, and neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease, are placing an increasing burden on the developed world. Technical advances over the past few years, including genome-wide association and next-generation sequencing studies, have led to the discovery of many predisposing loci for both psychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders.
The conference will synthesise these advances and challenges in the genomics of various brain disorders. This year’s programme will explore recent insights into complex variations and genetic architecture in these disorders. We will also include sessions to discuss emerging tools and technologies, including functional assays, long-read sequencing, single cell, organoids, and other modelling approaches. In addition, we will highlight the methods used in population studies and how genomics is driving new therapeutics.
We aim to organise this meeting as a hybrid conference – with on-site or virtual attendance. If you would like to be part of these discussions – consider submitting an abstract by 21 March 2023 and register by 18 April (in-person) or 9 May (virtual) 2023.
To promote more inclusive scientific discussions with international colleagues at our conferences, virtual delegates based in Lower and Middle-Income Countries can register for free.
Scientific Programme Committee:

Cornelis Blauwendraat – NIH/National Institute on Aging, USA
Kristen Brennand – Yale University, USA
Anders Børglum – Aarhus University, Denmark
Mina Ryten – UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, UK

Keynote speakers:

Sir John Hardy – UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL
Danielle Posthuma – Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, the Netherlands

For registration and further information:
https://coursesandconferences.wellcomeconnectingscience.org/event/genomics-of-brain-disorders-20230517/
Contact: conferences@wellcomeconnectingscience.org

9th Academy of National Brain Councils
2023-05-23 09:00 - 2023-05-24 17:00 | Brussels, Belgium
The 9th Academy of National Brain Councils (NBCs) took place on 23-24 May 2023 in Brussels, Belgium. The annual meeting brought together NBCs representatives alongside prominent speakers and guests, in-person and remotely, from 15 countries: Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Finland, France, Greece, Italy, Malta, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, Serbia, Sweden and Turkey.
Read the event report

15th Congress of the European Paediatric Neurology Society (EPNS)
2023-06-20 - 2023-06-24 | Prague, Czech Republic
The 15th Congress of the European Paediatric Neurology Society (EPNS) will take place on 20-24 June 2023 in the Congress Center Prague.
The main highlight of the congress is “From genome and connectome to cure”. EPNS invites you to see how the latest trends in understanding pathophysiology of neurological diseases are being implemented in clinical practice. The field has traditionally focused on precise diagnostics; however, curative treatments were unavailable for a long time. Today, this trend is changing rapidly and novel therapeutic options in our field have brought hope to many families of children even with the most severe neurological conditions.
EBC looks forward to being part of the exhibition area where you will have a chance to learn more about our ongoing projects, upcoming events and activities.
Visit the official website and find out more!
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9th Congress of the European Academy of Neurology
2023-07-01 - 2023-07-04 | Budapest, Hungary
The 9th Annual Congress of the European Academy of Neurology (EAN) will take place on 1-4 July 2023 in Budapest (Hungary). The overarching theme of the congress is “Neurology beyond the Big Data”.
The EAN Congress will provide an unrivalled chance for our community to share a rewarding clinical and scientific experience. With the rich cultural tapestry of Budapest as our backdrop, we also have the ideal environment for establishing new contacts and friendships, and of course renewing old ones.
EBC looks forward to being part of the exhibition area and holding the following sessions:

1 July 2023, 11:00-11:30: Rethinking the management of brain disorders: Alzheimer’s disease and migraine (Scientific Theatre)
3 July 2023, 16:15-17:15: EAN-EBC TV Studio Special Session: European Advocacy in the Brain Space
4 July 2023, 13:13-13:16: The role of patient representatives in the optimization of Patient Care Pathways at European level: the PKU experience (ePoster)

Find out more on the official official website of the congress!

EAN Congress: Rethinking the management of brain disorders: Alzheimer's disease & migraine
2023-07-01 11:00 - 11:30 | Budapest, Hungary
The European Brain Council (EBC) is pleased to hold a Scientific Theatre on “Rethinking the management of brain disorders: Alzheimer’s disease & migraine” on 1 July 20223 at 11:00 – 11:30 during the 9th Annual Congress of the European Academy of Neurology in Budapest (Hungary).
Despite improvements and innovation in recent years, people living with brain conditions, neurological and mental alike, face variations in access to optimal treatment and care. There is a lot about brain disorders that is not fully understood and the high-quality care and support needed by people living with these conditions is often unavailable.
The aim of the RETHINKING Projects is to develop policy priorities around challenges in brain disorders and present a consensus on what needs to be achieved to resolve the most pressing challenges in brain conditions, today and in the future. There is a clear need to rethink the management of the brain disorders and redesign the care pathways to ensure optimal treatment and care for all people living with brain disorders in Europe.
The speakers of the session will present how to rethink the way we manage Alzheimer’s disease and migraine in terms of their prevention, detection and diagnosis.
Find out more about the sessionSpeakersDr. Kristian Steen Frederiksen, Co-chair, EAN Scientific Panel Dementia and Cognitive Disorders, European Academy of Neurology
Dr. Michela Tinelli, Assistant Professorial Research Fellow and NIHR SSCR Leadership Fellow, London School of Economics, London School of Economics

EAN-EBC TV Studio Special Session: European Advocacy in the Brain Space
2023-07-03 16:15 - 17:15
EBC looks forward to being part of the 9th European Academy of Neurology congress, to be held on 1-4 July, 2023 in Budapest, Hungary with a TV studio special session centred around its advocacy work for the brain. This session, taking place on 3 July 2023 at 16:15-17:15 CET and led by members of the Executive Committee of the European Brain Council, will analyse the current state of advocacy in the brain space at the European level and explore not only the importance of the work being done but the potentials for strengthened collaboration and the needs going forward, for the benefit of all within the brain space, particularly with a spotlight on neurology and neurological conditions (including the clinicians that treat them and the patients that live with them). The discussion will cover the work being done by EBC and its key member organisations (in particular, EAN), the inclusion of the patient voice, advocacy and policy work being done at the global and European levels and the added value of speaking with one voice.
Speakers:
Advocacy in the Brain Space: Introduction of the European Brain Council – Prof. Suzanne Dickson (EBC President)
Advancing the neurology agenda at the European level – Prof. Claudio Bassetti (EBC Vice President)
The importance of the patient voice and a cross-disciplinary approach – Dr Orla Galvin (EBC Treasurer)
The livestream can be watched through the link below:
Livestream

EAN Congress: The role of patient representatives in the optimization of Patient Care Pathways at European level: the PKU experience
2023-07-04 13:13 - 13:16
EBC looks forward to presenting an ePoster on 'The role of patient representatives in the optimization of Patient Care Pathways at European level: the PKU experience' on 4 July 2023 at 13:13 – 13:16 at screen A2 in the Poster Area in the Exhibition Hall.
Authors
Cannizzo S, Quoidbach V, Treacy EP, Lange E, Sheehan-Gilroy B, Hagedorn T, Turchetti G
Introduction
In defining and optimising patient care pathways (PCPs) the role of patient representatives (PRs) is very important; it is crucial in the contest of rare diseases where the complexity of the disorders is higher, co-morbidity and multi-organ involvement are present, multidisciplinary care is needed, and patients may experience inequality in the access to specialised diagnostic/treatment procedures. In this work we have analysed the role of PRs in the design and optimization of Phenylketonuria's (PKU) PCP.
Methods
We applied RarERN PathÓ methodology to PKU PCP within the Value of Treatment (VOT) for Rare Brain Disorders project, coordinated by the European Brain Council. PRs of PKU Associations of Ireland and Germany were involved. The PCPs in place in centers of excellence (COE) were analysed, and patients provided input through a semi-structured questions survey exploring organization of care and perception of criticalities when receiving healthcare services. A first draft of the optimized PCP for PKU was discussed in a plenary meeting attended by neurologists and PRs. Finally, PRs were requested to provide additional suggestions through a second ad-hoc survey.
Results
PRs contributed to the design of an optimized PCP, providing unique information on the main organizational challenges in COEs and on the coordination of care between COE and non-hospital care at European level.
Conclusion
To formally involve PRs in the co-design of the PCP is necessary because it allows to complement clinicians' perspective about "ranking" and "weight" of what really matters throughout the PCP. PKU case is particularly interesting in this respect.
Author details

Cannizzo Sara, Institute of Management, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Pisa, Italy
Quoidbach Vinciane, European brain Council, Brussels, Belgium
Treacy Eileen P, National Centre for inherited Metabolic Disorders, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
Eric Lange, The European Society for Phenylketonuria and allied disorders
5. Sheehan-Gilroy Bernadette, PKU Association of Ireland and Munster Technological University Kerry Campus, Tralee, Ireland.
6. Hagedorn Tobias, German PKU and Allied Disorders Patients Association DIG PKU, European Society for Phenylketonuria & Allied Disorders
7. Turchetti Giuseppe, Institute of Management, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Pisa, Italy

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11th IBRO World Congress of Neuroscience
2023-09-09 - 2023-09-13 | Granada, Spain
The International Brain Research Organization (IBRO) and the Spanish Neuroscience Society are excited to announce that the 11th IBRO World Congress of Neuroscience will be hosted by SENC at the Granada Exhibition and Conference Centre from 9-13 September 2023.
Spain has a strong neuroscience tradition with the legacy of Santiago Ramón y Cajal, and is now home to many internationally acclaimed brain research institutions including the Cajal Institute in Madrid, the Institute of Neuroscience in Alicante, the Institute of Neuroscience at the University of Barcelona and the Achucarro Basque Center for Neuroscience, to name only a few. The Spanish Neuroscience Society (SENC) strengthens this extensive research network with its numerous activities and more than 1000 members. In 2018, the Global Innovation Index also listed Spain as the 28th most innovative country in the world, further emphasizing a strong national commitment to science and innovation.
EBC looks forward to hosting the following sessions:

Special Event on Fostering Global Dialogue and Partnerships in Brain Research, 11 September 2023, 12:10-13:10, Room ALBENIZ + МАCHUCA
Workshop: How Should the Neuroscience Community Deal with Pressure to Reduce the Use of Animals in Research, 12 September 2023, 12:10-14:10, Sala U2

Find out more on the IBRO Congress website!
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EBC Special Event at IBRO2023: Fostering Global Dialogue and Partnerships in Brain Research
2023-09-11 12:10 - 13:10
EBC will host a Special Event on 11 September 2023 at the upcoming IBRO World Congress in Granada, Spain, focused on FOSTERING GLOBAL DIALOGUE AND PARTNERSHIPS IN BRAIN RESEARCH.
Enhancing global collaboration in the domain of research and innovation is key for effectively addressing today’s societal challenges and improving the health and well-being of citizens. This is particularly true for brain disorders, including both neurological and mental conditions, which are widespread and highly disabling diseases that are often difficult to treat. It is crucial to explore how global research collaboration can support brain research in a meaningful way, to the benefit of people living with brain conditions across the globe.
In line with its ongoing Global Partnerships in Brain Research work, this EBC session will focus on funding, which is often identified as a much-needed area for action in research and faces major discrepancies at the global level. A panel of global experts representing private funding, public funding and research from high-income countries/regions (HIC) and low-middle income countries/regions (LMIC) will speak on existing funding opportunities, address the current challenges, and explore how funding streams that exist nationally, regionally and internationally can be maximised for researchers.
Speakers:
Bradley Roberts, Research Manager, Wellcome Trust (UK) Confirmed
Dr George E. Barreto, Committee Member, IBRO Latin America Regional Committee (IBRO-LARC) and Lecturer in Cell Biology/Immunology, University of Limerick (Ireland) Confirmed
Antonella Autino, Programme Manager, Partnerships for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (PRIMA), Confirmed
Sandra Jurado, Director, Department of Cellular Neurobiology and Systems Neuroscience Institute (CSIC-UMH), Spain, Confirmed

Moderated by: Frédéric Destrebecq, Executive Director, European Brain Council (Belgium) Confirmed

How Should the Neuroscience Community Deal with Pressure to Reduce the Use of Animals in Research? - Workshop at IBRO World Congress 2023
2023-09-12 12:10 - 14:10
The use of animals in scientific research remains a contentious issue. There is growing political pressure in Europe and the USA for the scientific community to transition towards ‘animal free science’. At the same time perhaps more than in any other field of biomedical research, it is currently essential to use animals to understand the functions of the brain, both in basic research and in drug testing. The benefits of the use of animals in research were also evident in the speedy development of the Covid-19 vaccines, revealing that scientific advances are currently not able to replace animal use across all research and therapeutic areas. How should the neuroscience community address these potentially conflicting pressures? This topic will be addressed during this two-hour workshop by scientists who use animals in scientific research, those who use non-animal models and a European advocacy groups, who will provide evidence of how the neuroscience community is seeking to improve communication to the public on the use of animals in research.
Programme:
12:10-12:40 Animal Research: Time to Talk!
Kirk Leech, Executive Director, EARA
12:40-13:10 Response to the European Citizens’ Initiative to Phase Out Animal Experimentation in the EU by the European Brain Council
Prof. Suzanne Dickson, President, European Brain Council
13:10-13:40 A Journey of Animal Neuroscience Research Advocacy in The Netherlands
Prof. Judith Homberg, Radboud University
13:40-14:10 Roundtable Discussion
Prof. Roger Adan, UMC Utrecht Brain Center
Prof. Jose L. Lanciego, Head of the Functional Neuroanatomy Basal Ganglia Lab of the Center for Applied Medical Research, University of Navarra
Prof. Sandra Acosta Verdugo, Universitat de Barcelona
All details available on the IBRO World Congress website: here.

Global Partnerships in Brain Research - Brain Health & Research Day at the Science Summit @ UNGA78
2023-09-18 09:00 - 18:30 | Harvard Club of New York City, 35 W 44th St, New York, NY, 10036, United States
As part of the European Brain Council (EBC)’s Global Partnerships in Brain Research activities, EBC, in collaboration with the Baker Institute for Public Policy, the Brain Capital Alliance, the Brain Health Nexus and supporting partners will organise an event at the Science Summit at the 78th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA78) on 18 September 2023 at the Harvard Club of New York City.
In line with the Science Summit’s core focus of examining policy, regulatory and financial environments needed to implement and sustain the science mechanisms required to support global scientific collaborations, the Brain Research Day will highlight the existing partnerships, roadmaps and potentials of extended global collaboration specifically in the brain area, in the case of neuroscience but also in addressing brain disorders, neurological and mental alike.
Across the globe, society is facing brain challenges like never before—improving the health and well-being of citizens has become the top priority for many governments and brain health should not be left behind. Brain disorders, neurological and mental alike, are pervasive and pernicious diseases that are often difficult to treat. Enhancing global brain research collaboration can spur innovation and quicken effective outcomes to the benefit of people living with brain conditions everywhere.
Over the last few years, EBC has served as a convener for experts in the brain community to share best practices, exchange ongoing work and align priorities to forge a joint path forward to understand and address the brain rather than in silos across continents. Two main discussions took place over the last year, first at the SSUNGA77 in New York in September 2022 followed by a full-day event in Brussels on the occasion of Brain Awareness Week, where it was determined that coming together and addressing global partnerships in a united, concrete manner was an ideal and vital next step to tackle the global burden of brain disorders together.
In order to move past discussion and work towards explicit and tangible next steps in solidifying global efforts in brain research, EBC proposes a full day event in order to cover a number of important areas for action, with as many relevant actors involved, to build towards a Call to Action and Policy Recommendations on Global Partnership in Brain Research to guide national, regional and global policymakers towards better addressing brain health in the future, particularly as they prepare for the post-Sustainable Development Goals era (during the Summit of the Future 2024 and the High Level Conference on the UN NCD Strategy 2025).
View the final programme here and watch the livestream here.
For more information and to inquire about attendance, please contact Stephanie Kramer, Head of Communications, Advocacy and Policy at EBC: stkr@braincouncil.eu

Brain Capital Building @ UNGA: Brain Deals to Harness AI and Drive SDG Implementation by 2030
2023-09-19 08:15 - 18:00 | Steelcase WorkLife Center, 4 Columbus Circle, New York, NY, 10019, United States
This conference will present the novel concept of ‘Brain Capital’ which puts a premium on cognitive skills and abilities in accomplishing socio-economic objectives. Building Brain Capital is fundamental for meeting modern societal challenges and driving innovation. The concept has been elaborated by the Neuroscience-inspired Policy Initiative launched by the OECD. Following its success, the Brain Capital Alliance has now been formed to continue this work toward impact. Given their scope, Brain Deals – large-scale and brain science inspired policy strategies can harness advanced AI and boost the implementation of several SDGs at the national and global levels. The model of the Brain Deal was recently noted in a Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy Brief here. The event will focus on how Brain Deals can support SDG implementation by 2030.
See programme below:
Brain Capital Building @ UNGA78
