The recent Science7 (S7) joint statement on Advancing Brain Health (including Mental Health) for Global Societal Resilience marks a major step in elevating brain health on the global policy agenda.
Developed by the science academies of G7 countries, the statement highlights the growing burden of brain disorders—affecting around one in three people worldwide—and calls for stronger, coordinated international action.
At its core, the S7 statement recognises brain health as a cross-cutting societal priority, linking it to economic resilience, innovation, and long-term wellbeing. It puts forward concrete recommendations, including increased investment in research, improved data sharing, and the establishment of a G7 Brain Health Advisory Council to guide policy development.
For the neurology community, this represents a welcome and timely development. Many of the priorities outlined—particularly the focus on prevention across the life course and the need for coordinated policy action—are closely aligned with long-standing efforts by the European Academy of Neurology (EAN) to advance brain health in Europe and beyond. The EAN and its Brain Health Mission fully support the main objectives of the statement and have been actively engaging with a wide range of stakeholders in the lead-up to the G7 Summit to promote coordinated action on brain health.
Importantly, the statement signals that brain health is now being recognised at the highest political level, creating new opportunities to translate scientific evidence into meaningful policy change.
The EAN also acknowledges and congratulates the Institut du Cerveau (ICM), and in particular Stéphanie Debette, as well as Guy Rouleau who led drafting of the statement, for their work and leadership in advancing this initiative and bringing brain health to the forefront of the G7 policy agenda.
As global attention to brain health continues to grow, the S7 statement provides a strong foundation for engagement with G7 leaders ahead of the upcoming summit in France and for sustained international collaboration in the years ahead.
