European Brain Council (EBC)

Thematic Network Webinar: Towards and EU Coordination Plan for Brain Health
2024-09-05 15:00 - 17:00 UTC | Online
The European Brain Council has been selected to lead the DG Sante Thematic Network, titled “Towards an EU Coordination Plan for the Brain,” under the EU Health Policy Platform. The Thematic Network’s primary aim is to prepare a position paper, referred to as the Joint Statement. This document will present the collective vision and strategic recommendations for enhancing brain health policies and practices across Europe.
To facilitate the development of the Joint Statement, an open live webinar took place on 5th of September. This webinar served as a platform for discussing ideas, sharing insights, and fostering collaboration among participants before the final drafting of the Joint Statement. The second draft of the position paper will be shared in October and discussed in a second webinar. The finalized Joint Statement will then be presented by the European Brain Council at the EU Health Policy Platform Annual Meeting.
Participation in the webinar was open to everyone. This inclusive approach ensures that the diverse perspectives and expertise of the brain health community are represented in the Joint Statement, contributing to a coordinated and effective EU strategy for brain health.
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The Brain Economy for One Health: 21st Century Response to 21st Century Challenges - Science Summit at the 79th United Nations General Assembly
2024-09-18 09:00 - 18:15 UTC | New York, United States
As part of the UN Science Summit at the 79th United Nations General Assembly and Summit for the Future, Rice University’s Baker Institute Center for Health and Bioscience, the California Mental Health Services Oversight Accountability Commission, the Brain Capital Alliance, the Euro-Mediterranean Economists’ Association, HKS and NeuroCentury are convening a plenary conference on 18 September 2024, focused on the new concept of the Brain Economy which posits a transformative societal approach to build brain capital, an asset that optimizes brain health and brain skills, in the face of technological change. The event’s particular focus will be on how the brain economy can support the goals of the One Health framework, aiming to balance and optimize the health of people, animals, and ecosystems.
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This event is the first in a series of Brain Days at the Science Summit of the 79th United Nations General Assembly in New York City, immediately followed by the two-day European Brain Council-led event, NEUROSCIENCE & SOCIETY: A LIFE COURSE APPROACH TO BRAIN HEALTH, prominently placing brain health and the brain economy high on the UNGA79 side events agenda.

Neuroscience and Society: A Life Course Approach to Brain Health - Science Summit of 79th United Nations General Assembly
2024-09-19 - 2024-09-20 | Cure., 345 Park Ave S, New York, NY, 10010, United States
As part of the Global Brain Coalition, the European Brain Council (EBC), Brain Capital Alliance, Davos Alzheimer’s Collaborative, Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute and UNICEF hosted a two-day, high-level side event at the 79th United Nations General Assembly, in collaboration with partner organizations, in the framework of the Science Summit at the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA79) in New York City on 19-20 September 2024 at Cure.
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 and demonstrate the role and contribution of science in attaining the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the two-day event highlighted existing partnerships and the immense potential and benefits of extending global collaboration in the brain space, for science, policymaking, and society as a whole.
Brain disorders – encompassing neurological diseases and disorders and mental illnesses – are widespread, disabling, and difficult to treat. In fact, it is estimated that up to three billion people worldwide live with a neurological condition and 970 million people around the world were living with a mental health disorder as of 2019. These conditions represent a high individual, social and economic burden and contribute immensely to the global burden of disease – in fact, as of 2024, neurological conditions alone are now the leading cause of ill health and disability worldwide.
To work towards explicit and tangible next steps in solidifying global efforts in addressing the burden and overall brain health, this two-day event showcased the importance and urgency of prioritizing brain health across all policies at the global level and build on the Call to Action launched at UNGA78. Addressing the immense global burden of brain disorders means investing in research and innovation in the brain health space to power our understanding of the brain, stay ahead in the quest to find treatment and cures and work to prevent any further increase in the prevalence of these conditions. Furthermore, at the socio-economic level, policies and investments to boost brain power can increase productivity, stimulate greater creativity and economic dynamism, afford social cohesion, and create a more resilient, adaptable, and sustainability-engaged populace.
Key stakeholders from across the wider brain community – scientific, clinical, economic, industry – and other relevant actors met to present on their work and co-create towards further action to place brain health at the top of global policy agendas in the post-Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) era. This action was incredibly timely, particularly in 2024, where 64 countries worldwide are hosting major elections and we are witnessing times of major political, economic, and overall societal shifts and instability. Furthermore, at the global level, the United Nations enters a period of preparation for the future, with the Summit of the Future kicking off during UNGA79 to plan for the post-2030 agenda and a High-Level Conference on NCDs planned in 2025.
The days focused on three key areas, through presentations, guided panel discussions and interactive discussion:

The challenge, impact and need for action;
Brain health and society – the brain in the life course;
Boosting global partnerships, capacity building and investing in neuroscience.

Topics touched on throughout the two days showcased just how relevant the brain and brain health is to society, not only in terms of burden of disease, healthcare and research, but also touching key issues such as the built environment, school-centred care, neuroscience in policymaking and judiciary decision making, neurotechnology and so much more. Watch the full event recording on YouTube the follow key moments, panel discussions and presentations from the high-level conference, including a Keynote Address by the Governor of New York, Kathy Hochul.
Read our Press Release announcing the formation of the Global Brain Coalition.

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This event was part of a series of Brain Days at the Science Summit of the 79th United Nations General Assembly. An additional event, The Brain Economy for One Health: 21st Century Response to 21st Century Challenges, took place on 18 September 2024, prominently placing brain health and the brain economy high on the UNGA79 side events agenda.

37th ECNP Congress
2024-09-21 - 2024-09-24 | Allianz MiCo, Piazzale Carlo Magno, 1/Gate 16, Milano, 20149, Italy
The European Brain Council (EBC) was pleased to participate in the 37th Congress of the European College of Neuropsychopharmacology (ECNP) held in Milan from 25–28 September 2024. The ECNP Congress is a leading platform for bringing together psychiatrists, neuroscientists, neurologists, and psychologists from around the world to discuss the latest advancements in brain disorder research and treatment.
Towards the BrainHealth PartnershipOn September 25th, EBC organized an engaging session titled “Towards the BrainHealth Partnership”. The session opened with remarks from EBC President Prof. Suzanne Dickson, followed by a presentation from Kristien Aarts, EBC’s Chief Research and Innovation Officer, on the “state of play” of brain research collaborative initiatives in the European Union. She emphasized the urgent need for international collaboration and multi-level engagement in both global and national contexts to address the pressing challenges in brain health.
The following panel discussion featured:

Prof. Martien Kas (President of the European College of Neuropsychopharmacolog)
Monica Di Luca (EBRA coordinator, former EBC President)
Sabine Hölter-Koch (PREMOS cluster, EBRA)
Roger Adan (BRAINFOOD cluster, EBRA)

The panelists showcased concrete examples of how collaboration at the European level, particularly through the EBRA clusters and ECNP networks, has led to tangible impacts in the brain health research field. Each speaker highlighted the critical importance of bringing together diverse stakeholders from the research community, industry, and civil society to drive progress in brain research and innovation.
The session’s message was clear: collaboration is key to overcoming the substantial challenges in brain health research. Through joint efforts and coordinated initiatives, significant progress can be achieved. The discussion also touched upon the work being done by the Coordination and Support Action (CSA) BrainHealth in paving the way towards the future European Partnership on BrainHealth.
The session was well-attended, and the audience was highly engaged, actively participating in the discussion.
EBC at the CongressBeyond the session, EBC had a strong presence throughout the ECNP Congress. On September 24, EBC had the pleasure to present a poster on the “Rethinking Schizophrenia: Beyond the Voices”, which outlined key policy recommendations to improve the lives of individuals living with schizophrenia in Europe. The ePoster can be accessed by clicking on the following link. Rethinking Schizophrenia is a research-driven project offering tangible policy changes to improve the lives of people living with schizophrenia across Europe. It challenges the status quo and refreshes the European policy debate on people living with schizophrenia and encourages multi-stakeholder-driven policy. The project falls under #BeyondTheVoices campaign.

Towards the BrainHealth Partnership | 37th ECNP Congress
2024-09-24 11:15 - 12:00 UTC | Allianz MiCo, Piazzale Carlo Magno, 1/Gate 16, Milano, 20149, Italy
EBC is pleased to hold a Panel Discussion ‘Toward the BrainHealth Partnership‘ at the upcoming ECNP Congress.
Brain disorders – neurological and mental alike – are widespread, highly disabling and often difficult to treat. Approximately 60% of the European population lives with a neurological condition and one in six citizens in Europe is affected by mental ill-health. These numbers are alarming without considering that they date back to before the COVID-19 pandemic, which we now know spurred higher rates of mental health conditions as well as COVID-triggered neurological complications, continuously on the rise in times of societal instability. These conditions represent a high individual, social and economic burden and contribute to the global disease burden and disability. At the end of 2023, the EU-funded Coordination & Support Action (CSA) BrainHealth launched, preparing for a European Partnership on Brain Health, planned for the European Commission’s 2nd Strategic Programme of Horizon Europe in 2025-2026. With the aim to further coordinate and structure the area of brain health research in Europe, the CSA BrainHealth is the result of a common vision and a goal to promote brain health regionally and globally, as well as promoting the brain health of citizens. This vision has been supported by the main players in the field for many years – JPND, NEURON, EBC and EBRAINS
ChairSuzanne DicksonSuzanne L. Dickson is Professor of Physiology/Neuroendocrinology at the Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden (2004-). She graduated first from the University of Edinburgh with a BSc (Honours) in Pharmacology (1993) and then from the University of Cambridge (UK) with a PhD in Neuroendocrinology (1993). Recently the University of Edinburgh appointed her Honorary Professor in Biomedical Sciences in acknowledgement of her work on the neuroendocrinology of appetite. Prior to her current appointment, she held a tenured position as Senior Lecturer in Physiology at the University of Cambridge, UK (1996-2004). Her current research focus is the role of the endocrine gut-brain axis in appetite control. This work builds upon almost 20 years research exploring the central actions of ghrelin and, before its discovery, growth hormone secretagogues (now known to be ghrelin mimetics). Her work was first to show that these ghrelin mimetics act in the brain, that they target an orexigenic system (the neuropeptide Y cells in the hypothalamus), that they are important for food intake and fat accumulation and, more recently, target brain reward pathways. Recent work includes the impact of gut hormones, especially ghrelin, on food choice, food reward, food motivation, food anticipation, habitual and impulsive behaviours as well as behaviours linked to mood. Suzanne has coordinated three successful European Union large integrated projects in the field of obesity, diabetes and appetite. Part of this work involved coordination of a consensus on “Food Addiction”. These projects involve wide international networks and collaborations that cross many scientific and geographical borders.
SpeakerKristien AartsKristien has been part of the European Brain Council since 2019 where she currently leads the research team. In this strategic role, Kristien plays a pivotal role in ensuring that the organization’s work is grounded in scientific evidence, research, and innovation. Her responsibilities include monitoring research funding, project applications, overseeing EU-funded projects, and developing a rare brain disease ecosystem. She also manages the Brain Innovation Days program and is actively creating an evidence-based brain health toolbox for the team. Kristien has a PhD in Psychology from Ghent University (Belgium). With diverse experience at Lyon Neuroscience Research Center, the European Health Management Association and the University of Utrecht, Kristien brings expertise in brain research, neuropsychology, emotion, cognition, multisensory processing, mindfulness, clinical research management, and EU-project management.
ExpertsSabine Hölter-KochSabine Hölter-Koch is a behavioural neuroscientist heading the Behavioural Unit at the German Mouse Clinic at Helmholtz Munich, Germany and lecturer at Technical University Munich. Her research focuses on the translational relevance of behavioural and brain phenotypes of genetic mouse models for neurodevelopmental, neurodegenerative and rare diseases. Her group has worked on phenotypes that are relevant across disorders, phenotype progression over the lifetime including influences of environmental factors, and on somatic comorbidities of brain disorders. She has contributed to several EU-funded projects since 2003 (EUMORPHIA, EUMODIC, INFRAFRONTIER2020, LDLensRad, CAQIII) and coordinated PREMOS, the cluster on Predictive Model Systems of the European Brain Research Area. Currently she serves as co-lead of the Behaviour & Sensory Workgroup of the International Mouse Phenotyping Consortium (IMPC), as Science Communication Coordinator of COST Action CA20135 “Improving biomedical research by automated behaviour monitoring in the animal home-cage”, as member of the EBRAINS Science & Technology Committee, and member of the European Brain Council Animal Research Task Force. For ECNP she serves as Chair of the Preclinical Data Forum Network and member of the Workshop Committee 2023-2026.
Roger AdanRoger Adan is Professor of Molecular Pharmacology at the University Medical Center Utrecht at the Utrecht University in the Netherlands. His research concerns unraveling the neural circuits that underlie behaviors relevant to psychiatry with a focus on eating disorders.
Martien KasMartien Kas is Professor of Behavioral Neuroscience at the Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences at the University of Groningen, the Netherlands. The research of his group focuses on determinants of behavior, especially of behavioral strategies and of biological processes that are essential across species and that are affected in various neuropsychiatric disorders (e.g., social interaction and sensory information processing). By means of cross-species genetic analysis of neurobehavioral traits (of mice and men), they aim to identify genotype-phenotype relationships relevant to the development and treatment of autism spectrum disorders, Alzheimer’s Disease, eating disorders, and schizophrenia. These studies will lead to the understanding of conserved gene function in regulating essential behavioral strategies and will ultimately improve therapeutic and preventive strategies to contribute to healthy aging. In addition, he is Executive Committee Board member and President of the European College of NeuroPsychopharmacology (ECNP), Editorial board member of Mammalian Genome, and project coordinator of the PRISM1 and PRISM2 projects, two large EU Innovative Medicine Initiative (IMI) projects that aim to unpick the biological reasons underlying social dysfunction, which is a common early symptom of Schizophrenia, Alzheimer’s disease and Major Depressive Disorder.
Monica Di LucaMonica DiLuca has been professor of Pharmacology at the University of Milano since 1999. She is at present the Director of Department of Excellence of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences of University of Milano. She is a member of the EMBO and has received major international distinctions and awards, including a Docteur Honoris Causa University of Bordeaux (2019) and a Laurea Honoris Causa Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Univ. of Mons (2017). Her primary research interest is related to synaptic plasticity both in physiological and pathological conditions, with the primary aim to apply her basic findings to the cure of neurodegenerative diseases as Alzheimer Disease. Her discoveries enriched our understanding of glutamatergic synapse in physiology and pathology, increasing our knowledge on plasticity and memory and leading to new tools for neuroprotection. A prominent trait of Monica DiLuca’s career is her deep and exigent involvement in sharing ideas over borders and establishing collaborative multi stakeholder networks merging scientists, clinicians and patients’ organizations. She has played a pivotal role in international organizations for neuroscience research in connection with societal challenges, including serving as President of Federation of European Neuroscience Societies (FENS) and European Brain Council (EBC). She is currently the President of Italian Society for Neuroscience.
LEARN MORE ABOUT ENCP CONGRESS 2024

Rethinking Schizophrenia: Beyond the Voices | 37th ECNP Congress
2024-09-24 12:35 - 14:00 UTC | Allianz MiCo, Piazzale Carlo Magno, 1/Gate 16, Milano, 20149, Italy
This year, the EBC will have a pleasure to present a poster on the “Rethinking Schizophrenia: Beyond the Voices” project at 37th ECNP Congress. The presentation will take place on 24th of September between 12:35 and 14:00 at the Poster Area at the Milan Congress Venue. Additionally, an ePoster will be available on the Congress platform.
About Rethinking Schizophrenia
Rethinking Schizophrenia is a research-driven project offering tangible policy changes to improve the lives of people living with schizophrenia across Europe. It challenges the status quo and refreshes the European policy debate on people living with schizophrenia and encourages multi-stakeholder-driven policy. The project falls under #BeyondTheVoices campaign.
LEARN MORE ABOUT RETHINKING SCHIZOPHRENIA PROJECTSpeakerKristien AartsChief Research & Innovation Officer, European Brain Council Kristien has been part of the European Brain Council since 2019 where she currently leads the research team. In this strategic role, Kristien plays a pivotal role in ensuring that the organization’s work is grounded in scientific evidence, research, and innovation.
Her responsibilities include monitoring research funding, project applications, overseeing EU-funded projects, and developing a rare brain disease ecosystem. She also manages the Brain Innovation Days program and is actively creating an evidence-based brain health toolbox for the team.
Kristien has a PhD in Psychology from Ghent University (Belgium). With diverse experience at Lyon Neuroscience Research Center, the European Health Management Association and the University of Utrecht, Kristien brings expertise in brain research, neuropsychology, emotion, cognition, multisensory processing, mindfulness, clinical research management, and EU-project management.
LEARN MORE ABOUT EBC AT ECNP CONGRESS

Promoting Brain Health for Everyone, Towards a More Sustainable and Healthy Future
2024-09-25 16:15 - 17:45 UTC | Private: EU Health Forum Gastein, Kursaal Room, Tauernplatz 1, Bad Hofgastein, 5630, Austria
From 24 – 27 September, the hybrid European Health Forum Gastein (EHFG), guided by the theme “Shifting sands of health”, will explore solutions for the complex interplay of democracy, demographics, and digitalisation in Europe’s evolving health landscape. The EHFG 2024 is co-organised by the Austrian Federal Ministry for Social Affairs, Health, Care and Consumer Protection, in collaboration with the World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe, and with support from the European Union. The EHFG 2024 will hold a consultation process with participants to collaboratively develop a priority letter on health to the next European Commission.
EBC will take part in a session organized by the European Academy of Neurology (EAN), titled “Promoting Brain Health for Everyone: Towards a Sustainable and Healthy Future” at the hybrid EHFG 2024 on 25 September.
According to the latest studies, more than 43% of the global population has a neurological disorder and estimates for mental health are 25%. The combined burden of brain disorders represents a major challenge. This requires a holistic concept of brain health which places an emphasis on prevention, optimising quality of life, and on addressing neurological and psychiatric comorbidities. This session will explore the multifaceted concept of brain health, emphasising its impact on healthcare systems, economic well-being, and societal health.
Building on recent research and initiatives, the session will highlight the importance of integrating brain health into national public health policies. Expert panel discussions will address demographic shifts, economic implications, and innovative policies needed to support brain health. Participants will gain insights from national strategies, such as the Swiss Brain Health Plan, and explore how European-level efforts are shaping the future of brain health.
By bringing together perspectives from science, academia, public sector, and civil society, the session aims to foster collaborative approaches and policy interventions.
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World Sleep Forum: 7th Think Tank: Sleep health and the burden of sleep disorders
2024-10-01 - 2024-10-02 | Lugano, Switzerland
Join the World Sleep Forum: 7th Think Tank, where experts will delve into the critical issues surrounding sleep health and the burden of sleep disorders. Organized by the European Sleep Foundation, this thought-provoking event will take place on October 1st and 2nd, 2024, in the city of Lugano, Switzerland.
Distinguished speakers, including Professor Claudio Bassetti, Vice-President of the European Brain Council, will provide insights into the latest research, advancements, and challenges in the field of sleep medicine. Participants can expect engaging discussions, interactive sessions, and networking opportunities with leading professionals and researchers in sleep health.
MORE INFORMATIONPRELIMINARY PROGRAM

Lausanne XI: Where Leaders Converge to End Alzheimer's Disease
2024-10-01 - 2024-10-03 | Lausanne, Switzerland
The 2024 Lausanne Workshop is the eleventh in a series of Lausanne-based annual Alzheimer’s convenings with a goal to stop Alzheimer’s. Over the past ten years, Lausanne has become a highly curated platform for global Alzheimer’s stakeholders to identify challenges, set solution paths, measure progress and hold each other accountable to act.
The Lausanne Workshop is organized under the auspices of the Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD) and supported by The Global CEO Initiative on Alzheimer’s Disease (CEOi), Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI) and World Economic Forum (WEF). It launched in 2014 as a response to the challenge articulated at the UK G8 Dementia Summit to stop Alzheimer’s by 2025. This goal was reinforced at the First WHO Ministerial Conference on Global Action Against Dementia in 2015.
EBC will be present at the event. Stephanie Kramer, Deputy Executive Director will take part in a panel discussion under the title “Preventative Power: Promoting Brain Health to Address the Alzheimer’s Crisis”.

Advancing Global Collaboration for Dementia and Healthy Aging
2024-10-08 13:00 - 17:00 UTC | Ancona, Italy
Side Event at the 2024 G7 Health Ministerial Meeting: Advancing Global Collaboration for Dementia and Healthy Aging EBC is pleased to collaborate with the Davos Alzheimer’s Collaborative (DAC), who will be hosting event on the sidelines of the 2024 G7 Health Ministerial Meeting: Advancing Global Collaboration for Dementia and Healthy Aging. The event will take place on 8 October 2024 from 13:00-17:00 CET in Ancona, Italy.
As the world’s population ages, dementias including Alzheimer’s disease are among the most pressing global health challenges. The profound impacts of dementias are looming threats that will increasingly strain health systems, societies, and individuals. DAC recognizes and applauds the previous efforts and commitments made by governments of the G7 to address dementias. However, the stark reality remains: the global community is not yet equipped to actualize and achieve these commitments.
On the sidelines of the G7 Health Ministerial meeting, the premier stage for international collaboration on critical health issues, the event aims to emphasize the continued need for global coordination and commitment to healthy aging, brain health, and addressing the global burden of dementias including Alzheimer’s disease. It will showcase the progress that is being made on all fronts in the fight to end Alzheimer’s, including policy advances, scientific innovations, and improved care pathways. The event will convene high-level stakeholders – including government, policy makers, international organizations, industry, and civil society – around the objectives:

Reiterating the importance of a person-centric approach to developing new treatments and strengthening health systems in support of people living with dementias including Alzheimer’s Disease.
Highlighting the progress countries have made since the 2023 G7 communiqué in Japan supported “policies and resources to care for people living with dementia,” including on early detection of Alzheimer’s disease and on the development of new therapeutics.
Building consensus on the urgent need for sustained global collaboration toward healthy aging and brain health, including in addressing Alzheimer’s and dementia, supporting the realization of national plans, coordination, and knowledge sharing at the global level.

EBC looks forward to participating in this critical discussion: Frédéric Destrebecq, EBC’s Executive Director, will be speaking during the ‘Defining the Opportunities for Global Action’ panel alongside Chris Lynch (Alzheimer’s Disease International), Charlotte Refsum (Tony Blair Institute for Global Change), Wade Shen (Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health). The discussion will be moderated by George Vradenburg (Davos Alzheimer’s Collaborative) and will take place at 16:10-16:50 CEST. Panelists will be sharing insights on how we can enable countries to build sustained global collaboration toward healthy ageing and brain health.
The Davos Alzheimer’s Collaborative
The Davos Alzheimer’s Collaborative (DAC) is a pioneering worldwide initiative to cure Alzheimer’s disease and improve brain health, seeking to mirror the success of global efforts against infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS, Covid, and Malaria. DAC is extending global research beyond its current focus on traditional Western European ethnic populations into the highly diversified populations of the Global South, where the vast majority of those with Alzheimer’s live. By introducing lower-cost screening and diagnostic tools as well as new treatment and prevention modalities in primary care and community health settings, DAC is driving implementation of health system solutions that are appropriate for worldwide application. DAC also promotes the vital importance of brain health throughout the lifespan by addressing cardiometabolic and lifestyle factors, especially in early and mid-life. Absent effective action at scale around the world, by 2050, more than 150 million families and half a billion people will be personally impacted by dementia, creating a social, financial, economic, and global security disaster of historic proportions. DAC was launched in Davos in 2021 by the World Economic Forum and the Global CEO Initiative on Alzheimer’s Disease.
REGISTRATIONDiscover the programmePlease note that requesting registration does not guarantee admission to the event. You will be notified by a member of the DAC team if your request is approved.

EANS Congress 2024
2024-10-13 - 2024-10-17
The Annual Congress of the European Association of Neurosurgical Societies (EANS) will take place on 13-17 October 2024, at the National Palace of Culture in Sofia (Bulgaria).
The congress theme will be “Innovation, Education, Leadership”, reflecting the current need to thoroughly discuss the future of neurosurgery in connection with technological advances that can improve neurosurgical education, training and treatment, aiming to create the next leaders of neurosurgery in Europe and all over the globe.
The programme will include several sessions dedicated to technological advances and innovative prospects and projects, always maintaining its high quality in presenting new original neurosurgical research.
EBC will be present at the Congress with a booth in the exhibition area. Make sure to pass by booth #38 where you can learn more about our ongoing projects, latest activities, and upcoming events! On Sunday 13th of October from 09:00-12:00, EBC will also participate in a session titled ‘Building Brain Health in Europe‘.
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Building Brain Health in Europe | EANS Congress 2024
2024-10-13 09:00 - 12:00 UTC
EBC is please to take a part in “Building Brain Health in Europe” session at EANS Congress 2024. The session will take place on 13th of October 2024 from 9:00 till 12:00 in Hall 6 of the Venue in Sofia.
About the session
This session, organized by EANS, will cover topics such as advocacy, brain health imaging, the brain tumours, neurosurgery in psychiatry and traumatic brain injuries.
EBC will present the advocacy work in the brain space undertaken 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 neurosurgery, neurology and neurological conditions (including the clinicians that treat them and the patients that live with them).
Session will feature a series of presentations by prominent experts in the field of brain health. Prof Torstein R. Meling will chair the session. Speakers include Prof Thomas Berger, Prof Suzanne Dickson, Tarek Yousry, Prof Johnny Duerinck, Dr Niklas Marklund, Majda Thurnher, Dr Ricardo Chavarriaga, and Dr Eric Suero Molina. Topics will cover various aspects of brain health, including neuroradiology, the impact of brain tumors, traumatic brain injury, and stroke, as well as the role of neurosurgery in modern psychiatry. Prof Suzanne Dickson will put forward the role of EBC in the advocacy of Brain Health and Dr Ricardo Chavarriaga will explore the ethics of neuroprosthetics.
EBC SpeakersSuzanne DicksonPresident, European Brain Council Professor Suzanne L Dickson is a neurobiologist and Professor of Neuroendocrinology at the University of Gothenburg. She graduated with a Ph.D. in Neuroendocrinology from the University of Cambridge in 1993, where she later became Senior Lecturer in Physiology. She is a leading figure in neuroendocrinology and works within many European Union and international organisations and societies to promote research, facilitate grant funding and training of Early Career Scientists. Her research into the neurobiology of appetite aims to unravel neurobiological pathways that respond to orexigenic signals, such as the hormone, ghrelin, and that drive feeding behaviours, not only food intake but also food choice, food anticipation, food reward and food motivation. This work involves mostly preclinical studies and includes behavioural tasks, viral vector mapping, chemogenetics and RNAscope. She is Secretary and Executive Board member of the European College for Neuropsychopharmacology, and also chairs ECNP’s Workshop for Early Career Scientists in Europe. She also is founder and co-chair of ECNP’s nutrition network and EBRA’s BRAINFOOD cluster.
Ricardo ChavarriagaGroup Lead, Responsible AI Innovation Neuroscientist and public speaker in neurotechnologies, artificial intelligence, and responsible innovation. Dr Chavarriaga leads the Responsible AI Innovation group at at the Center for Artificial Intelligence of the Zürich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW) and is the head of the Swiss office of the Confederation of Laboratories for AI Research in Europe (CLAIRE). His work is focused on leveraging neuroscience, AI, and ethics for advancing responsible innovation and governance of human-centered technology.
LEARN MORE ABOUT EBC AT EANS CONGRESS

Brussels Airport Marathon Run – #Move4YrBrain
2024-11-03 09:00 - 14:30 UTC | Brussels, Belgium
The European Brain Foundation joins forces with the European Brain Council to shed light on the benefits of physical exercise for the brain, reactivating the #Move4YrBrain campaign. Physical activity and healthy lifestyles have a clear and demonstrated impact on brain health. Whether you’re running, walking, or jogging, let’s lace up our shoes, hit the pavement, and boost our brain health together!
Share your runs, walks, or jogs with us using #Move4YrBrain or by joining our Strava group. We encourage each and every one of you to start – or keep – exercising and share your pictures on social media with the hashtag #Move4YrBrain, or our website. T-shirts can be made available upon request.
As part of the #Move4YrBrain Campaign, members of the EBC team will also take part in the Brussels Airport Marathon run on November 3, a sport event dedicated to handisport, runners and walkers.
Join the TeamBrussels Airport MarathonMove4YrBrain

“Towards an EU Coordination Plan for the Brain: Voices from the Community” - EUHPP Second Webinar
2024-11-07 14:00 - 15:30 (Europe/Paris)
We are pleased to announce that on November 7, 2024 the European Brain Council (EBC) will hold an EU Health Policy Platform Webinar to present a draft version of its Joint Statement, built from the insights gathered during both the previous webinar and the consultation period. An open live webinar will take place on Thursday, 7th of November from 14:00 until 15:30 (Brussels time).
This Thematic Network aims to unite stakeholders from across the brain community to develop policy recommendations for a comprehensive EU Coordination Plan for the Brain. Our goals are to enhance the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and care of brain disorders, ultimately fostering a healthier and more innovative Europe – while socializing the concepts of brain health, brain capital, brain wealth and brain economy.
We encourage the entire brain community to join us in this significant endeavour. Your support and collaboration are crucial to work towards positioning brain health at the forefront of EU policy health, social and research policy orientations. Together, we can make a lasting impact on the brain health and, thus, overall wellbeing of millions across Europe.
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Brain Innovation Days
2024-11-13 - 2024-11-14 | Brussels, Belgium
We are pleased to announce that the 4th edition of the Brain Innovation Days, organised by the European Brain Council, will take place on 13-14 November 2024 in Brussels, Belgium. The aim of the event is to bring the wider brain ecosystem together to foster dialogue, exchange knowledge, accelerate investment in research & innovation and facilitate business development.
Key players and experts in the brain space across Europe and beyond will be able to connect through a networking-friendly programme and innovation showcasing. You can look forward to inspiring keynotes, panel discussions, the Brain Innovation Days Pitch Competition, an Innovation Hall, and much more.
The event will take place in the EGG. Located in the heart of Brussels, the venue offers an outstanding space with easy access by train, public transport and car (with many different parking facilities in the vicinity). The perfect place to meet creative minds, exchange knowledge and experience.
2024 ThemeThis year’s Brain Innovation Days will take place under the overarching theme “Navigating the Brain Across a Lifetime“, examining the journey our brains take across our lifespans, from perinatal to advanced age.
The main theme will revolve around 5 subthemes:
🧠 Blossoming Brains: Early Brain Development
🏫 Building Brains: Schools and Workplaces
🏥 Timeless Brains: Nurturing Resilience, Embracing Change
⚙️ Holistic Brains: Strategies for Brain Health in a Dynamic Society
🚀 Advancements in Neurotechnology: Pioneering Innovations
Discover the programmeRegister NowVisit the Brain Innovation Days website

Encephalitis Conference
2024-12-02 - 2024-12-03
Encephalitis 2024 is dedicated exclusively to encephalitis and covers epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation in both children and adults, covering both infectious and autoimmune aetiologies.
There will be cutting-edge insights from global leaders in the field of brain inflammation covering hot topics, critical research questions, and approaches to the key clinical challenges informed by the latest research.
You can join us in-person at the Royal College of Physicians, London, or virtually, via the online Conference Platform.
FREE PLACES: Please note there is a limited number of free places for medical and healthcare professionals from low-to-middle income countries (LMIC) to attend the Conference.
SUBMIT AN ABSTRACT BEFORE 30 JUNEREGISTER HERELEARN MORE

EU4Health Conference 2024: Integration and Impact Initiative
2024-12-02 09:50 - 16:50 UTC | Brussels, Belgium
The EU4Health Conference: Integration and Impact Initiave will take place on 2 December 2024 at 09:50-16:50 in the Palace of Academies in Brussels, Belgium.
The EU4Health Integration and Impact Initiative (EU4H3I) aims to address public health challenges such as healthcare disparities, unequal access to therapies, and lack of diversity in clinical trials. By advocating for interdisciplinary collaboration and adopting a holistic, multi-sectoral approach through the One Health perspective, the initiative supports the development of the European Health Union.
Key themes

ONE HEALTH: The One Health approach highlights the interdependence of human, animal, and environmental health, and is crucial for tackling environmental and climate-related health threats.
PAEDIATRIC CANCER: Childhood cancer is the leading disease-related cause of death in EU children over one. We hope for a world where children with cancer can be cured, and their challenges are understood.
BRAIN HEALTH: Brain health encompasses mental, cognitive, sensory, emotional, behavioral, and motor functions. A healthy brain enables individuals to reach their full potential.

The consortium for the EU4Health Integration and Impact Initiative project includes the I3h Institute (I3h ULB), One Sustainable Health for All Foundation (OSH Foundation), Childhood Cancer International Europe (CCI Europe), and the European Brain Council (EBC).

Co-funded by the European Union
Find out more about the event & registerLearn more about the project

Plexus Skills 2024: Clinical Skills for Life
2024-12-07 | Zagreb Croatia, Zagreb, Croatia (Local Name: Hrvatska)
This December 7th (Zagreb Croatia), Plexus is gathering elite physicians from top US hospitals including Cleveland Clinic to teach the most cutting-edge, actionable clinical skills and knowledge through immersive workshops in cardiology, emergency medicine, endocrinology, and oncology. These limited-capacity, hands-on sessions are a unique opportunity for physicians, residents, and medical students to elevate their medical expertise.
The abstract submission for the Plexus Skills conference is open. Posters offer an excellent opportunity to share your research and case studies with colleagues and peers. Both posters and abstracts must be submitted to the Plexus Evaluation Committee (pr@medx.hr) by October 1st. All submissions will be reviewed, and decisions will be communicated to authors. For any questions, please contact pr@medx.hr.
The conference day will be capped off with a gorgeous Gala dinner where a Nobel laureate will share their incredible career path, as well as an opportunity for networking with all the speakers and participants. See you in December 2024 in Zagreb, Croatia in the historic Hotel Esplanade and enjoy one of Europe’s most amazing Christmas markets while learning cutting-edge knowledge!
Learn moreDownload the flyerPlexus_2024_Official_Flyer

European Brain Council (EBC) in Davos during World Economic Forum 2025
2025-01-21 - 2025-01-24 | Davos, Switzerland
The Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum will take place in Davos (Switzerland) from 20 to 24 January 2025. The event convenes global leaders to address key global and regional challenges. These include responding to geopolitical shocks, stimulating growth to improve living standards, and stewarding a just and inclusive energy transition.
Announcing the Brain House
The European Brain Council (EBC) is proud to be part of the first-ever Brain House during the World Economic Forum. The Brain House is built on a fundamental truth: the brain— our source of innovation, creativity, and collaboration—is the most valuable driver of economic growth, resilience and transformation. By harnessing this potential, we can tackle the urgent crises of our time while reimagining progress that benefits everyone. Here, leaders, innovators, and changemakers from across sectors and continents will converge to:
• Build an inclusive and resilient global coalition prepared to lead transformative change.
• Understand the connections between the brain, climate change, population aging, AI and global issues reshaping our world.
• Share urgent, actionable solutions to today’s global crises while driving productivity and boosting GDP.
• Mobilize resources and innovation at scale to meet the magnitude of our shared challenges.
Setting a Yearlong Course of Action: Starting a Global Brain Health Movement
Prof. Claudio Bassetti, EBC Vice-President, will take part in the discussion panel titled ‘Setting a Yearlong Course of Action: Starting a Global Brain Health Movement’. Fellow speakers include George Vradenburg, Chairman and Board of Directors of Davos Alzheimer’s Collaborative, Seema Kumar, CEO of Cure, Andy Moose, Head of Health and Wellness at the World Economic Forum, Lucy Perez, Senior Partner at McKinsey & Company and Christa Studzinski, Director of Business Development and Partnerships at the Ontario Brain Institute.
Practical InformationDate: 23 January 2025Time: 11:00-12:30Location: Brain House, ICON, Symondstrasse 7, Davos-Platz, Switzerland
See the Agenda Mental Health Day at the Social Innovation House
Be at the heart of the mental and brain health movement during the World Economic Forum as we gather global stakeholders to elevate the mental health movement from awareness into action. From neurotech, to psychedelics, to community-based interventions, this day-long event promises to set the stage for mental health conversations throughout the year. EBC looks forward to being part of the Mental Health Day in Davos! Frédéric Destrebecq, EBC Executive Director, will be moderating a session titled ‘Brain Capital & Human Flourishing: Connecting Brain Health, Purpose, and Economic Prosperity’. The session will take place on 22 January 2025 at 17:25 – 17:55pm. Speakers in this panel include Dr. Harris Eyre, Co-Lead at the Brain Capital Alliance, Geoff Moore, Founder and CEO of Impactᴬᴺᴰ and Tadeusz Hawrot, Founder and Executive Director of Psychedelic Access and Research European Alliance (PAREA) Science.
Practical Information about the Mental Health Day in Davos
Date: 22 January 2025
Time: 10:00-18:15
Location: Social Innovation House, Promenade 57, Davos, Switzerland
Registration: Register here
Learn More

Brain Capital & Human Flourishing: Connecting Brain Health, Purpose, and Economic Prosperity
2025-01-22 17:25 - 17:55 UTC | Davos, Switzerland
Be at the heart of the mental and brain health movement during the World Economic Forum as global stakeholders are gathered to elevate the mental health movement from awareness into action. From neurotech, to psychedelics, to community-based interventions, this day-long event in the Social Innovation House promises to set the stage for mental health conversations throughout the year.
Frédéric Destrebecq, EBC Executive Director, will be moderating a session titled ‘Brain Capital & Human Flourishing: Connecting Brain Health, Purpose, and Economic Prosperity’. This timely session will delve into the significant connection between brain health, purposeful living, and their collective impact on economic and human prosperity. Learn about the concept of “Brain Capital,” which emphasizes the value of mental health, cognitive performance, and emotional resilience in driving societal and economic growth. Understand how prioritizing brain health not only enhances individual well-being and purpose but also fosters innovation, productivity, and equity. Join thought leaders and experts as they discuss actionable strategies for building brain capital, supporting human flourishing, and creating a more prosperous and purposeful future for all. Speakers in this panel include Dr. Harris Eyre, Co-Lead at the Brain Capital Alliance, Geoff Moore, Founder and CEO of Impactᴬᴺᴰ and Tadeusz Hawrot, Founder and Executive Director of Psychedelic Access and Research European Alliance (PAREA) Science.
Find Out MoreEBC is furthermore also present and speaking at other sessions in Davos, notably at the ‘Setting a Yearlong Course of Action: Starting a Global Brain Health Movement’ session organised by the Brain House.

Setting a Yearlong Course of Action: Starting a Global Brain Health Movement
2025-01-23 11:00 - 12:30 UTC | Davos, Switzerland
The history of economic growth is defined by breakthroughs that led to previously unimaginable productivity. From the steam engine that kicked off the industrial revolution to the transformation A.I. is driving today, key breakthroughs are constantly reshaping our world.
We believe the next key breakthrough isn’t a tool, process or technology. We believe it already exists in all of us – our brains. We believe by better understanding our brains, and by extension our motivations, needs and natures, we’ll unlock the next great breakthrough. The Brain House exists to expand this pursuit beyond the halls of academia and medicine and center it in the world of capital markets and innovation needed to create a healthier, more resilient, and a more productive future.
The Davos Alzheimer’s Collaborative and partners invite you to the Brain House, which will have daily conversations on a range of topics, broadcast insights to audiences around the world, and serve as a collaborative hub where stakeholders from diverse sectors and geographies converge.
Setting a Yearlong Course of Action: Starting a Global Brain Health Movement
Claudio Bassetti, EBC Vice-President, will take part of a panel discussion on Thursday January 23rd from 11:00am – 12:30pm. Fellow speakers include George Vradenburg, Chairman and Board of Directors of Davos Alzheimer’s Collaborative, Seema Kumar, CEO of Cure, Andy Moose, Head of Health and Wellness at the World Economic Forum, Lucy Perez, Senior Partner at McKinsey & Company and Christa Studzinski, Director of Business Development and Partnerships at the Ontario Brain Institute. By bringing together voices from across sectors—government, healthcare, business, and advocacy—the Brain House will explore key actions, partnerships, and initiatives to elevate brain health on the global agenda. By leveraging the World Economic Forum’s meeting in Davos to catalyse movements at other key global events, including the G7, G20, World Health Assembly, and more, our goal is to take the “show on the road,” building momentum and driving collective action. Attendees will leave with clear commitments and a concrete plan to advance brain health, ensuring it becomes a central focus of international dialogue and policy throughout the year.
Practical Information
Date: 23 January 2025
Time: 11:00-12:30
Location: Brain House, ICON, Symondstrasse 7, Davos-Platz, Switzerland
Find Out MoreEBC is furthermore also present and speaking at other sessions in Davos, notably at the Mental Health Day organised by the Social Innovation House.

Rare Disease Day 2025 | Towards a Rare Brain Disease Ecosystem
2025-02-20 09:30 - 14:00 UTC
The main purpose of Rare Disease Day is to raise awareness about rare diseases and their impact on the lives of those affected. In the continuity of the European Brain Council’s (EBC) activities on rare brain diseases, EBC introduced in 2024 the concept of a Rare Brain Disease Ecosystem to engage key stakeholders in the field to identify gaps, priorities, and projects in Europe. During this event, the Rethinking Myasthenia Gravis (MG) project will be launched. Researchers, clinicians, persons living with brain disease and industry will share their perspectives and priorities in the rare brain disease research, care and policy space. Attendees will brainstorm on how care and treatment pathways for rare brain diseases such as MG, Neurofibromatosis Type 1 and Rare Epilepsy can be optimised from both the patient and clinician perspectives. This event will also provide the opportunity to further develop on the objectives and mission of the proposed EBC Rare Brain Disease Ecosystem & Knowledge Hub.
Practical information
Date: Thursday, 20 February 2025
Time: 09:30 – 14:00 (Brussels time)
Location: Both in person and Online. The event will take place at the University Foundation (Room A), Rue d’Egmont 11, 1000 Brussels, Belgium

In person registration is now closed, as we have reached capacity. You can still follow this event online, please use the registration link below!
Event ReportDiscover the Programme
9:30 - 10:00 Registration & Welcome Coffee
Join us at the University Foundation in Brussels for a morning programme dedicated to the rare brain disease ecosystem. The programme aims to raise awareness about rare brain diseases and their societal impact to develop strategic plans for addressing unmet needs in the field.
10:00 - 10:10 Welcome & Opening10.00 – 10.10 Welcome
Suzanne Dickson, President, European Brain Council (EBC)
Elena Moro, President, European Academy of Neurology (EAN)10:10 - 10:30 Telling the Story10.10 – 10.30 Telling the Story“Waiting for Zorro”, the story of a child with a brain disorder and related severe disabilities
Sarah Moon Howe, Filmmaker10:30 - 11:00 Session 1: Policy Commitment to Tackling Rare Diseases
10.20 – 10.50 Policy Commitment to Tackling Rare Diseases

Moderator: Enrique Terol, Health Counsellor, Permanent Representation of Spain to the EU
Alexandra Heumber Perry, Chief Executive Officer, Rare Disease International (RDI)Valentina Bottarelli, Public Affairs Director & Head of European Advocacy, EURORDISMarzena NELKEN, Alliance RD Poland
10.55 – 11.00 Q&A

11:00 - 11:30 Coffee Break
Connect and share your insights with fellow rare disease researchers, clinicians and patient advocates during this coffee break.
11:30 - 12:20 Session 2: Unmet Needs and Optimising Patient Care Pathways for Rare Diseases in EuropeModerator: Vinciane Quoidbach, European Brain Council
The patient perspective
Lutgarde Allard, President, European Myasthenia Gravis Association (EUMGA)
Vera Lipkovskaya, Public Policy & Project Manager, Neurofibromatosis (NF) Patients United
The Patient Care Pathway methodology: the organizational and economic perspective
Giuseppe Turchetti, Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, Pisa, Italy
Marialuisa Zedde, Neurologist, Local Health Authority (AUSL) of Reggio Emilia, Italy
Clinical perspective
Alexis Arzimanoglou, Spain: The case of Rare Epilepsies (ERN EpiCARE)
Lorenzo Maggi: The case of MG (ERN-NMD)
Industry perspective on MG
Walter Atzori, Global Patient Advocacy Strategic Lead, Alexion
Anna Kole, Global Patient Engagement Lead MG, UCB
12:15 – 12:20 Q&A12:20 - 12:50 Session 3: Towards a Rare Brain Disease Ecosystem & Knowledge Hub: Open DiscussionModerator: Frédéric Destrebecq, Executive Director, European Brain Council (EBC)
A Multistakeholder Perspective
Julian Grosskreutz, Chairman, European ALS Coalition
Panel Discussion
Sameer Zuberi, Past President, European Paediatric Neurology Society (EPNS)
Astri Arnesen, President, European Federation of Neurological Associations (EFNA)
Kailash Bhatia, President-Elect, European Academy of Neurology (EAN)
Interaction with the Audience: Q&A
12:50 - 13:00 Wrap Up and Closing Remarks
Suzanne Dickson, President, European Brain Council (EBC)
13:00 - 14:00 Networking Lunch
Connect and share your insights with fellow rare disease researchers, clinicians and patient advocates during our networking lunch!
Meet the Speakers!
Suzanne L. DicksonPresident, European Brain CouncilSuzanne L Dickson is a neurobiologist and Professor of Neuroendocrinology at the University of Gothenburg. She graduated with a Ph.D. in Neuroendocrinology from the University of Cambridge in 1993, where she later became Senior Lecturer in Physiology. She is a leading figure in neuroendocrinology and works within many European Union and international organisations and societies to promote research, facilitate grant funding and training of Early Career Scientists. Her research into the neurobiology of appetite aims to unravel neurobiological pathways that respond to orexigenic signals, such as the hormone, ghrelin, and that drive feeding behaviours, not only food intake but also food choice, food anticipation, food reward and food motivation. This work involves mostly preclinical studies and includes behavioural tasks, viral vector mapping, chemogenetics and RNAscope. She is President of the European Brain Council and Secretary of the European College for Neuropsychopharmacology
Elena Moro is Professor of Neurology at Université Grenoble Alpes and at the Department of Psychiatry, Neurology and Neurological Rehabilitation of CHU Grenoble in France. She graduated in medicine at the University of Trieste, Italy, and completed her residency in neurology at the Rome Catholic University. She then went on to complete a fellowship in movement disorders in Grenoble, France. After receiving her PhD in neurosciences, she joined the Division of Neurology at Toronto Western Hospital, Canada, as medical director of the surgical programme for movement disorders. In 2012, she moved to Grenoble, France, where she is currently director of the Movement Disorders Center and head of the Department of Psychiatry, Neurology, Neurological Rehabilitation and Forensic Medicine.
Her main research is focused on restoring brain function, especially with deep brain stimulation. To date, she has published more than 200 papers based on clinical research in movements disorders. Prof. Moro has trained many medical students, PhD students and neurology fellows. She has previously served on the EAN Board as Treasurer (2018-20) and Secretary General (2020-22).
Elena MoroPresident, European Academy of NeurologySarah Moon HoweFilmmakerPsychology graduate, Sarah Moon Howe worked for nearly 10 years with adults with disabilities and mental retardation. Alongside her job, she leads a filmmaking career. In 2003, she made based on its archives “Do not tell my mother,” a documentary unveiled at the 60th Venice Mostra. The trip movie, takes part in many festivals around the world. The birth of her son, Jack, and the announcement of his difficulties will bring it again to record his daily life. From this experience is born “If depressurization” in 2009. “The kangaroo complex” is her third film. Alongside her film activities, Sarah explores with sound documentary “Living with Medusa” in 2011 and “Channel Strip” in 2013. With these documentaries, Sarah Moon Howe lays the foundations for a significant work, the borders of the intimate, transcending her experience to capture images into sounds.
Vinciane Quoidbach is Public Health and Policy Research Project Manager at the European Brain Council, specializing in brain health impact assessments, care and treatment pathway analysis, and evidence-based policymaking. She is currently affiliated with the University of Warwick, United Kingdom, where she is pursuing an MSc in Neuroscience. Prior to her current position, she served as an Advisor to the Belgian Federal Public Service Health and the Federal Minister of Health’s Cabinet, where she was responsible for developing public health policies and regulations in the areas of cancer, chronic diseases, and rare diseases. She also worked as a Technical Officer at the World Health Organization (WHO) in Geneva, Switzerland, within the Non-Communicable Diseases and Mental Health cluster, and at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Pretoria, South Africa, focusing on health and social development. Vinciane holds a Master’s Degree in Hospital Management from the Solvay Brussels School of Economics and Management and a Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health Management from the Manchester Business School. Additionally, she holds a Master’s Degree in Political Science and European Studies from the University of Antwerp.
Vinciane QuoidbachResearch Project Manager, European Brain CouncilEnrique Terol Health Counsellor, Permanent Representation of Spain to the EUEnrique Terol works as Health Counsellor in the Permanent Representation of Spain to the European Union and represents the interests of Spain in the area of health. He is MD, specialized in Family and Community Medicine, MSc and PhD in Public Health and has followed specialisation courses on healthcare management and quality of healthcare.
His professional experience includes the clinical practice, managerial positions as Medical Director and CEO of Primary and Specialised Healthcare in private and public institutions and healthcare planning. He was Deputy General Director of Quality and Health Planning of the Ministry of Health of Spain between 2004 and 2008 in charge of the development inter alia of the Spanish Strategy of ischemic heart disease, Diabetes, Mental health, Rare Diseases and Patient safety.
He worked as Health Attaché in the Spanish Permanent Representation to the EU and coordinator of the area of Health in the Spanish Presidency of the EU between 2008 and 2011. From 2011 to 2020, he worked as Seconded National Expert and as Policy officer in DG SANTE developing the legal and organisational bases for and the set-up and implementation of the European Reference Networks (ERN) for complex and rare diseases under the framework of the Directive of Cross-border Health. Between 2021 and 2022 worked as team leader in the Medical Service of the European Commission.
Since 2022 he works as Health counsellor at Spanish Permanent Representation and coordinated the Health area during the Spanish Presidency of the EU.
Alexandra Heumber Perry is the Chief Executive Officer of Rare Diseases International, the global alliance of Persons Living with a Rare Disease. She has dedicated her entire career to contribute improving healthcare policies to benefit people living with diseases, with a particular focus in neglected and vulnerable people. She has over 20 years’ experience in global health with demonstrated capabilities in patient advocacy and multi-stakeholder partnership. As CEO of RDI, Alexandra sets the strategic direction, drives the organization’s goals of raising awareness of rare diseases, improving access to diagnostics, treatments and care, advocating for the rights of patients around the world and representing its members and enhancing their capacities to ultimately improve lives of Persons Living with a Rare Disease.
ABOUT RARE DISEASES INTERNATIONAL
Rare Diseases International (RDI) is the global alliance of People Living with a Rare Disease (PLWRD) of all nationalities across all rare diseases. Representing over 100 organizations on 6 continents, RDI’s mission is to be a strong common voice on behalf of rare disease patients around the world, to advocate for rare diseases as an international public health priority and to represent and empower its members. RDI’s main goal is to address PLWRD’ inequities and to shape international policy on rare diseases, strengthening health systems to address rare diseases, and advancing Universal Health Coverage. RDI was successful in having rare diseases identified in the 2019 UN Declaration on Universal Health Coverage and again in the 2023 renewal. In 2021, RDI successfully advocated for the adoption of a United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) Resolution on Rare Diseases. In 2024, RDI became a Non-State Actor in official relations with the WHO.
Alexandra Heumber PerryChief Executive Officer, Rare Diseases InternationalValentina Bottarelli Public Affairs Director & Head of European Advocacy, EURORDISValentina Bottarelli joined EURORDIS in 2007 as European Public Affairs Senior Advisor.
Valentina provides policy analysis and strategic advice on EU policies as well as funding opportunities from EU public institutions.
She is also in charge of coordinating, on behalf of EURORDIS, activities aimed at fostering the development of National Plans on Rare Diseases in EU countries within the framework of the EUROPLAN project.
Valentina has extensive experience in the area of EU policies and programmes as well as managing European-funded projects, she has worked as a consultant in public affairs and communications. She has also worked at the European Commission, Directorate External Affairs. Valentina holds a Master of Arts in European Political and Administrative Studies from the College of Europe in Bruges. An Italian national, she speaks Italian, French, English and Spanish.
Marzena Nelken is Board member of the Polish Association of Patients with Phenylketonuria and Rare Diseases Ars Vivendi. Board member of the Association of Patients with LAL-D disease. Director of the National Forum for the Therapy of Rare Diseases ORPHAN Poland. Expert of the Federation of Polish Patients (FPP) for EU projects. Former board member of the European Patients Forum (until 2022). Member of the Cluster of National Alliances (CNA) at EURORDIS. Expert of the European Institute of Technology (EIT) at the European Parliament. EUPATI fellow – graduated from the European Patients’ Academy of Therapeutic Innovation EUPATI and a representative of the Polish EUPATI Platform, which aims to inform and educate patients about clinical trials. Expert of the Supreme Bioethics Committee for Clinical Research at the Medical Research Agency Poland and a co-author of the educational program for patients experts in Bioethical Committees. Experienced trainer and educator. Eager supporter of “patient involvement” and “patient as a partner approach”. Co-author of information booklets for patients on selected rare diseases. Co-author of the National Forum Orphan’s Audit “The needs of patients with rare diseases in access to medical technologies and optimization of care in Poland”. Involved in the creation of European programs regarding the creation, storage, sharing and protection of sensitive patient data. Member of the Patient Group Committee in the Data Saves Lives initiative, led by EPF and the European Institute for Innovation through Health Data i-HD.
Marzena NelkenDirector, National Forum for the Therapy of Rare Diseases ORPHAN PolandLutgarde AllardPresident, European Myasthenia Gravis Association (EuMGA)Lutgarde Allard was born in 1959 in Flanders and educated to be a nurse. However, at the time there were but a few jobs and she worked for the government.
Received her diagnosis of Myasthenia Gravis in March 1994 and since 1997 is an active patient advocate. Was a member of the Liga Myasthenia Gravis Vlaanderen form 1994, became a board member in 2010 and was active from the moment her health allowed it, She was a contact person for members to help and support them in the difficult pathway they had to walk. Since May 2023 a board member of the EuMGA, the European Myastnenia Gravis Association and since May 2024, the president of the European Association. Still very active in advocating for the patient community.
Vera Lipkovskaya is a public policy and project officer at NF Patients United, with over 8 years of experience advocating for patients with rare diseases. She also served as Chief Project Design Officer at an AI company, where she led the design and implementation of projects across more than 30 countries for various rare diseases and cancers. Through her work, she advocates for patient-centric approaches in policymaking as well as for greater recognition of the role patient organisations play in shaping the healthcare landscape. A lawyer by training, she also closely monitors legislative developments that address rare diseases and the unmet needs of patients.
Vera is a co-founder of a successful patient organization and a co-author of the European clinical guidelines on neurofibromatosis (NF). Recently, she has also obtained a degree in speech pathology, specialising in patients with neurofibromatosis, to address the unique challenges faced by individuals living with rare conditions.
Vera LipkovskayaPublic Policy and Project Manager, NF Patients United Guiseppe TurchettiPhD, Fullbright ScholarProf. Giuseppe Turchetti received his Laurea Degree in Economics from the University of Pisa. He received his PhD in Management from the Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna in Pisa, where he is professor of Economics and Management of Innovation and Healthcare. Fulbright Scholar, he spent several years for research in USA as Visiting Scholar at The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia), at the Illinois Institute of Technology (Chicago) and at the Kellogg School of Management of the Northwestern University (Chicago). He is Co-Founder of the Institute of Management of the Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna (SSSA – Pisa) and of the Center of Excellence ENDOCAS (on Computer Assisted Surgery) of the University of Pisa. His main research interests are in the fields of the: organisation, financing and evaluation of healthcare services and health technologies, of the management of innovation, organization and commercialization of medical technologies (pharma, medical devices, e-health), strategic management and marketing in the healthcare sector. His research addresses many therapeutic areas and the wide field of rare diseases. He is working on/coordinating several national and international projects in the area of healthcare technologies and management. He collaborates in several projects within the ERN Program, European Commission. He is author/editor of twenty books and of three hundred and fifty scholarly papers and book chapters.
I am a vascular neurologist coordinating the Stroke Unit at AUSL-IRCCS of Reggio Emilia (Italy). My main interests in clinical activity and in research are rare neurovascular diseases, both genetic and sporadic one, fibromuscular dysplasia, dissections, small vessel disease and ICH, cerebral amyloid angiopathy, acute stroke treatment, and angiographic techniques. Both in clinical routine and in research I work in a close collaboration with neuroradiologists, building integrated and dedicated pathways for the management of neurovascular diseases. I am directly involved in Italian Stroke Association and European Stroke Organization activities, including the Guidelines Board, Board of Directors and WISE (Women Initiative for Stroke in Europe) working group, of which I am chair.
Marialuisa ZeddeNeurologist, Local Health Authority (AUSL)Alexis Arzimanoglou Coordinator, European Reference Network for Rare and Complex Epilepsies (ERN EpiCARE.)Prof. Alexis Arzimanoglou is, since 2019, the elected Coordinator of the European Reference Network for Rare and Complex Epilepsies, ERN EpiCARE. Since October 2023, he is also the Director of the Epilepsy Program at the Barcelona Children’s Hospital San Juan de Dios, Universitat de Barcelona, Spain. Born in in Athens, Greece, he received his MD degree from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. He trained in neurology and paediatric neurology in London (Great Ormond Street Hospital) and Paris (University Hospitals of Salpêtrière and Necker-Enfants Malades). He developed and chaired (1998-2008) a paediatric epilepsy unit at the Paediatric Neurology Dpt. of the University Hospital Hôpital Robert Debré, in Paris, France. Moved to Lyon, France, in 2008, to develop and serve as Head of the Department of Paediatric Epileptology, Clinical Neurophysiology and Sleep disorders (2008-2023) at the University Hospitals of Lyon. Scientific Societies: Pr. Arzimanoglou served as President of the French League Against Epilepsy chapter (FLAE), as Chair of the Scientific Committee of the European Paediatric Neurology Society (EPNS) and as Associate Editor of its journal and as President of the French speaking Société Européenne de Neurologie Pédiatrique (SENP). He is an active member of several Commissions, Councils and Task Forces of the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) and a twice elected member of the ILAE-Europe Executive Committee.
Awards: For his global contribution to epilepsy care he received in 2007 the “ILAE-Epilepsy Ambassador award” and in 2022 the “ILAE-Europe Education award”. In 2017, the EPNS honored him with the “Aicardi award for excellence in Paediatric Neurology”. He is an Honorary member of the Academia Iberoamericana de Neurologia Pédiatrica (AINP).
Ongoing other missions:
• Elected member of the ILAE-Europe Executive Committee.
• Editor-in-Chief Emeritus of the ILAE educational journal Epileptic Disorders.
• Deputy chair of the ILAE Education Council.
Publications: He has authored/co-authored seven books and over 200 peer reviewed scientific publications.
Dr. Lorenzo Maggi has a well-known expertise in neuromuscular disorders and he is the referral consultant neurologist for muscle diseases at Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, leading a clinical and laboratory team contributing to clinical, diagnostic and research activities, including pharmacological clinical trials.
He is the Coordinator of the Italian Network of the Congenital Myasthenic Syndromes together with Prof. Rodolico (Messina, Italy), the Coordinator of the Italian Network of Myofibrillar Myopathies and Distal Myopathies together with Dr. Tasca (Rome, Italy) and the Coordinator of the Italian Network on adult SMA together with Prof. Pegoraro (Padua, Italy) and Prof. Comi (Milan, Italy). He is member of the coordination board of the Italian Network of Laminopathies. He is also member of the Muscle Working Group of the European Reference Network on Neuromuscular Diseases, member of the Guidelines Core Group of the European Reference Network on Neuromuscular Diseases, and member of the Scientific Panel on Muscle and NMJ disorders of the European Academy of Neurology. He is member of the board of the Italian Association of Myology (2022-to date).
He is the co-cordinator of the Working Group on Neuromuscular Junction in the context of European Reference Network on Neuromuscular Diseases, together with Prof. Hanns Lochmüller (Friburgo, Germany; Ottawa, Canada), since December 2023. He is member of the Editorial Board of Neuromuscular Disorders (2023-to date).
Lorenzo MaggiConsultant Neurologist, Neuromuscular and Neuroimmunology Unit, Foundation IRCCS Neurological Institute Carlo BestaWalter AtzoriGlobal Patient Advocacy Strategic Lead, AlexionWalter Atzori has been with Alexion, AstraZeneca Rare Disease since 2017 currently serving as Global Patient Advocacy Strategic Lead and Head of EUCAN and International Patient Advocacy. In this capacity he leads strategy and execution of global patient advocacy plans and engagements across the all Alexion therapeutic areas, including pipeline programs. He oversees relationships with key International and / or pan-European rare disease groups ensuring their meaningful engagement in key initiatives across the therapeutic innovation cycle.
Prior to joining the pharmaceutical industry, Walter worked 7 years at the European Patients’ Forum where, among other things, he advocated for the recognition of the value of meaningful patient involvement in medicines’ R&D, contributing to the shaping and implementation of flagship projects and initiatives in this area such as EUPATI and PARADIGM.
Anna Kole is a public health professional with over 20 years of international experience in health education, communication, fundraising, advocacy and policy making for people living with rare disease and other vulnerable populations.
She recently joined UCB pharma in 2022 as Global Patient Engagement Lead for Myasthenia Gravis – meaningful engaging patients and patient associations in the drug development process and driving collaboration with patients and all stakeholders in “Rethinking MG”.
Prior to joining UCB she helped grow EURORDIS over 15 years in a number of positions. Most recently as Public Health Policy Director, she led the Rare 2030 Foresight Study to propose recommendations for the future of rare diseases policies in Europe. Previous positions included representing EURORDIS in research consortia (e.g. IRDIRC, RD Connect, TREAT NMD) and a range of policy and patient engagement activities at Orphanet and NORD in the US. In her free time, Anna runs charity sales for patient organizations.
Anna KoleGlobal Patient Engagement Lead MG, UCBFrédéric DestrebecqExecutive Director, European Brain CouncilFrédéric Destrebecq is the Executive Director of the European Brain Council since October 2014. In this capacity, he is responsible for providing strategic direction and leadership while managing the day to day operations of EBC and its ongoing relationships with its member associations and other stakeholders, as well as representing the organisation in various European and national forums.
Prior to this position, Fred served the European Union of Medical Specialists (UEMS) as Chief Executive Officer, and previously as Director for European Affairs. Fred holds a Master Degree in Political Science and International Relations from the Université Catholique de Louvain (Belgium). He also studied at the Institut d’Etudes Politiques (Paris) and University of Wales College (Cardiff), in the framework of the former EU Socrates exchange programme.
Julian Grosskreutz is a clinician scientist with a strong interest in translational neuroscience to develop new therapies in neurodegenerative diseases. Starting at the LMU and TU Munich (D) with basic research on human peripheral nerve excitability, he expanded his work in Sydney (AU), Graz (A), Hannover (D), Leuven (B) and Sheffield (UK), conceptualising a disturbance of the ER mitochondria calcium cycle as key mechanism in neurodegenerative diseases.
Since 2007, he is an independent researcher, has run a large translational clinic for patients with neuromuscular and motoneuron diseases in Thuringia 2007-2021.
In August 2021 he has taken on the position of Chair of Precision Neurology, Neuromuscular and Motoneuron Diseases at the University of Lübeck, Germany. He coordinates the global MRI repository of the Neuroimaging Society in ALS and cooperates on a national, European and global level with motoneuron disease researchers and clinicians to model disease progression and biomarker/neuroimaging driven stratification to facilitate clinical trial development.
Since Sept. 2023. he is chair of the EU ALS coalition which brings together stakeholders in the ALS field to advise policy makers on decisions improving health care for people living with ALS.
Julian GrosskreutzChairman, European ALS CoalitionSameer ZuberiPaediatric Neurologist, Royal Hospital for Children Sameer Zuberi is Paediatric Neurologist at the Royal Hospital for Children and Honorary Professor, University of Glasgow. His interests include epilepsy, neurogenetics and innovation. He leads the Paediatric Neurosciences Research Group in the University of Glasgow and is clinical lead of the Scottish Genetic Epilepsy service. He is a Board Member & immediate past President of the European Paediatric Neurology Society (EPNS), Neurodevelopment Clinical Theme Lead for the Epilepsy Research Institute UK and sits on the Board of the European Brain Council. Other roles have included Editor-in-Chief of the European Journal of Paediatric Neurology (2015-21 and Chair of the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) Commission on Classification & Terminology (2013-17). He co-designed vCreate Neuro, a smartphone video diagnosis and management web-application. Established in Glasgow in 2020 it is now used by >120 services in the UK and internationally.
I come from a family affected by Huntingtons Disease (HD). My mother developed the disease throughout my adolescence and her disease had huge impact on the entire family. My brother passed away with HD 10 years ago and my sister died last year after suffering from various and steadily growing symptoms for more than 20 years. I have been engaged as a patient advocate and within the association for over 40 years. In 2010 I tested negative for the Huntington gene and learned that I was not at-risk to develop HD. The same year I joined the board of the European Huntington Association and since 2016 I have been the president and CEO. This position enables me to work full time for the community. I am also very much involved in advocacy and the neurology patient community through my position in the board of the European Federation of Neurological Associations (EFNA) since 2019 and have served as President since 2023. When the European Reference Networks was set up as an EU initiative in 2027, I joined as patient advocate in the network for Rare Neurological Diseases (ERN-RND). A position I still hold and appreciate as the ERN`s are a crucial infrastructure of clinics and expertise in the RD space.
I am educated as a teacher for people with learning difficulties and disabilities. I have additional university degrees in developmental psychology, communication, social skills, management and innovative processes.
I live in Kristiansand, a town in the southern part of Norway together with my husband.
Astri ArnesenPresident, European Federation of Neurological AssociationsKailash BhatiaPresident-Elect, European Academy of NeurologyKailash Bhatia is a Professor of Clinical Neurology at the Department of Clinical and Movement Neuroscience of the Institute of Neurology, UCL, Queen Square, London.
Prof. Bhatia has been an active member of the International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society (MDS) over the past 22 years and has served on various committees. He was privileged to receive honorary membership of the MDS in 2021 and was also honored to be invited to deliver the Stanley Fahn Oration in 2022 at the MDS congress in Madrid. He is the current co-chair of the EAN Coordinating Panel on Rare Diseases and served as the special EAN liaison for the EAN/IAN (Indian Academy of Neurology) collaboration in 2021-22. He has accepted and trained a number of fellows from various countries under the EAN’s fellowship programmes, has taken part in numerous EAN schools and workshops, and contributed to the EAN online web forums.

European Life After Stroke Forum (ELASF)
2025-03-10 - 2025-03-11 | Prague, Czech Republic
There are around nine million stroke survivors currently living in Europe. Upon being discharged from a hospital, survivors and their families enter a world where support is usually undefined, fragmented or non-existent, and where cultural expectations dramatically impact quality of life and any success of ongoing recovery. SAFE understands the priority and attention given to the acute phase of stroke treatment. Yet, they believe that every saved life must also be well lived and that saving someone in the acute phase loses worth and significance if that person later dies from the lack of after care.
Firmly believing that every step of the stroke care pathway matters equally, SAFE is now putting focus on stroke survivors and their life after stroke challenges, by organising the second European Life After Stroke Forum (ELASF), on 10-11 March 2025 in Prague, Czech Republic. The ELASF is driven by the need to implement the Stroke Action Plan for Europe and to create a network of stakeholders involved in professionally researching, advocating and providing evidence for improved life after stroke care. The European Brain Council is pleased to be one of the endorsers of this event.
To register for the European Life After Stroke Forum 2025 with a discount for EBC Members, please click here and select the register now button. Whilst completing your personal information, you will be asked for your membership status, please select the option ‘I am a member of a supporting/endorsing professional organisation’, to allow you to redeem the discounted registration rate. On the very last page (the payment page), please enter ELASFEBC5 into the discount code box and select apply to redeem 5% discount. Please note, the discount does not apply to additional items purchased during the registration. If you have any questions with your registration, please do not hesitate to contact elasf@serenevents.com for further assistance.
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EBC Brain Awareness Week Event 2025: Towards the establishment of national brain plans in Europe and beyond
2025-03-18 14:00 - 18:15 UTC | European Parliament, Rue Wiertz 60, Brussels, 1047, Belgium
The momentum for national brain strategies is stronger than ever. On 18 March 2025, the European Brain Council (EBC) held its annual Brain Awareness Week event, titled “Brain Health Plans Summit: Towards the Establishment of National Brain Plans in Europe and Beyond”. Hosted by MEP Aurelijus Veryga (ECR, LT), Deputy Coordinator of the European Parliament’s Public Health Committee, the high-level event brought key stakeholders together from across the European Union and beyond to discuss best practices, challenges, and opportunities in advancing national brain plans.
With brain disorders being the leading cause of disability and the second leading cause of death in the world, the need for coordinated national and international action has never been more pressing. While countries such as Switzerland, Canada, Norway, Denmark, and Finland have already implemented national brain strategies, many others have set concrete short-term goals or are in the process of crafting their respective plans. The discussions that took place during the Brain Health Plans Summit underscored the importance of treating brain health as a policy priority rather than a fragmented collection of neurological and mental health challenges and sectoral approaches.
A Global Policy Momentum in National Brain Plan Development
After welcoming words from MEP Aurelijus Veryga and Claudio Bassetti (EBC, Swiss Brain Health Plan), the event kicked off with Tarun Dua’s (World Health Organisation) presentation of the current WHO Action Plans, which aim at improving the prevention, treatment, and management of brain disorders. These plans set out clear policy goals for Member States who committed to reaching them by 2030-2031. Such commitments emphasize the urgent need to establish national strategies and ensure coordinated efforts to reduce the burden posed by brain conditions, neurological and mental alike.
©️ Sylvain Crasset.
Best Practices Outside of the European Union
Emmanuel Chen (Singapore Memory Aging and Cognition Centre), Jennie Young (Canadian Brain Research Strategy), Henrik Peersen (Norwegian Brain Council) and Claudio Bassetti took the floor as representatives of countries which have successfully advanced the prioritization of brain health at national level, to share their experiences in overcoming obstacles, fostering cross-sectoral collaboration and securing commitment from policymakers. Alfred Njamnshi (BRAIN Initiative) illustrated Cameroon’s leadership in prioritising brain health across all policy areas and demonstrating the economic imperative of investing in brain health to support sustainable growth and innovation through a presentation of the Yaoundé Declaration on Brain Economy and Brain Capital.
Case Study of the Nordics, Spain and Poland
Spain’s ongoing efforts to develop a national brain health strategy were discussed by Mara Dierssen (Spanish Brain Council) and Elvira Vacas Montero (Spanish Epilepsy Federation, International Bureau for Epilepsy European Region), offering insights into the challenges of integrating brain health into national policy while associating people living with a brain condition. Poland’s early steps in leveraging its EU Presidency to establish its own national strategy underscored the importance of political leadership in driving change. Izabella Dessoulavy-Gladysz (Mental Power Foundation), Cezary Mazurek (Poznań Supercomputing and Networking Center) & Kondrad Rejdak (Medical University of Lublin) also insisted on the crucial role of data and research infrastructures, and the need to include clinical expertise in community-driven initiatives. The session on the Nordic experiences provided a powerful case study of how regional cooperation can enhance national efforts, through showcasing examples of national strategies already in place shared by Henrik Peersen, Mika Martikainen (Finnish Brain Council) and Morten Lorenzen (Danish Brain Council).
©️ Sylvain Crasset.
Strengthening the Research and Innovation Ecosystem
As brain conditions remain amongst the most complex conditions to understand and treat, continued research and development in the brain space therefore remain crucial. Karin Hamberg (Lundbeck) illustrated how national initiatives can significantly accelerate research, drive investment, and enhance collaboration between stakeholders by presenting Lundbeck’s Lighthouse Life Science. Tomás Ryan (FENS Advocacy Committee), Agnese Cattaneo (Angelini Pharma) & Jan Schadrack (Roche) then discussed ways in which the EU could strengthen its efforts to foster the emergence of a European Brain Health Research & Innovation Ecosystem, particularly through larger-scale initiatives such as the upcoming European Partnership for Brain Health.
Towards an EU Coordination Plan for the Brain
A fireside chat between MEP Tomislav Sokol (EPP, CR) and Elena Moro (European Academy of Neurology) explored the case for an EU Coordination Plan for the Brain, emphasizing the need for an integrated, EU-wide approach to research, policy, and funding to address the growing burden of brain disorders and work towards brain-healthy societies. The panel concluded on a call to better streamline and align national regulations and policies, as an essential step towards an ambitious EU Health Union.
A Call for Continued Action
The event clearly demonstrated that, while significant progress has been made in the past years, sustained collaboration and further commitments are needed to advance national and international brain strategies. By fostering cross-border alliances and aligning efforts under a cohesive and ambitious EU Coordination Plan for the Brain, stakeholders can drive meaningful policy change, ensure adequate investment in research and innovation, and ultimately improve the lives of the millions of Europeans living with a brain disorder.
The outcomes of this event will serve as a key building block for the upcoming strategic discussions such as the World Health Assembly, the 80th United Nations General Assembly, the 4th High-Level Meeting on Noncommunicable Diseases, the G7 and G20 meetings. By maintaining this momentum and engaging with policymakers across the policy landscape, EBC, its member organizations and the broader brain community will continue to push for impactful and tangible change in the way brain health, research and innovation are prioritized on national and global policy agendas.
This event was kindly supported by Angelini Pharma, Lundbeck and Roche.
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Welcome and Opening
14:00 – 14:05
Word of Welcome by Convening MEP
MEP Aurelijus Veryga (ECR, LT)
14:05 – 14:15
Brain Health on the Rise: WHO Action Plans
Tarun Dua,
Head of Brain Health Unit, World Health Organisation
Collaboration Across Borders: Best Practices for Establishing and Scaling National Brain Health Plans
14:15 – 15:00
Claudio Bassetti,
Chair, Swiss Brain Health Plan (SBHP) and Vice President, European Brain Council
Christopher Chen, Director, Memory Aging and Cognition Centre, National University Health System,
Singapore

Jennie Z. Young, Executive Director, Canadian Brain Research Strategy
Henrik Peersen, Secretary General, Norwegian Brain Plan
Frédéric Destrebecq, Executive Director, European Brain Council
Keynote Address: The Yaoundé Declaration
15:00 – 15:10
Alfred K. Njamnshi, CEO and Founder, Brain Research Africa Initiative (BRAIN); World Federation of
Neurology Delegate for Cameroon
15:10 – 15:25
Open Discussion #1
Deep Dive into an EU Country Perspective – Spain
(Panel in Spanish, EN-ES Interpretation Provided)
15:25 – 15:45
Mara Dierssen, President, Spanish Brain Council
Elvira Vacas Montero, President, Spanish Epilepsy Federation; Vice-President, International Bureau for Epilepsy European Region
Claudio Bassetti,
Chair, Swiss Brain Health Plan (SBHP) and Vice President, European Brain Council
15:45 – 16:00
Break
Fireside Chat: EU Presidency Momentum: Developments of a Polish Brain Council and Plan
16:00 – 16:30
Konrad Rejdak,
Chair, Department of Neurology, Medical University of Lublin, Poland
Izabella Dessoulavy-Gladysz,
CEO & Founder, Mental Power Fundacja dla Zdrowia Mózgu
Cezary Mazurek,
Head of the Digital Medicine Department, Poznań Supercomputing and Networking Center
Claudio Bassetti,
Chair, Swiss Brain Health Plan (SBHP) and Vice President, European Brain Council
Case Study from the Nordics
16:30 – 17:00
Morten Lorenzen, Director, Danish Brain Council
Mika Martikainen, Chair, Finnish Brain Council; Professor of Neurology, University of Oulu
Henrik Peersen, Secretary General, Norwegian Brain Plan
Frédéric Destrebecq, Executive Director, European Brain Council
Leveraging National Initiatives: Lighthouse Life Science
17:00 – 17:10
Karin Hamberg, SVP & Chief Medical Officer, Lundbeck
Building on the Upcoming European Brain Health Partnership
17:10 – 17:40
Tomás Ryan,
Advocacy Committee Chair, Federation of European Neuroscience Societies (FENS); Board Member, European Brain Council
Agnese Cattaneo,
Chief Medical Officer, Angelini Pharma
Jan Schadrack, Therapeutic Area Head Neuroscience and Rare Diseases, Roche
Frédéric Destrebecq, Executive Director, European Brain Council
17:40 – 17:55
Open Discussion #2
Fireside Chat: Towards an EU Coordination Plan – Scaling Up EU-Wide Efforts: The Case for Brain Health & Brain Capital
17:55 – 18:10
MEP Tomislav Sokol, Croatia (EPP)
Elena Moro, President, European Academy of Neurology (EAN)
Frédéric Destrebecq, Executive Director, European Brain Council
Concluding Statements
18:10 – 18:15
Claudio Bassetti, Chair, Swiss Brain Health Plan (SBHP) and Vice President, European Brain Council

European Academy of Neurology: European Brain Health Summit 2025
2025-03-19 09:00 - 12:00 UTC | Private: TownHall Europe, Sq. de Meeûs 5, 1000 Brussels, Belgium, Sq. de Meeûs 5, Brussels, 1000, Belgium
The European Academy of Neurology (EAN), together with their Brain Health Mission (BHM) initiative, is proud to host the European Brain Health Summit 2025 in Brussels (Belgium) on March 19th 2025. Building on the successes of previous years, this year’s Summit will once again unite leading voices from across the globe to broaden the dialogue on brain health. As in past years, the event will serve as a platform for healthcare professionals, policymakers, researchers, and patient advocates to exchange ideas and advance progress towards improving brain health for all.
With both in-person and online participation available, the Summit ensures a broad and inclusive dialogue on these critical issues. We invite you to join us in this vital effort to prioritise brain health worldwide. Together, we can shape a brighter future for brain health.
Visit the EAN website to learn more and register for the event.
Find Out More & Register

International Conference on Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Diseases and Related Neurological Disorders AD/PD 2025
2025-04-01 - 2025-04-05 | Vienna, Austria
International Conference on Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Diseases and Related Neurological DisordersThe AD/PD™ Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease Conference will present all the latest breakthroughs in treatment, translational R&D, early diagnosis, drug development and clinical trials in Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and other related neurological disorders. The groundbreaking series of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Diseases Conferences attract international medical and scientific professionals worldwide. The Conference remains at the forefront of unraveling the mechanisms and improving the treatment of Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and other related neurodegenerative diseases. AD/PD™ Conferences uniquely combine distinct neurodegenerative diseases in one setting and examine their similarities and differences; a strong focus is mechanisms of disease, prevention, and therapy.
The AD/PD™ Conference has become the main event of the year in the field of neurodegenerative diseases, attracting leading medical and scientific professionals from around the world. AD/PD™ is now an annual meeting, with a continuing focus on the ADVANCES IN SCIENCE & THERAPY of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Diseases and related neurological disorders.
The forthcoming AD/PD™ meeting, in 2025 will take place as a Hybrid Conference in the enchanting city of Vienna, Austria, and online.
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33rd European Congress of Psychiatry
2025-04-05 - 2025-04-08 | Madrid, Spain
The 33rd European Congress of Psychiatry will take place on 5-8 April 2025 in Madrid, Spain.
The European Psychiatric Association (EPA) community is growing fast, as testified by the increasing number of members and the numerous activities the EPA is organising. Many of the community members are young and clinically oriented, and it is this clinical orientation that is highlighted in the motto of the 2025 Madrid Congress “Towards Real-World Solutions in Mental Health”. Next to excellent and ground-breaking research, one of the core interests of EPA is the clinical translation of these findings and the sharing of good practices.
EBC President Suzanne Dickson will speak in a joint workshop on ‘No Health Without Brain Health & the Brain Health Mission: Raising Awareness & Putting the Brain on the Top of the Policy Agenda’. This workshop represents a collaboration between EPA, the European Academy of Neurology (EAN), the Federation of European Neuroscience Societies (FENS) and EBC.
We will also present an e-poster on the second phase of the Rethinking Schizophrenia project, co-created by the European Brain Council (EBC) and the European Psychiatric Association (EPA). This report looks at ways to optimise the care pathway, from the first episode of psychosis to long-term care.
Furthermore, EBC is pleased to be present at booth 14C in the exhibition space. Come and find us to learn more about our ongoing activities, projects and the upcoming events!
EBC is looking forward to seeing you and the whole EPA community in Madrid!
Learn more about the joint workshop ‘No Health Without Brain Health & the Brain Health Mission’:
Learn more about the e-poster presentation on the Rethinking Schizophrenia Care Pathways project:
Visit the official congress website and learn more:

Rethinking Schizophrenia: Care Pathways | European Congress of Psychiatry
2025-04-06 12:30 - 13:15 (Europe/Paris) | Madrid, Spain
EBC is pleased to have an e-poster viewing “Rethinking Pathways: Innovative Approaches to Identify Individuals Experiencing First-Episode Psychosis and Connect Them to Care” at the upcoming European Congress of Psychiatry, set to take place on 5-8 April 2025 in Madrid (Spain). The e-poster EPP178 will be presented from 12:30 – 13:15 on 6 April 2025 in the e-poster area (station 13).
The e-poster will feature the second phase of the Rethinking schizophrenia project, co-created by the European Brain Council (EBC) and the European Psychiatric Association (EPA), and will aim to examine health gains and societal impacts resulting from optimal healthcare interventions in comparison with current care or inadequate treatment. Additionally, this projects convert data evidence to policy recommendations on how to improve the care pathways.
With a typical onset during late adolescence or early adulthood, schizophrenia requires lifelong treatment, combining pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches. Early symptom recognition and timely interventions can greatly enhance functional recovery, however recent reports have identified significant gaps in access to timely assessment and shared decision-making, compounded by the unprecedented demand for mental healthcare among young people. Such high demands create challenges for health care services in delivering not only timely and evidence-based care but also safe and person-centred, as recommended by the World Health Organization. There is a need to improve prevention and care of young individuals with first episode psychosis (the onset of schizophrenia) to safely and effectively transition between various types of care tailored according to individual needs.
To address these issues, the Rethinking Schizophrenia project is conducting an analysis of patient care pathways across nine European countries (Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Poland, Spain, and the UK). This project aims to put forward an in-depth patient care pathway analysis in order to define specific strategies to advance the prevention and treatment of schizophrenia. Findings will inform policy recommendations to enhance care pathways for young individuals experiencing first-episode psychosis.
Pavel MohrVice-President, Czech Psychiatric AssociationGraduated from the Medical Faculty, Charles University Prague in 1990 (M.D.); in 2001 obtained his Ph.D. in Neurosciences., in 2015 was appointed a Professor of Psychiatry at the Charles University in Prague. Since 1991, prof. Mohr works at the National Institute of Mental Health, Czechia (formerly the Prague Psychiatric Center), currently as the Clinical Director. From 1995 to 1998, he was a visiting scientist at the Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research in Orangeburg, New York. Dr. Mohr is a Professor of Psychiatry at the 3rd Medical Faculty, Charles University, teaching pre-graduate medical students in psychiatry and postgraduate students in the PhD program of Neurosciences. Between 2006 and 2009 was a Faculty member of the Vienna School of Clinical Research. Member of the EPA since 2000, (since 2023 member of the EPA Board, current Chair of the Psychopharmacology Section, member of the Section Neurodevelopmental disorders across the lifespan); representative of the Czech Psychiatric Association at the Council of the NPAs EPA; since 2012 member of the European Network Adult ADHD; member of the European Group for Research in Schizophrenia (EGRIS); current Vice-President of the Czech Psychiatric Association (President 2019-2022), Board Member of the Czech Neuro-psychopharmacological Society (President 2009-2011). His main research interests are Clinical Psychiatry and Neurosciences; prof. Mohr has been a principal investigator of numerous research projects funded by the national and international research foundations.
Learn more about the EBC activities at the Congress:

Joint Workshop at EPA 2025: "No Health Without Brain Health & the Brain Health Mission: Raising Awareness & Putting the Brain on the Top of the Policy Agenda"
2025-04-07 15:00 - 16:30 UTC | Madrid, Spain
Joint Workshop at EPA 2025 Congress: “No Health Without Brain Health & the Brain Health Mission: Raising Awareness & Putting the Brain on the Top of the Policy Agenda”
The European Psychiatric Association (EPA) community is growing fast, as testified by the increasing number of members and the numerous activities the EPA is organising. Many of the community members are young and clinically oriented, and it is this clinical orientation that is highlighted in the motto of the 2025 Madrid Congress “Towards Real-World Solutions in Mental Health”. Next to excellent and ground-breaking research, one of the core interests of EPA is the clinical translation of these findings and the sharing of good practices.
EBC President Suzanne Dickson will speak during a joint workshop on ‘No Health Without Brain Health & the Brain Health Mission: Raising Awareness & Putting the Brain on the Top of the Policy Agenda’. This workshop represents a collaboration between EPA, the European Academy of Neurology (EAN), the Federation of European Neuroscience Societies (FENS) and EBC. Other speakers of this workshop include Peter Falkai, EBC Treasurer, Paul Boon, Past EAN President and Tomás Ryan, Neuroscientist at Trinity College Dublin.
Society is facing brain challenges like never before — improving the health and wellbeing of citizens has become the top priority for many governments and brain health should not be left behind. The No Health Without Brain Health campaign aims to put a spotlight on the urgency of addressing the growing burden, the socioeconomic impacts and the need to significantly increase investment in the brain R&D space. You can learn more about the No Health Without Brain Health campaign here.
Similarly, EAN’s Brain Health Mission has several aims:
• Ensure a basic understanding of how to optimise brain health is available to the public through all stages of their lives and the lives of their loved ones
• Support & disseminate public health strategies which can make a meaningful and long-term impact on brain health
• Boost the workforces of healthcare professionals within neurology, as well as professionals dedicated to mental health, to ensure patients and those affected by brain disorders receive the care and support they need and deserve.
To achieve this, effective prevention, early detection, and intervention strategies are equally important, as well as investments in research, innovative treatments, and integrated healthcare systems. The collaborative Brain Health Mission is rooted in evidence-based research that underscores the importance of a holistic approach to brain and mental health, and to the needs of people, patients, and their carers and families.
This workshop will take place in Auditoriom A from 15:00 – 16:30 on Monday April 7, 2025.
Workshop Agenda:
Chairs: Paul Boon & Peter Falkai
15:00 – 15:16: Brain and mental: two sides of the same coin (Speaker: Peter Falkai, Treasurer, EBC)
15:16 – 15:32: The Brain Health Mission: a collaborative to raise awareness (Speaker: Paul Boon, Past President, EAN)
15:32 – 15:48: How to develop a national brain strategy – The Norwegian Way (Speaker: Jana Middelfart-Hoff, Treasurer, European Academy of Neurology)
15:48 – 16:04: Discovery Neuroscience and Brain Health (Speaker: Tomás Ryan, Neuroscientist, Trinity College Dublin)
16:04 – 16:20: No Health Without Brain Health: Prioritising Brain Health in the European Union to Leave No One Behind (Speaker: Suzanne Dickson, President, EBC)
16:20 – 16:30: Q&A
Suzanne L. DicksonPresident, European Brain CouncilSuzanne L Dickson is a neurobiologist and Professor of Neuroendocrinology at the University of Gothenburg. She graduated with a Ph.D. in Neuroendocrinology from the University of Cambridge in 1993, where she later became Senior Lecturer in Physiology. She is a leading figure in neuroendocrinology and works within many European Union and international organisations and societies to promote research, facilitate grant funding and training of Early Career Scientists. Her research into the neurobiology of appetite aims to unravel neurobiological pathways that respond to orexigenic signals, such as the hormone, ghrelin, and that drive feeding behaviours, not only food intake but also food choice, food anticipation, food reward and food motivation. This work involves mostly preclinical studies and includes behavioural tasks, viral vector mapping, chemogenetics and RNAscope. She is President of the European Brain Council and Secretary of the European College for Neuropsychopharmacology.
EBC is looking forward to seeing you and the whole EPA community in Madrid!
EBC’s participation in the EPA 2025 congress goes beyond this advocacy workshop. Come find our e-poster presentation on the Rethinking Schizophrenia Care Pathway project and do not hesitate to stop by our booth in the exhibition space to learn more about EBC’s current projects and upcoming events!
Learn more about the e-poster presentation on the Rethinking Schizophrenia Care Pathways project:
Visit the official congress website and Programme:

Federated Learning for Neurodegenerative Disease Research: A New Path to Risk Reduction and Better Care
2025-05-16 10:30 - 11:30 UTC
Join us on Friday 16th of May for a webinar titled “Federated Learning for Neurodegenerative Disease Research: A New Path to Risk Reduction and Better Care”. This is a joint webinar involving LETHE, BRAINTEASER and HEREDITARY projects.
It will begin providing the audience with an introduction to federated learning and then dive into examples of how federated learning is being used in the three projects. There will be a chance at the end of the webinar for the audience to participate and ask our panellists questions. Don’t miss out, sign up now!
Agenda:
– Welcome and Introduction – Natalia Allegretti, Senior Innovation Projects Manager (ECHAlliance) – 5 mins
– Introduction to Federated Learning and the Lethe Example – Hannes Hilberger, Researcher (FH JOANNEUM) – 15 minutes
– Bridging Projects: How Federated Learning in HEREDITARY project can advance Brainteaser AI models – Umberto Manera, Assistant Professor (University of Turin) – 15 minutes
– Questions from the audience – 25 minutes
Register NowMeet the speakers
Natalia Allegretti
Senior Innovation Projects Manager
ECHAlliance
Hannes Hilberger
Researcher
FH JOANNEUM
Umberto Manera
Assistant Professor
University of Turin
Learn more about the EU projects
LETHE is leading to a more personalized risk factor prevention for persons in the initial stages of cognitive decline, thereby empowering people to an active and healthy lifestyle. Expansion of digital-enabled health preventive approaches, by reaching out to large populations, can save healthcare systems costs on expensive traditional interventions and confer benefits for the wider society.
BRAINTEASER is a data science project that seeks to exploit the value of big data, including those related to health, lifestyle habits, and environment, to support patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and multiple sclerosis and their clinicians. Taking advantage of cost-efficient sensors and apps, BRAINTEASER will integrate large, clinical datasets that host both patient-generated and environmental data.
HEREDITARY aims to improve disease detection, treatment response preparation, and medical knowledge exploration through an integrated framework that incorporates diverse health data, including genetics, while ensuring privacy compliance.
