Dear EAN members, friends, and colleagues,
As the EAN President–Elect, it is my pleasure to provide you with an update on some important events in the coming months before the EAN Congress 2026, after which I will begin my term as the next EAN President.
The presidency is a role that I am very much looking forward to. I have greatly enjoyed the two years I have spent on the EAN Board so far, working closely with Prof. Elena Moro and the rest of the excellent team, witnessing the intricacies of how the EAN operates and getting to know the passionate and committed individuals who serve the organisation so well. However, along with the presidency, several other EAN positions will change hands this summer, to refresh the leadership team with new faces, new ideas, and new energy.
Serving on the EAN board provides a unique opportunity to be a part of an innovative, creative, and dedicated group of leaders at the forefront of European neurology, helping shape the future of the field, mentor the next generation, and strengthen connections between the EAN and its many collaborators and partners. It also offers the chance to engage on an international stage, advocate for neurology both within and beyond Europe, contribute to advancing the EAN’s mission and vision, and serve as a role model for emerging professionals—while gaining invaluable experience for your own professional development.
The call for nomination of candidates for the EAN Board Election 2026 is open and the deadline of 20 March is approaching fast. The positions of President Elect, Secretary General, Treasurer, Scientific Committee Chair, and Communication Committee Chair are all up for election, to be decided by a vote of the Assembly of Delegates at the forthcoming congress in Geneva.
On a similar note, we will be seeking new officers to fill up many of our committees and working groups. The deadline for applications is 26 March, and you can find more details here: EAN seeks new officers for Committees & Working Groups – eanNews
Also imminent is Brain Awareness Week on 16-22 March, which for 2026 we are marking with a full day of activities centring in Brussels on 18 March under the title Brain Health Day: Prevention, Policy, Progress. Organised by the Brain Health Mission, along with key strategic partners, the EAN, the European Brain Council (EBC) and the Federation of European Neuroscience Societies (FENS), as well as the support of Angelika Winzig MEP, the day comprises three component that aim to help advance policy and practice to improve brain health outcomes.
First, the European Brain Health Summit, which has been addressing key issues in the arena of brain health since the first edition in 2022. This iteration of the popular livestreamed gathering brings together a top group of experts for lectures and panel discussions under the heading of Building the Foundation for a Brain-Healthy Society and Economy. More information about this always stimulating and eye-opening summit, as well as the link to register, can be found here: European Brain Health Summit 2026: Building the Foundation for a Brain-Healthy Society and Economy – eanNews
The second component will be the first Brain Health Mission Exhibition at the European Parliament. Interactive displays, multimedia installations and hands-on activities demonstrating prevention strategies across the life course will be on display in this highly sought-after exhibition space on 16-19 March, showcasing the role of brain health in Europe’s overall prosperity and underlining why brain health should be a policy priority. Angelika Winzig MEP will host an opening ceremony on 18 March bringing together policymakers, scientific leaders and youth representatives to honour Brain Health School Challenge winners and explore the aims and motives for the exhibition. For more on this, read our article: New Exhibition at European Parliament to Mark Brain Health Day 2026 – eanNews
The Brain Health Day activities will be rounded off with a third special event organised by the European Brain Council, titled A European Vision for the Brain: Coordinating Research, Care & Innovation. Featuring a raft of exciting speakers, including Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine winner John O’Keefe, the event will highlight how coordinated approaches in research, care, innovation and prevention can help to ensure Europe’s brain health ecosystem evolves in a coherent and impactful way. For more information visit A European Vision for the Brain: Coordinating Research, Care & Innovation.
All three of these activities will help to consolidate the understanding and support of brain health as a policy priority in Europe as well as giving all stakeholders an opportunity to learn more about the prevailing ideas for how to make further progress. If you are interested in any of these events, you can register here: Brain Health Day: Prevention, Policy, Progress.
Finally, a little further in the distance but still approaching fast: the EAN Congress 2026 in Geneva, Switzerland on 27-30 June. Having already hit an all-time high in abstract submissions, we are anticipating a really great event this summer, and I strongly encourage you to be a part of it. Early registration fees are still available until 22 April, and you can save even more money if you are an EAN member, so check our registration page and get your ticket now!
Best wishes,
Kailash Bhatia
EAN President-Elect
