Registration launches for EBC-Spanish Presidency of the Council of the European Union event, “Our Brains, Our Future”

In the framework of the Spanish Presidency of the Council of the European Union, the European Brain Council (EBC) looks forward to organising the event “Our Brains, Our Future: The Value of Brain Research – From Basic to Clinical – to Improve Patient Outcomes in Europe”, in partnership with the Spanish Brain Council and the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), hosted in the Senate of Spain on 28 November 2023 in Madrid.

Across the European Union and beyond, society is facing health-related challenges like never before. This is particularly true for brain disorders, neurological and mental alike, which are widespread, disabling, and difficult to treat. Although the field of neuroscience and our knowledge of the brain has advanced considerably over the last half century, many important aspects remain extremely elusive. Without a substantial increase in efforts and resources to promote fundamental understanding of the mechanisms that generate proper brain function, it will be impossible to design treatments that address the real pandemic of brain health, currently affecting a substantial part of world’s population.

In this regard, among its list of priorities, the healthcare agenda of the Spanish Presidency places a strong emphasis on improving health outcomes and addressing pressing challenges within the European Union. Improving the health and well-being of citizens has become the top priority for many governments and brain health should not be left behind.

The time to act is now and the Spanish Presidency priorities are a first concrete step towards increased awareness and action. Europe must take a central position in the global effort to unravel the mysteries of the brain, both through promoting fundamental scientific research and the practical and clinically beneficial application of the knowledge that basic research generates.

This event will demonstrate just how important prioritization is. Crucial elements in the complex chain from basic neuroscience to patient improved outcomes will be broken down and explored. Research into the space remains crucial yet underfunded and often misunderstood and neglected, which has a massive impact on the lives of patients. With greater prioritization and overhaul of brain research in Europe, we have the opportunity to foster a personalized approach when developing innovative therapeutic options and better address patient relevant outcomes.

This event will be bilingual. Sessions will take place in both English and Spanish – interpreters will be available for translation.