by Irena Rektorová, EAN Programme Committee Chair, & Elena Moro, EAN President
Dear EAN Members, colleagues, and friends
As representatives of the European Academy of Neurology, we are truly excited to welcome our community to the 11th EAN Congress in Helsinki. This event is the culmination of months of dedicated work by countless individuals, all of whom are committed to delivering an exceptional experience, from our scientific panels to our dedicated committee members, and our Coordinating Committee – specially convened in place of the usual Local Organising Committee – consisting of representatives from Spain, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania.
Together, we have prepared a comprehensive and cutting-edge scientific programme that reflects the diversity and dynamism of neurology today. Whether you are a seasoned expert or just beginning your journey in the field, we are confident that this year’s congress will exceed expectations and provide meaningful insights, inspiration, and connections for all.
As representatives of the European Academy of Neurology, we are truly excited to welcome our community to the 11th EAN Congress in Helsinki. This event is the culmination of months of dedicated work by countless individuals, all of whom are committed to delivering an exceptional experience, from our scientific panels to our dedicated committee members, and our Coordinating Committee – specially convened in place of the usual Local Organising Committee – consisting of representatives from Spain, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. Together, we have prepared a comprehensive and cutting-edge scientific programme that reflects the diversity and dynamism of neurology today. Whether you are a seasoned expert or just beginning your journey in the field, we are confident that this year’s congress will exceed expectations and provide meaningful insights, inspiration, and connections for all.
One of the highlights of the congress will be the Opening Session, where we are honoured to welcome our Opening Speaker, Professor John Hardy, a distinguished geneticist and molecular biologist celebrated for his pioneering research in neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Alzheimer’s disease.
Picture: Opening Speaker, John Hardy
As part of the Presidential Symposium, we are thrilled to present Professor Haim Sompolinsky as the Brain Prize Lecturer discussing ‘How the brain represents the world’; Professor Marina A.J. de Koning-Tijssen delivering the Moritz Romberg Award Lecture on ‘Myoclonus, you need to know it to see it’; Professor Maria Grazia Spillantini holding the Camillo Golgi Award Lecture on ‘Protein aggregation and its relevance for neurodegenerative diseases’; and Professor Claudio Bassetti presenting the Charles-Édouard Brown-Sequard Award Lecture on ‘Sleep by the brain, for the brain: Implications for neurology’.
We are also proud to introduce the Anita Harding Award Lecture, established to highlight the major achievements of women in neurology, and this year, we will welcome Professor Catherine Lubetzki to speak on ‘Multiple sclerosis, from biology to clinical translation. A focus on nodes of Ranvier and electrical activity’.
Above: Named lecturers, Claudio Bassetti, Marina de Koning-Tijssen, Catherine Lubetzki, Haim Sompolinsky, and Maria Grazia Spillantini
A brand-new congress feature, Breakthroughs in Neurology, will showcase ground-breaking advancements in two sessions, particularly in disease-modifying therapies and novel treatment and preventative advancements that have potential to dramatically change patient care. This exciting new addition to the congress programme will highlight the most impactful works and trials published between January 2024 and January 2025and provide a platform for clinicians and researchers to exchange knowledge and critically appraise recent findings.
With these and many more inspiring talks, we are confident that the EAN Congress 2025 will exceed expectations and serve as a vibrant platform for scientific exchange, education, and professional growth.
The overarching theme of this year’s congress, ‘Neurology within society’, serves as a powerful lens through which we will explore the interconnectedness of neurological science and the broader world we live in. We will delve into topics such as the distinction between neurodegeneration and normal aging, the economic and societal perceptions of neurological disorders, and regional differences in neurological care. Additionally, we will address the cognitive impact of environmental changes and the promising integration of neuroscience with social sciences—touching on areas such as learning, economic behaviour, and societal resilience in times of crisis.
This multifaceted approach ensures that the congress resonates with all neurologists—clinicians and researchers alike, across all levels of experience and subspecialties. Our aim is to create a programme that not only informs and inspires but also encourages critical reflection on the evolving role of neurology in society.
We look forward to welcoming you to these thought-provoking sessions and engaging with you as we explore the future of neurology together.
Warm regards,
Elena Moro, EAN President, & Irena Rektorová, EAN Programme Committee Chair
