Dear EAN members, colleagues, and friends,
As Co-Chair of the Brain Health Mission (BHM), and also on behalf of my colleague Barbara Casolla and the members of the steering committee it is a pleasure to share some reflections on what has been a remarkable year for the mission and its growing community.
Since its launch, the Brain Health Mission has sought to unite stakeholders behind a simple but ambitious goal: improving brain health for all. Today, that vision is becoming a reality through an expanding network of healthcare professionals, researchers, patient organisations, policymakers, educators, industry partners, and members of the public who are working together to make brain health more attainable across Europe and beyond.
Throughout 2026, the mission continued to grow both in scope and impact. Our public engagement activities reached new audiences and demonstrated the increasing interest in brain health among people of all ages. The Brain Health School Challenge continued to expand though the support of National Neurological Societies and other local partners, empowering young people to become active ambassadors for brain health in their schools and communities. This year Ireland, Switzerland, Germany, Romania joined in, as well as my own home country of Belgium.
The second Public Brain Health Day, held in Geneva during the EAN Congress 2026, brought brain health directly to the public through accessible education and dialogue, while the Brain Health Mission Podcast is continually providing an engaging platform for experts, advocates, and thought leaders to discuss the many dimensions of brain health. These initiatives are helping to translate scientific knowledge into practical action and meaningful public engagement.
Advocacy remained another major pillar of our work. Through initiatives such as Brain Health Day Brussels, the European Brain Health Summit, and international activities surrounding the United Nations General Assembly, the mission continued to strengthen its voice within health policy discussions. Together with our partners, we have worked to ensure that brain health remains firmly on political agendas and is increasingly being recognised as a critical component of population health.
The mission has also continued to evolve as the most inclusive platform for collaboration. During 2026, experts and stakeholders from across our network came together through the Flagship Domain Working Groups to identify priorities for brain health.
All this and more you can find in our Brain Health Mission Annual Report 2025/2026. Preparing this report provided an opportunity to reflect on the extraordinary progress that has been achieved in a relatively short period of time. From advocacy and policy engagement to education, public outreach, partnerships, and scientific collaboration, the report illustrates the breadth of activities delivered across the mission and the dedication of those involved. It also highlights something equally important: the continued growth of a community united by the belief that brain health deserves greater attention, investment, and action.
I would like to thank all our partners, contributors, volunteers, ambassadors, and supporters for their commitment and enthusiasm. I encourage you to explore the Annual Report, discover the many initiatives taking place across the mission, and join us as we continue building a brighter future for brain health.
Best regards,
Brain Health Mission Co-Chair
Former President of the European Academy of Neurology
