EU Presidency Event World Brain Day: July 22nd 2026
Neurology at the Forefront of Innovation in Knowledge-Based Healthcare and Research Across Europe
Neurological conditions are a growing public health challenge across Europe. They are currently the third leading cause of disability and premature death in the EU and their impact is expected to increase as Europe’s population continues to age. There is increasing momentum and recognition for the need for a co-ordinated strategic response to neurological conditions across EU Member States. Earlier this year, the European Parliament’s Committee on Public Health (SANT) agreed to prepare an own initiative report on neurological health.
Ireland’s Presidency of the European Union therefore comes at an important time of increasing policy focus on neurological health. This event, Neurology at the Forefront of Innovation in Knowledge-Based Healthcare and Research Across Europe, brings together Irish and European organisations representing people affected by neurological conditions, researchers and clinicians to consider how Europe can respond more effectively to the growing challenge of neurological conditions through stronger healthcare delivery, research and innovation. The event is recognised as an Associated Event of the Irish Presidency of the European Union 2026
- To download the full programme details, go to JULY 22ND PROGRAMME DETAILS
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To find out more information about who will be speaking and their bios, go to JULY 22ND SPEAKER DETAILS
The event will see the launch of the Declaration on Advancing Neurological Health During Ireland's EU Presidency, a joint statement calling on the Irish Presidency to place neurological health firmly on the European agenda and support the development of a European Neurological Health Strategy. Find out more about the Joint Declaration, go to Joint Declaration Neurological Health
About The Event Organisers
Neurological Alliance of Ireland
The Neurological Alliance of Ireland brings together nearly 40 non-profit organisations to advocate on behalf of and through partnership with the over 860,000 people throughout Ireland living with a neurological condition. Neurological conditions affect the brain and spinal cord and now represent the leading cause of disability worldwide. Founded in 2003, the NAI advocates for the development of quality services for people living with neurological conditions. Our focus and initiatives are rooted in the experiences of our members and the individuals and families with whom they work. We provide a united and expert voice on neurological care through advocacy, policy development and awareness raising. More information can be found at www.nai.ie.
FutureNeuro Research Ireland Centre for Translational Brain Science
FutureNeuro is Ireland’s leading interdisciplinary research centre dedicated to improving the diagnosis, treatment, and care of people living with neurological, psychiatric, and neurodevelopmental conditions, including epilepsy, Motor Neuron Disease, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and psychosis. Established in 2017 with €8M in core funding, the Centre has grown into a €44M programme supported by strong industry partnerships and competitive international funding. In 2023, FutureNeuro entered Phase 2 with €18M in renewed investment and an ambitious growth plan.
With brain conditions affecting one in three people and over 800,000 individuals in Ireland, FutureNeuro addresses a major societal and economic challenge. Its research focuses on advancing diagnostics, personalised genomics-based therapies, next-generation treatments, and digital health. Bringing together patients, clinicians, industry partners with multi-disciplinary researchers from across eight universities, FutureNeuro delivers a collaborative, patient-centred programme spanning discovery to clinical impact.
About The Event Partners
The European Brain Council
The European Brain Council (EBC) is a network of key players in the Brain Area, with a membership encompassing scientific societies, patient organisations, professional societies and industry partners. A non-profit organisation based in Brussels, its main mission is to promote brain research with the ultimate goal of improving the lives of the millions of Europeans living with brain conditions, mental and neurological alike.
With the aim to speak with one voice, EBC stands as the platform to foster cooperation between its member organisations and other stakeholders, consistently promoting dialogue between scientists, industry and society. As showcased by its growing portfolio of projects, research and policy papers, as well as events, EBC emphasises the importance of continued interaction with the European Institutions to build strong European health policies, raising awareness and improving knowledge of the brain and the repercussions of neurological and mental health conditions on society as a whole."
The European Federation of Neurological Associations (EFNA)
Founded in 2001, European Federation of Neurological Associations (EFNA) is a non-governmental organisation (NGO) that brings together 21 pan-European neurology patient groups and two national Neurological Alliances. EFNA's slogan ‘Empowering Patient Neurology Groups’ encapsulates its goals as an association. EFNA strives to build capacity among its members – enabling them to be the most effective advocates possible in their own disease-specific areas.
EFNA holds Non-State Actor status with WHO Europe, is a partner in the European Partnership for Brain Health, is a member of the EU Commission’s Health Technology Assessment (HTA) Stakeholder Network, and is represented on the Patients and Consumers Working Party (PCWP) at the European Medicines Agency (EMA). The MEP Interest Group on Brain Health and Neurological Conditions, coordinated by EFNA, provides a platform to advocate for patient-centred policies for neurology at the European Parliament. EFNA is also a co-founder of the OneNeurology Partnership, and provides secretariat to that group.
European Academy of Neurology
European Academy of Neurology (EAN) is a non-profit, independent organisation representing more than 45,000 members, as well as 48 European national societies. As a leading medical society, EAN promotes excellence in the practice of general neurology across Europe, contributing to improved patient care and outcomes. EAN is committed to advancing neurological research and ensuring that Europe remains at the forefront of scientific innovation in neurology.
Through its activities, the Academy works to strengthen collaboration, knowledge exchange, and professional development across the field. Its officers and leadership are internationally recognised experts in neurology who volunteer their time to support the organisation and serve the needs of researchers, clinicians, and patients.
The Global Brain Health Institute (GBHI)
The Global Brain Health Institute (GBHI) is a leader in the global community dedicated to protecting the world’s populations from threats to brain health. Established in 2015 through the philanthropy of Chuck Feeney, GBHI is co-hosted by Trinity College Dublin and the University of California, San Francisco. GBHI works to reduce the scale and impact of dementia in three ways: by training and connecting the next generation of leaders in brain health through the Atlantic Fellows for Equity in Brain Health programme; by collaborating to expand prevention and intervention strategies; and by sharing knowledge and engaging in advocacy.
Through this work, GBHI brings together a powerful mix of disciplines, professions, and perspectives to develop new, science-based solutions. It works globally and locally, including in underserved communities, with a strong emphasis on improving outcomes and promoting dignity for all. At Trinity, this has evolved into a broader emphasis on brain health across the life course, reflecting an approach that integrates social, environmental, and biological determinants and is grounded in a strong commitment to equity.