HEREDITARY: Advocacy Workshop
2026-06-30 14:00 - 17:00 (Europe/Paris) | Online
The HEREDITARY Advocacy Workshop, led by the European Brain Council (EBC), is a focused, high-level session taking place online as part of the wider EU-funded HEREDITARY project. It is designed to strengthen the interface between scientific research, policy development, and society, with particular emphasis on how evidence generated within leading research initiatives can inform and shape European policy.
This workshop convenes a carefully selected group of researchers, policy experts, and civil society representatives, creating a space for informed exchange among individuals actively engaged in advancing the field. Participants will gain insight into the pathways through which scientific expertise contributes to policy discussions, and how their work can play a more direct role in influencing decision-making processes at the policy level.
Held on 30 June 2026 from 14:00–17:00 CEST, the session offers a structured, yet interactive environment designed to encourage both dialogue and practical engagement. Participants will have the opportunity to connect with a diverse range of stakeholders while exploring the science–policy interface through applied formats.
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FENS Forum 2026
2026-07-06 - 2026-07-10 | Barcelona, Spain
The Federation of European Neuroscience Societies (FENS), in collaboration with their host society the Sociedad Española de Neurociencia (SENC), are delighted to welcome you to the FENS Forum 2026, taking place in Barcelona, Spain, from 4-8 July 2026.
The FENS Forum is Europe’s largest neuroscience congress, covering all areas of neuroscience from basic to translational research. The Forum programme is currently being developed by the Programme Committee with the goal of delivering the utmost in scientific excellence and the most up-to-date research discoveries to the neuroscience community. It will be made available in the Fall of 2025. FENS Forum 2026 will feature an exciting programme of plenary and special lectures, scientific symposia, technical workshops, special interest events, career development and networking opportunities and so much more!
Networking Event: Towards the Establishment of National Brain Plans in Europe
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. Through this Networking Event chaired by Frédéric Destrebecq, EBC Executive Director, we aim to create a platform 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.
Read MoreSpecial Interest Event: Political Advocacy for Neuroscience Research Funding in a Changing World
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.
Read MoreSpecial Interest Event: Brain Health and Brain Capital: Shaping the Future of Neuroscience Research, Innovation, and PolicyWednesday, 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.Read MoreSpecial Interest Event: Opportunities for Neuroscientists in the European Partnership for Brain Health: Advancing European Brain Health Research
Thursday, July 9th | 12:00 PM – 13:00 PM CET | HALL H
Building an inclusive brain health research environment is important to advancing the field, as it enhances the visibility of existing scientific knowledge and fosters opportunities for new scientific discoveries. Achieving such a goal requires sustained investment in the researchers of today and of the future, empowering and providing early career and established researchers alike with the necessary opportunities to advance their skills and showcase their work.
To promote a holistic, inclusive, and strategically aligned brain health community, the European Partnership for Brain Health (EP BrainHealth), co-funded by the European Commission and different Member States, will implement targeted activities focused on research and funding opportunities, matchmaking, networking, and training early, mid and senior career researchers.
This session chaired by Frédéric Destrebecq, will explore the goals and initiatives of the Partnership’s activities over the next 7-10 years focused on facilitating the quality of brain health research, support career progression, collaboration and recognition opportunities for neuroscientists.

This event is organised by the European Partnership for Brain Health (EP BrainHealth).
Read MoreEBC Booth
During the entire FENS congress
Additionally, EBC will be present among the Exhibitor booths throughout the entirety of the congress! Whether you want to discuss our ongoing projects, learn more about our mission, or explore future events and collaboration opportunities – come find us!
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34th International Congress of Clinical Neurophysiology (ICCN26)
2026-09-08 - 2026-09-12 | Cartagena, Colombia
The International Federation of Clinical Neurophysiology (IFCN), in collaboration with their host society the Colombian Association of Electrodiagnostic Medicine (ACME), are delighted to welcome you to the 34th International Congress of Clinical Neurophysiology (ICCN 2026), taking place in Cartagena, Colombia, from 8-12 September 2026.
The ICCN is the world’s premier congress for clinical neurophysiology, bringing together experts from across the globe to share advances in research and clinical practice. The Forum programme is currently being developed by the Scientific Committee, co-chaired by Professors Tankisi and Guterriez, with the goal of combining recent research advances with the best clinical teaching to deliver both breadth and depth to the neurophysiology community.
ICCN 2026 will feature an exciting programme of plenary lectures, scientific symposia, technical workshops, educational sessions, career development opportunities, and networking events against the stunning backdrop of Cartagena’s rich colonial history and Caribbean charm. This marks the first visit of an ICCN to Colombia, reflecting the IFCN’s commitment to spreading best practice and education in Clinical Neurophysiology throughout the world.
Don’t miss the best of Clinical Neurophysiology in this unique and beautiful part of Colombia, where scientific excellence meets cultural discovery and professional collaboration flourishes into lasting friendships.
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Brain Days at the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA81)
2026-09-23 - 2026-09-24 | Cure., 345 Park Ave S, New York, NY, 10010, United States
Brain disorders — neurological and mental alike — remain among the greatest and fastest-growing challenges facing societies worldwide. Together, they affect billions of people, constitute the leading cause of ill health and disability globally, and exert profound impacts on health systems, economic resilience, education, productivity and social cohesion. As populations age, demographic and workforce pressures intensify, and societies navigate rapid technological and social transformation, the imperative to advance brain health across the life course has never been clearer. Increasingly, brain health is being recognised not only as a health and research issue, but as a societal, economic and development priority central to human capital and sustainable development.
Momentum is building. In recent years, brain health has gained growing recognition in global and regional policy agendas — from its increasing visibility within discussions on non-communicable diseases, to its emergence in debates on neurotechnology, brain capital and its socioeconomic repercussions on current and future generations. Major developments such as the launch of the European Partnership for Brain Health, growing discussions on the brain economy at the World Economic Forum and G7/G20 levels, the expansion of national brain strategies, and the rise of new global coalitions and research initiatives all point to a field entering a new phase of maturity and ambition. The initiatives and collaborations catalysed during the Brain Days at UNGA80 further reinforced this momentum, underscoring the value of sustained international dialogue and coordinated action.
This growing traction comes at a critical time. The coming years will be decisive in shaping the post-SDG agenda, the UN’s emerging vision for the future, and broader global governance frameworks for health, innovation and sustainable development. It is in this broader context that the Brain Days at UNGA81 will again serve as a platform to bring together policymakers, scientists, innovators, patient advocates, funders and international organisations to help advance a shared global agenda. Brain Days will take place on 23rd & 24th of September, 2026, at Cure. in New York City. Structured around two interconnected pillars, this year’s event will explore global collaboration in brain health research and innovation — including funding, science diplomacy and international partnerships — and the broader societal and policy dimensions of brain health, including brain capital, prevention, resilience and pathways towards greater recognition at United Nations level. Building on discussions initiated in previous editions while looking firmly ahead, the event will aim not only to showcase progress, but to create a space for active discussion and catalyse concrete next steps for collective action.
Registration is now open, programme coming soon.
Register nowLook back at Brain Days 2025

EANS 2026 Hamburg Congress
2026-09-30 - 2026-10-04 | Hamburg, Germany
The European Association of Neurosurgical Societies is delighted to welcome you to the EANS Congress 2026, taking place in Hamburg.
The EANS Congress is one of Europe’s leading neurosurgical meetings, bringing together clinicians, researchers and healthcare professionals from across the world. Held at the Congress Center Hamburg, the 2026 edition will take place under the theme “Responsibility, endurance and resilience”, reflecting the core values guiding neurosurgical practice, research and education.
The congress will provide a platform for scientific exchange and international collaboration, while addressing the latest developments in neurosurgery, including advances in areas such as artificial intelligence, neurostimulation and personalized approaches to treatment. The Japanese Society for Neurosurgery will join as the first official guest society, highlighting the global dimension of the meeting.
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39th ECNP Congress
2026-10-10 - 2026-10-13 | Munich, Germany
The European College of Neuropsychopharmacology (ECNP) is delighted to welcome you to the 39th ECNP Congress, taking place in Munich, Germany, from 10–13 October 2026.
As one of Europe’s leading meetings in neuroscience and psychiatry, the ECNP Congress will present a high-quality scientific programme covering a broad range of cutting-edge topics, from fundamental research to clinical applications. The programme is designed to deliver the latest advances and foster exchange across disciplines within the brain research community.
ECNP Congress 2026 will feature a diverse selection of scientific and industry sessions, appealing to a wide range of participants. Most sessions will also be accessible to virtual attendees, ensuring broad participation and engagement from the global community.

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Irish Presidency Event - Breaking Down Silos Through Lived Experience: A Value-Driven Future for Brain Health
2026-10-26 08:00 - 18:30 | Private: Irish National Stud, Brallistown Little, Tully, co. Kildare, R51 AP20, Ireland
Date: 26 October 2026, 09:00 – 18:00
Location: Irish National Stud & Gardens, Kildare, Ireland
Across Europe — and in Ireland in particular — brain health is emerging as one of the defining health, social and economic challenges of our time. Brain conditions already affect millions of citizens, placing growing pressure on health systems, workforce participation and long-term productivity. At the same time, rapid advances in neuroscience, digital health and prevention are opening a window of opportunity to transform outcomes if decisive and coordinated action is taken now. For Ireland, with its strong life sciences ecosystem, active patient and carers community, commitment to innovation and focus on health system sustainability, the moment is particularly timely to shape the next phase of Europe’s response.
In the framework of the Irish Presidency of the Council of the EU, this event will be a co-creation process engaging people with lived experiences, their caregivers, researchers, clinicians and policymakers aiming to demonstrate how more connected, people-centred approaches to brain health can deliver better outcomes, greater system efficiency and stronger societal resilience. The discussion will highlight practical solutions that can be scaled across Member States while reflecting national strengths and priorities.
Crucially, the event will demonstrate that the Irish and broader European brain community are aligned and ready to act. Across disciplines and sectors, stakeholders are increasingly united around a shared vision: breaking down silos, placing lived experience at the centre of policy and care and accelerating the translation of research into real-world impact. What is now needed is clear political backing to match this momentum.
By spotlighting Ireland’s leadership potential within a broader European effort, the event aims to catalyse concrete next steps toward more coordinated action on brain health, research and innovation. The message is clear: the tools, evidence and partnerships are already in place — and with timely support from policymakers, Europe can move decisively toward healthier brains, more resilient societies and sustainable health systems for the decades ahead.
The event programme and additional information will be added soon.
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Brain Innovation Days
2026-11-18 - 2026-11-19 | Area 42, Rue des Palais 46, Brussels, 1030, Belgium
We are delighted to bring the brain community together once again for the 6th edition of the Brain Innovation Days, a dynamic two-day event designed to inspire collaboration and accelerate innovation across the brain ecosystem.
On 18–19 November 2026, this year’s event will take place at Area 42 in Brussels, offering a vibrant setting for creativity, knowledge exchange and partnership-building. The programme will feature inspiring plenary discussions alongside interactive sessions designed to spark dialogue, collaboration and new ideas across the brain community.
Innovation Hall
The Innovation Hall is the vibrant networking hub of the Brain Innovation Days, where attendees can discover cutting-edge technologies, breakthrough research and emerging solutions shaping the future of brain health. It is the perfect place to connect with innovators, researchers, clinicians, industry leaders and investors in a dynamic networking environment beyond the plenary programme.
Are you developing an innovative solution, product or service in the brain space? Apply to showcase your work in the Innovation Hall and connect directly with a multidisciplinary audience of experts and decision-makers.
Pitch Competition

The Pitch Competition highlights some of Europe’s most promising brain health start-ups and entrepreneurs. Attendees will have the opportunity to discover innovative solutions tackling neurological and mental health challenges and hear pitches from emerging ventures shaping the future of the field.
Start-ups are invited to apply for the chance to present before an expert jury, gain valuable visibility and feedback, and connect with investors, researchers, clinicians and industry leaders at the event.

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