7th Congress of the European Academy of Neurology - Virtual 2021
2021-06-19 - 2021-06-22
The European Academy of Neurology has decided to go virtual again for the 7th EAN Congress on June 19-22, 2021, originally to be held in Vienna.
Once again, we look forward to offering you the opportunity to learn from experts in your field, grow your professional network, and discover the latest best practices in neurology, all in the comfort of your home. Building on our experience from the EAN Virtual Congress 2020, we will utilise the very best technical solutions to provide you with a virtual experience as comfortable and rewarding as the real thing.
More info on the website.

EAN2021 Scientific Theatre - The Value of Treatment Project: The Value of Early Coordinated Care for Patients Affected by Rare Neurological Diseases
2021-06-21 11:30 - 11:50 UTC
The 2nd round of the EBC Value of Treatment project will be presented at the Scientific Theatre at the upcoming EAN Congress 2021. EBC Vice President, Prof. Wolfgang Oertel, will present The Value of Treatment Project: The Value of Early Coordinated Care for Patients Affected by Rare Neurological Diseases on 21 June 2021, from 11:30 to 11:50.
Motivated by addressing the existing gaps in the care pathways, the EBC Study on Ataxia, Dystonia and Phenylketonuria (PKU) aims to assess the benefits of early coordinated care and treatment, multidisciplinary care patterns (also addressing comorbidity) and health care providers education on outcomes to patients and costs.

EBRA at EAN: Special Session 14: The European Brain Research Area
2021-06-22 13:00 - 14:30 UTC
During the 7th EAN Congress in June 2021, EBRA will hold a roundtable in Room Seville addressing the importance of cooperation and collaboration in the European brain space and presenting more about the project.
EBRA clusters, partners, policymakers, clinicians and patient representatives will participate discussing among other topics:

The priorities, gaps and enabling actions in brain research in Europe
How to promote European brain research in the world?
Understanding the importance of operational coordination of brain research in Europe
Understanding the value of coordination in brain research communities
Activities to enhance coordination in brain research

To have more information on the Congress and register for the event, please visit the official website.

OneNeurology Global Advocacy Workshop
2021-06-29 08:30 - 11:00 UTC
EBC recently joined the OneNeurology Partnership. The focus of this Partnership in 2021 will be in influencing the development of the World Health Organisation’s new Global Action Plan on epilepsy and other neurological disorders [GAP].
The GAP represents a unique opportunity to build an integrated response to neurology across the life course and within healthcare systems – to improve lives of people living with neurological disorders worldwide. However, to be successful, we need to mobilise the community to ensure that the plan serves the needs of all those living with neurological disorders across the globe.
We are now searching for effective advocates at national and regional levels to get involved, in working with us to develop our response to the first draft of the GAP, and to advocate at all levels for a plan that addresses the real burden of neurological disorders.
If you are interested in learning more and getting actively involved, the OneNeurology Partnership will host, on June 29th 2021, a virtual Global Advocacy Workshop where we will:

Present the first draft of the GAP to advocates worldwide
Present the views of the OneNeurology Partnership on the first draft of the GAP
Bring together neurology advocates from across the world (regional and national), to gather their perspectives on the GAP – based on their region/disease area/stakeholder group.
Empower global advocates with the information, tools and resources needed to ensure a coordinated response to the GAP consultation via submissions, regional hearings and outreach to national policy makers.

The event is open to individual health care professionals, researchers, people living with neurological disorders, their carers or anyone else who is interested in engaging in neurology advocacy. Advocates may also come from the organisations who represent these various stakeholder groups.
To cater for all timezones, there will be two sessions during the day.
Session 1: 8.30-11am CET or Session 2: 4.30-7pm CET
Sign up before June 20th at this link: https://forms.gle/TReR19f1oCtznGVK9
Or find out more at: www.oneneurology.net

FENS Regional Meeting
2021-08-25 08:00 - 2021-08-27 17:00 UTC
The FENS Regional Meeting (FRM) set to take place on 25-27 August 2021, and jointly organised by the Polish Neuroscience Society and the Lithuanian Neuroscience Association, will take place as an online meeting.
In light of the challenges presented by the pandemic across Europe and the continuing uncertainty of the global health situation, the Organising Committee has decided to hold the FRM as a virtual conference. Read the announcement on the FRM website.
FENS supports this decision which will allow the Organising Committee to design an event that will offer attendees an enhanced online experience. The virtual FRM will be an excellent platform for strengthening neuroscience regionally in all European countries, promoting scientific exchange within and across European regions, and securing representation and access to the FRM programme for all scientists. As such, it also reflects FENS’ and its member societies’ active commitment towards the values of inclusiveness, diversity and equality in neuroscience.
FENS is looking forward to supporting the Polish Neuroscience Society and the Lithuanian Neuroscience Association in the organisation of the FRM.

EBRA at FENS Regional Meeting
2021-08-27 15:00 - 16:00 (Europe/Helsinki)
This Special Event will introduce you to the Shared Brain Research Agenda (SEBRA), which aims to identify research opportunities and research and innovation gaps to be addressed in the field and to provide recommendations on future areas for brain research in Europe. SEBRA is framed within the European Brain Research Area project, coordinated by the European Brain Council.
The FRM 2021 is organized jointly by the Polish Neuroscience Society (PNS) and the Lithuanian Neuroscience Association (LNA) under the auspices and with support from the Federation of the European Neuroscience Societies (FENS), and also with support from the International Brain Research Organization Pan-Europe Regional Committee (IBRO PERC). The FRM 2021 original city venue was Krakow, however, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Organizing Committee decided to hold the event on-line to ensure all attendees may meet safely.
The conference will present the latest developments in neuroscience research and host panel discussions on topics ranging from directions for future development to diversity issues in the academia. Traditionally, the Regional Meetings foster interactions among the researchers in the region. This year, we want to take the on-line format as an opportunity, and showcase neuroscience research in our region to the global community
For more info, please visit fensfrm2021.pl

7th European Stroke Organisation Conference
2021-09-01 - 2021-09-03
The 7th European Stroke Conference will take place online, from 1 – 3 September 2021. Once again we’ll come together to learn about the latest trial results, new technologies, hear innovative ideas and begin to understand how our future is being shaped by them.
More info here.

34th ECNP Congress
2021-10-02 - 2021-10-05
The annual ECNP Congress is Europe’s premier scientific meeting for disease-oriented brain research, annually attracting between 4,000 and 6,000 neuroscientists, psychiatrists and neurologists from around the world.
ECNP is an independent scientific association dedicated to the science and treatment of disorders of the brain. It is the largest non-institutional supporter of applied and translational neuroscience research and education in Europe.
Visit the website.

21st European Congress of Neurosurgery
2021-10-03 - 2021-10-07
The European Association of Neurosurgical Societies (EANS) is both an independent federation of European national neurosurgical societies and a fast-developing association of individual neurosurgeons from around the world.
We are a professional community whose aim is to enhance the quality of neurosurgical patient care through training, education and research. A key way in which we fulfil this objective is by facilitating the exchange of scientific information at the highest level through the organisation of meetings, symposia and educational courses – with the annual Congress as our flagship event.

Website: http://www.eans.org/events/

Third European Patient Advocacy Summit – Inclusion of the Patient Voice in HTA
2021-10-06 14:30 - 17:00 UTC
EBC will be present at the upcoming third European Patient Advocacy Summit, organised by Pfizer. The 2021 capability strengthening programme will focus on patient participation in Health Technology Assessment (HTA), with an emphasis on involvement in early stages of the process and the future impact of an EU-wide HTA. The summit will be organised in three sessions via Webex, to be held on October 6, 13 and 20 from 2.30pm to 5.00pm C.E.T.
HTAs assess whether a new pharmaceutical innovation works better, equally well, or worse than existing alternatives, while also considering its cost implications for the patient and impact on healthcare systems. As patients know what it is like to live with a disease and have the needed experiential knowledge on existing treatments and the desirability of innovations, patient involvement is crucial at an early stage to ensure the full integration of patient perspective into HTA outcomes. This includes involvement in early dialogues, working to identify technologies, up to the development of the assessment by helping to set the scope and formulate research questions. However, the type and level of patient involvement in early dialogue and assessments is varied across Europe, reflecting the different rationale, motivation and approach applied in each country.
Such differences aim to be tackled within the soon-to be adopted regulation for an EU-wide HTA, as Member States will be called out to better cooperate, work towards joint clinical assessments and identify emerging health technologies together. It’s important that patient organisations understand the implications of this new legislative framework on their engagement activities, to best approach and integrate themselves within this complex, yet vital HTA process.
With this in mind, this Summit aims to empower your voice as a patient organisation in your national and pan-EU HTA processes, by helping you to strengthen the advocacy skills needed to participate. Practical workshop sessions will recap the importance of patient participation, provide an overview of the significance of the upcoming EU-wide HTA legislation, explain where early dialogues and assessments fit into the overall HTA process and approaches to achieving effective patient input and practical examples of best practice.
EBC will be represented by its Executive Director, Frédéric Destrebecq, presenting “The patient voice is at the core of Europe’s rapidly evolving health policy landscape”.

Brain Innovation Days: United for Brain Innovation
2021-10-12 - 2021-10-13 | Brussels, Belgium
We are excited to announce that after one year of digital sessions, the Brain Innovation Days will take place in person on 12-13 October 2021 in Brussels, Belgium!
Under the overarching theme, United for Brain Innovation, the Brain Innovation Days will bring together key opinion leaders and stakeholders from the ever-growing brain innovation ecosystem to create synergies and showcase the importance of brain innovation.
This will take place over two days filled with policy-driven sessions, application-led breakout sessions and Agoras, an exhibition and showcase space, matchmaking/networking activities and inspiring Brain Talks.
For more info and registration, please visit braininnovationdays.eu

European Brain Summit
2021-10-12 13:30 - 18:00 (Europe/Paris)
The European Brain Council and the EBRAINS Research Infrastructure are pleased to invite you to the first European Brain Summit, a joint event that will take place on 12th October 2021 in Brussels from 13:30 to 18:00, in conjunction with the Brain Innovation Days and Human Brain Project Summit.
This will be a unique opportunity to explore the challenge of understanding the brain and the role that Europe should continue to play in this endeavour. High-level speakers and experts will present their vision of the future of European brain health research in the context of the European Health Union. New innovative solutions and technological advancements will be highlighted.
Our objective is to create a genuine momentum for scientific breakthroughs and policy advancement to the benefit of European citizens.
Mark your agenda now for this unique meeting to discuss ways of advancing brain research through scientific collaborations, digital innovation, data management and patient centricity. Registration will open soon.
DISCOVER MORE

International Brain Initiative: Shaping the future of globally coordinated neuroscience
2021-10-12 15:00 - 17:30 UTC
The European Parliament Panel for the Future of Science and Technology (STOA) will hold a workshop with the International Brain Initiative on Shaping the future of globally coordinated neuroscience, to take place virtually on 12 October at 15:00-17:30 CET.
Understanding the human brain is one of the most significant challenges of our time. Despite considerable research, neuroscientist still lack an integrative, comprehensive understanding of the human brain. Neuroscience initiatives, such as those funded by the EU and other countries, are undertaking large-scale efforts to tackle this moonshot challenge.
The International Brain Initiative (IBI) has been established to coordinate efforts across existing and emerging national and regional brain initiatives. In this STOA workshop, IBI representatives will describe the approach to shaping the future of international neuroscience collaborations through efforts in neuroethics, data policy, and the dissemination of scientific resources. The initiatives involved in the IBI aim to provide a robust forum for global information sharing and resources for collaborations. The event will be introduced with a talk by the 2014 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, Professor Edvard MOSER and moderated by EBC President, Prof. Monica Di Luca.
This STOA workshop will be livestreamed as part of the programme of the European Brain Summit, which takes place on the afternoon of Day 1 of the Brain Innovation Days.
Full programme details available here

Best practices for patient safety: An EU-wide view on the use of medicines off-label
2021-11-30 14:30 - 16:00 (Europe/Paris)
Save the date: 30 November (14:30 – 16:00 CET)
REGISTER HERE
In 2016, the Declaration for Good Off-Label Use Practice was launched, supported by a coalition of European organisations dedicated to ensuring that high standards of patient care are upheld and that progress in medical research and innovation is achieved. The GOLUP Declaration recommends that off-label use of medicinal products should only occur if certain criteria, drawn together by independent experts, are met.
Now it becomes necessary also to take action at national level. On the one hand to actively involve national organisations and stakeholders working at local level, allowing for a wider dissemination of the declaration. On the other hand, to allow an exchange of ideas and experience among local actors, to understand which paths to take in individual member states and to allow a continuous exchange of ideas and information.
This event follows the workshop on Patient safety and informed consent: The importance of good off-label use practices held on 17 June 2021. The purpose of this new digital event is to bring together patients, clinicians and policy makers to ensure greater awareness of the use of medicines off-label through the exchange of ideas and best practices from different European countries.
REGISTER HERE

The European Brain Research area: Building a Brain Health Partnership
2021-12-10 12:00 - 12:45 (Europe/Paris)
The European Brain Research Area project — EBRA — was created as a catalysing initiative for brain research stakeholders (researchers, clinicians, patients, governments, funders and public institutions) to streamline and better co-ordinate brain research across Europe while fostering global initiatives. The Consortium consists of the EBC membership, the Network of European funding for Neuroscience research (NEURON), Joint Programme – Neurodegenerative Disease Research (JPND) and the Human Brain Project (HBP). During the last 3 years, the EBRA partners worked to facilitate efficient collaboration, communication and operational synergies, including transparent procedures and setting up of governance mechanisms; foster alignment and better co-ordination of research strategies across European and global brain initiatives; facilitate the emergence of research projects in specific areas in active clusters, and provide them with support for effective collaboration; and increase the visibility of the brain research portfolio as a whole and promote the uptake of EBRA results to key stakeholders.
During this webinar, we will focus on the importance of such coordination and collaboration in the brain space highlighting the Shared European Brain Research Agenda (SEBRA). In addition, 2 EBRA clusters, the Predictive Models Systems (PREMOS) cluster and the European Cluster for Imaging Biomarkers (ECIB), will be showcased as examples of how coordination and collaboration can increase the impact of their community. They will shortly share the objectives and activities with the audience. These talks will be followed by a panel discussion with all the speakers on collaboration and coordination in brain research. FENS president, Prof Jean-Antoine Girault, will moderate the discussion.
Register here
FENS Friday webinar – December 10th – mini programme

12:00: The importance of coordination and collaboration in brain research: The European Brain Council and the European Brain Research Area
M. Di Luca
Two examples of coordination and collaboration in brain research:

12:10: Introduction to the Predictive Models Systems (PREMOS) cluster
S. Holter-Koech
12:20: Introduction to the European Cluster for Imaging Biomarkers (ECIB)
Thilo Van Eimeren
12:30: Panel discussion on collaboration and coordination in brain research
Moderator: FENS representative: Jean-Antoine Girault, FENS President.

12:45: END

PFUE Brain Health
2022-01-27 08:30 - 14:00 (Europe/Paris)

Shining a Spotlight on Life After Stroke
2022-03-11 10:00 - 16:30 UTC
Welcome to the European Life After Stroke Series 2022: Shining a Spotlight on Life After Stroke
We look forward to you joining us for a day of building education and awareness around topics that impact the stroke community.
Plenary 1, 10.00 – 11.30 CET: Be inspired and share control: the added value of self-management support
This webinar will share new ways of thinking about and building the evidence base on self-management. Drawing on examples from research and clinical practice, the session will inspire and challenge delegates to consider the potential of self-management support to deliver outcomes that matter most to stroke survivors. It will include suggestions for expanding the evidence base and accelerating the route to impact to enable more people post stroke feel supported, engaged and confident to self-manage.
Plenary 2, 15.00 – 16.30 CET: Communication in everyday life
Communication is the cement that makes partnerships successful on personal, professional, societal, and political levels. Clearly communicating thoughts, ideas and expectations is a challenge in the lives of stroke survivors. Stroke survivors will share their experiences as they relate to communication dilemmas and successes. We will show that even without aphasia, communication failures are common and can result in confusion and distress. This session will address ways to overcome communication barriers.

To view our full event programme including presentations and speakers, please click here.
Registration for this event is free of charge.
If you have any questions about this event, please get in touch with us at ELASF@mci-group.com.
Registration here.

14th European Paediatric Neurology Society Congress
2022-04-28 - 2022-05-02
The 14th European Paediatric Neurology Society Congress, to be held under the overarching theme “Precision in Child Neurology” from 28 April – 2 May 2022 in Glasgow (UK) and virtually, provides an opportunity to learn about the latest developments in the rapidly evolving ﬁeld of child neurology including basic science, diagnostic methods and novel treatments. The congress theme explores how networks, systems and technology can help deliver precision care and better outcomes.
You will have the chance to learn about the EBC activities and projects in a virtual booth. In addition, EBC is pleased to hold several sessions at the congress:

Promoting Child Neurology in Europe: 29 April 2022, 14:05 – 15:50
Value of Treatment (VOT) case study on ataxia: 30 April, 10:20 – 10:40
Value of Treatment (VOT) case study on phenylketonuria (PKU): 1 May 2022, 10:20 – 10:40

Register now for the 14th European Paediatric Neurology Society Congress!
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EMSP Annual Conference 2022: ‘’A Holistic Approach for Personalised MS Care’’
2022-04-29 - 2022-04-30 | Madrid
The EMSP Annual Conference 2022 will take place on 29-30 April 2022 in hybrid format, virtually and in person in Madrid, Spain.
The theme of this year’s conference is ”A Holistic Approach for Personalised MS Care”. The personalised care model seeks to deliver whole-population approaches to support people of all ages and their carers to manage their physical and mental health and well-being, build community resilience, and make informed decisions and choices when their health changes.
By bringing the MS societies, the patient communities, healthcare professionals, researchers, and policy decision makers together on a European level, the conference will aim at improving the understanding of the latest development in the field of personalised healthcare for people with MS, sharing knowledge and expertise, identifying good practices across Europe and cross-sectors.
The programme is built around 3 pillars:

Empowering people affected by MS to make informed choices by learning about latest research developments and the latest digital support tools
Social inclusion, the Impact of the social environment and participation in society on physical and mental health
Building community resilience

EBC is delighted to be invited as a contributor this year, with EBC Executive Director, Frédéric Destrebecq, to take part in the session “MS in Europe: the value of integrated and personalized health and social care approaches” on the 29th of April, from 12:00 to 12:30.
Get your free virtual ticket here!

Promoting Child Neurology in Europe | EPNS Congress 2022
2022-04-29 14:05 - 15:50 UTC
On 29 April 2022, Joke Jaarsma, Treasurer of the European Brain Council, will hold a presentation on “Promoting child neurology in Europe” in the context of the 14th Congress of the European Paediatric Neurology Society (EPNS) in Glasgow.
The EPNS Congress provides an opportunity to learn about the latest developments in the rapidly evolving field of child neurology, including basic science, diagnostic methods, and novel treatments. You can network with colleagues and industry partners all focused on delivering the best possible care for children with neurological disorders.
For more information, please visit: https://epns-congress.com/

Value of Treatment (VOT) case study on ataxia | EPNS Congress 2022
2022-04-30 10:20 - 10:40 UTC
The Value of Treatment for Brain Disorders (VOT) is a health economics and outcomes research project coordinated by the European Brain Council (EBC). According to the World Health Organization, disorders of the brain affect up to one in three people worldwide.
A second round (VOT2) on new therapeutic areas was launched in 2019, focusing on The Value of Early Diagnosis and Coordinated Care for Rare Diseases (Ataxia, Dystonia and Phenylketonuria); and The Value of Early Intervention and Continuity of Care for Mental Disorders (Anorexia Nervosa, Autism Spectrum Disorder and Major Depressive Disorder).
Prof. Paola Giunti will present a case study on ataxia at the 14th European Paediatric Neurology Society Congress in Glasgow, on 30 April (10:20 – 10:40).

Value of Treatment (VOT) case study on phenylketonuria (PKU) | EPNS Congress 2022
2022-05-01 10:20 - 10:40 UTC
The Value of Treatment for Brain Disorders (VOT) is a health economics and outcomes research project coordinated by the European Brain Council (EBC). According to the World Health Organization, disorders of the brain affect up to one in three people worldwide.
A second round (VOT2) on new therapeutic areas was launched in 2019, focusing on The Value of Early Diagnosis and Coordinated Care for Rare Diseases (Ataxia, Dystonia and Phenylketonuria); and The Value of Early Intervention and Continuity of Care for Mental Disorders (Anorexia Nervosa, Autism Spectrum Disorder and Major Depressive Disorder).
Prof. Anita MacDonald will present a case study on phenylketonuria (PKU) at the 14th European Paediatric Neurology Society Congress in Glasgow, on 1 May (10:20 – 10:40).

8th Annual European Stroke Organisation Conference
2022-05-04 - 2022-05-06 | Lyon, France
The 8th European Stroke Organisation Conference (ESOC 2022) will take place 4-6 May 2022 in Lyon, France as a hybrid event.
ESOC is Europe’s leading forum, and indeed a leading forum worldwide, for advances in research and clinical care of patients with cerebrovascular diseases. ESOC 2022 will live up to its expectation, and present to you a packed, high quality scientific programme including major clinical trials, state-of-the-art seminars, educational workshops, scientific communications of the latest research, and debates about current controversies.
The European Stroke Organisation’s mission is to reduce the burden of Stroke and to erase existing inequalities in stroke care in Europe. We firmly believe that together – through science, education and research, as well as networking and harmonizing how stroke is treated – this aim can be reached.
ESO acts as the Voice of Stroke in Europe and combines 43 organisations as well as over 2,000 individual members. Over 5,000 participants attend our conference and benefit from first-hand information about the latest breaking news and the newest ESO guidelines. ESOC also presents the perfect stepping-stone for young (and established) career professionals.
Visit the conference website for more information!

8th Academy of National Brain Councils
2022-05-10 10:00 - 16:00 UTC
The 8th Academy of National Brain Councils will be held on 10th May 2022 in Brussels, Belgium, hosted at the Representation of the Free State of Bavaria to the European Union.
This year’s Academy will host the launch of the German Brain Plan, led by the German Brain Council, including a presentation on how the plan was formed and plans for its implementation. Furthermore, updates and sharing of good practices in developing National Brain Plans will be presented by the Norwegian, German, Belgian, Dutch and Polish Brain Councils.
The meeting will take place from 10:00-16:00, including both closed and public programmes, also including presentations on the future plans of the European Commission for brain disorders: the EU “HealthierTogether”Initiative and the presentation of EBC’s Strategy and National Brain Plans to decision-makers.
For more information, please contact events@braincouncil.eu

Patient involvement in Brain Health: Safeguarding the future of Brain Health for patients
2022-05-12 14:00 - 16:30 UTC
In recent months, discussions on brain health have much focused on how to bring brain research and brain health on the European agenda. Patient organisations have also been very active in bringing their views to the discussion. However, we increasingly find that in relation to research in brain health and innovation, patient involvement has not been not optimally represented and relatively little impact on patient care and diagnosis can be seen.
The patient community needs precision medicine, in prevention and diagnosis, of brain diseases. Neuroscience, neurology and psychiatry must more closely align and transform their framework as the field of oncology has done.
Three leading European patient organizations in the field, Alzheimer Europe, the European Federation of Neurological Alliances (EFNA) and GAMIAN-Europe, have come together to organise a meeting that will underline to the brain health community why engaging patients in the discussion on brain health is crucial.
The meeting will present a call for action in anticipation of a possible brain health summit and – later – a brain health partnership. We will emphasise the importance of engaging the patient community in the discussions on brain health, with the overall goal of bringing people from the entire community together, outlining what our organisations hope to achieve, and most of all raising awareness of this important matter.
In order to safeguard the future of brain health it is:

Essential to systematically align all agendas in order to work towards agreed upon commitments to the brain health agenda.
Imperative that all stakeholders ensure that the priorities, needs and expertise of all those living with Brain Health disorders are considered and included.
Important to make sure research is intrinsically connected to reality

Register here

30th European Congress of Psychiatry
2022-06-04 - 2022-06-07 | Budapest, Hungary
The 30th European Congress of Psychiatry, organised by the largest association of psychiatrists in Europe, took place virtually on 4-7 June 2022.
Linking Clinical Practice and Research for Better Mental Health Care in Europe. This was the guiding motto for the next edition of the EPA Congress.
An opportunity to engage with state-of-the-art clinical tools, to expand the frontiers of research, explore innovative ideas for mental health care and prevention with a community of global professionals and stakeholders in the field of psychiatry and mental health care.
EBC was delighted to present:

European Brain Research Area (EBRA) at the 8th EPA Forum
Value of Treatment (VOT) Symposium on Mental Health
Autism Care Pathway in Europe

Find more information about the EPA Congress here!

Value of Treatment Symposium on Mental Health | 30th European Congress of Psychiatry
2022-06-04 - 2022-06-07
Recent studies underscore the severity of the mental health challenges children and adolescents face that can lead to high disability. There are numerous unmet needs along the care pathways, although effective early detection and interventions exist. Navigating the mental health services system is often complex for families, due to fragmented or disrupted services.
The Value of Treatment for Brain Disorders (VOT) is a health economics and outcomes research project coordinated by the European Brain Council. The second round (VOT2) on new therapeutic areas (anorexia nervosa, autism spectrum disorder and major depressive disorder) was launched in 2019. This semester will be an important milestone in terms of case study results dissemination. The study looked at early intervention and explored the benefits of improved detection, continuity of care and treatment, and collaborative care patterns (also addressing mental health problems with comorbid medical conditions) on outcomes to patients and costs. Case studies which combine a care pathway analysis followed by an economic evaluation were conducted with the support of Academic Partners, applying empirical evidence from different European countries.
The European Brain Council (EBC) and the European Psychiatric Association (EPA) will convene a meeting at the upcoming EPA Congress 2022 to address challenges especially from the health economics perspective. Study results from VOT2 case studies on anorexia nervosa, autism spectrum disorder and major depressive disorder, will be showcased. In this symposium, we report the findings of the groups of the Value of Treatment initiative and contextualise these by highlighting the limitations of existing economic models; the gaps in data availability; current research to address these gaps as well as directions for future research that will improve our ability to make the economic case for investment as well as our understanding of the patient experience and journey.

Autism Care Pathway in Europe | European Congress of Psychiatry
2022-06-04 - 2022-06-07
The 30th European Congress of Psychiatry, organised by the largest association of psychiatrists in Europe, will take place virtually on 4-7 June 2022.
EBC looks forward to presenting the case study on autism spectrum disorder (ASD) as part of the Value of Treatment (VOT) project:
Background: Autism is a lifelong complex neurodevelopmental condition that affects brain development and behaviour with significant consequences for everyday life. Despite its personal, familial, and societal impact, Europe-wide harmonised guidelines are still lacking for early detection, diagnosis, and intervention, leading to an overall unsatisfactory autistic person and carer journey. ​
Methods: The care pathway for autistic children and adolescents was analysed in Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom (UK) from the perspective of carers, the autistic community, and professionals in order to identify major barriers (treatment gaps) preventing carers from receiving information, support, and timely screening/diagnosis and intervention. ​
Results: Across all three countries, analysis of the current care pathway showed: long waits from the time carers raised their first concerns about a child’s development and/or behaviour until screening and confirmed diagnosis; delayed or no access to intervention once a diagnosis was confirmed; limited information about autism and how to access early detection services; and deficient support for families throughout the journey. ​
Conclusions: These findings call for policy harmonisation in Europe to shorten long wait times for diagnosis and intervention and therefore, improve autistic people and their families’ journey experience and quality of life.

European Brain Research Area (EBRA) at the 8th European Psychiatric Association (EPA) Forum
2022-06-04 09:00 - 12:00 UTC
EBC, as project coordinators, will present the European Brain Research Area (EBRA) project at the upcoming 8th European Psychiatric Association (EPA) Forum (taking place at the upcoming European Congress on Psychiatry 2022), centred around “Mental Health Care and Research in Europe: From Bench to Bedside and Back”. The Forum will take place on Saturday, 4 June 2022, 9:00-12:00 CEST at the congress venue in Budapest, Hungary. The project will be presented by EBC Executive Director, Frédéric Destrebecq.
The EPA Forum traditionally precedes the official opening of the annual European Congress on Psychiatry and aims to bring together EPA members and Congress delegates with European organisations, stakeholders and policy makers in the field of mental health and mental health care to present and discuss matters of European importance. This year’s programme will focus on the role of research and evidence-based policies to improve mental health care in the EU. In this regard, the EBRA project achievements, namely the recently released landscape analysis on brain research (mapping report) and upcoming Shared European Brain Research Agenda (SEBRA) will be presented.

Preparing Europe for Novel Psychedelic-Assisted Therapies: Launch of PAREA
2022-06-23 14:00 - 16:00 UTC
We all know the feeling of helplessness when we are unable to help people – often our loved ones – who are affected by mental health conditions, addictions or neurological ailments, including chronic pain. We know that mental healthcare is in crisis and we don’t have enough options to truly help many people in need. While it is true that there are many people who wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for antidepressants, there are also millions who are on them and continue to struggle or experience serious side effects. Moreover, the global expenditure on mental health amounts to a mere 2% of general expenditure (WHO, 2021) and only a minority of people with mental health conditions in Europe receive treatment. We have a long way to go in improving mental health care, and in achieving the relevant UN Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.
Against this backdrop, psychedelic-assisted therapies (PAT) show a promise of being a potent new class of treatments for mental, neurological and substance use disorders, as suggested by the rapidly growing, rigorous, and compelling body of research.
In 2021 alone, ground-breaking findings were published in journals such as Lancet, Nature and New England Journal of Medicine. Top tier US universities like NY University, Johns Hopkins and the University of California are following the example of Imperial College London in the UK, which in 2019 became the first to establish a centre dedicated to the study of psychedelic compounds.
During 2017 – 2019, the US FDA granted Breakthrough Therapy designation to PAT for three trials investigating psilocybin for depression and MDMA for PTSD.
The fundamental therapeutic benefit of PAT comes from the combination of psychedelic medicine and therapy. The drug is a catalyst for treatment, not a treatment in itself. Patients report that they get something deeply meaningful out of the altered consciousness – a sense of unity, of connection. Therapy allows them to incorporate that into an enduring shift in identity and to build a better self. In other words, psychedelics’ novel therapeutic value stems from their role as enhancements to a psychotherapeutic process, grounded in a relationship-centred approach, that views mental health through a biopsychosocial lens.
The renaissance of research into the neuroscience and therapeutic applications of PAT represents one of the most promising and important initiatives in brain science and neuropsychopharmacology in recent times, especially given the huge unmet needs in the therapeutic areas that they promise to treat.
At the same time, much has to be done in Europe to start accommodating those advances and to accelerate the safe and responsible integration of PAT into EU healthcare systems in the years to come. This work must start now.
With this in mind, the Psychedelic Access and Research European Alliance – PAREA was born. We bring together 15 members, including EU patient advocacy groups in the field of mental health, neurology and chronic pain, scientific associations – neuropsychopharmacologists and cancer societies, psychedelic foundations, as well as industry partners.
We will be launching this partnership on 23rd June, 2pm – 4pm CEST. See agenda below:
PAREA agenda
