Programme - 13 November 2024
Click on a session to learn more. The majority of the sessions will take place in the STUDIO. Parallel sessions will be held in RIVER 6 and the Innovation Hall, continuously open throughout the two-day event, is set up in the RIVERSIDE.
08:30 - 09:30 | Registration and Welcome Breakfast
09:30 - 09:40 | Welcome
09:40 - 10:00 | Opening Brain Talk: Blowing, Expanding & Losing the Mind
10:00 - 10:10 | Opening Address by European Commission
10:10 - 10:50 | Opening Panel Discussion: Navigating the Future: Shaping Policies to Amplify Brain Innovation in Europe
10:50 - 11:05 | Innovation Elevator Pitches
11:05 - 11:30 | Break: Innovation Hall Officially Open
11:30 - 11:50 | Fireside Chat: Caregiving Moonshots: Considering Cures Unlike Those Before
11:50 - 12:40 | Panel discussion: Accelerating Brain Research and Innovation in Europe and globally
12:40 - 12:55 | Brain Talk: A Consensus Roadmap for a New Diagnostic Framework for Brain Disorders
12:55 - 13:05 | Brain Talk: From Rats to Men: The Influence of the Social Context on Drug Consumption
13:05 - 14:05 | Lunch Break
13:45 - 15:35 | Parallel Session | A Healthy Brain in a Healthy Body: Bridging Brain and Somatic Health
14:05 - 14:10 | Introductory Video by European Medicine Agency
14:10 - 15:05 | Platinum Session: Accelerating Patient Experience Data (PED) Utilisation in Neurology: A Collaborative Approach
15:05 - 15:35 | Innovative Session: 5 Ironmans Beat Alzheimer's: A documentary movie to raise awareness of Alzheimer's while racing 5 Ironmans in EU
15:35 - 16:05 | Break
16:05 - 16:20 | Brain Talk: Patient Innovation - The Power of Patients to Drive Change in Healthcare
16:05 - 17:50 | Parallel Session | Harnessing AI for Brain Health: Lab to Market to Society
16:20 - 16:50 | Innovative Session: Advancing and transforming dementia care through technology: bridging research, clinical practice, and digital tools for prevention and medical care?
16:50 - 17:05 | Brain Talk: A European Registry of Non-Pharmacological Interventions
17:05 - 17:45 | Panel discussion: Enhancing Brain Health Through Sound
17:45 - 18:00 | Closing Day 1
18:00 - 21:00 | Walking Dinner
08:30 - 09:30 | Registration and Welcome Breakfast
Grab a bite and meet the speakers of the day and other key attendees in the Innovation Hall.
09:30 - 09:40 | Welcome
Lisa Burke
Master of Ceremony
Suzanne Dickson
President
European Brain Council
The 4th in-person Brain Innovation Days officially opens with a welcome from our Master of Ceremony and leadership of the organisers, the European Brain Council.
09:40 - 10:00 | Opening Brain Talk
Blowing, Expanding & Losing the Mind
Baroness Susan Greenfield
CEO and Founder
Neuro-Bio
The human brain becomes highly personalized after birth by the development of unique configurations of connections between the brain cells that characterize its subsequent growth, personalizing it into what we would call a ‘mind’ that is in constant dialogue with the environment. We shall explore insights from neuroscience into (i) ‘blowing’ the mind; (ii) expanding the mind; (iii) losing the mind.
(i) Since the 21st Century is delivering a vast range of new digital technologies that are transforming our environment in unprecedented ways, it follows that the human brain, and thus our minds, could also be undergoing unprecedented changes, particularly in the young where the appeal to live in the immediate sensory press of the moment has never been greater.
(ii) Consciousness is the ultimate miracle, – and enigma. We will explore how consciousness could grow as brains grow, as a continuously variable property of the brain, in both phylogenetic and ontogenetic terms. How could such a dynamic process ever be tractable to experimentation? ‘Neuronal assemblies’ are large scale (tens of millions), highly transient (sub-second) neuronal coalitions that could provide a sensitive objective correlate to subjective experience.
(iii) When it comes to older age, one of the biggest problems of our time, is Alzheimer’s Disease: a basic problem is that existing therapies target symptoms in the late stages, but don’t arrest progression. However we shall discuss a new approach identifying the pivotal basic mechanism as an inappropriate reactivation of a developmental process that becomes toxic in the context of the mature brain.
10:00 - 10:10 | Opening Address by European Commission
Irene Norstedt
Director
Directorate to ‘People: Health & Society’, Directorate-General for Research and Innovation, European Commission
10:10 - 10:50 | Opening Panel Discussion
Navigating the Future: Shaping Policies to Amplify Brain Innovation in Europe
Ágota Dávid
Science Attaché
Permanent Representation of Hungary to the EU
Leszek Kaczmarek
Member of the Scientific Council (Neurobiology)
European Research Council
Kasia Jurczak
Head of the Combatting Diseases (RTD.D.1) Unit
Directorate-General for Research and Innovation, European Commission
Frédéric Destrebecq
Executive Director
European Brain Council
This panel discussion will center on the policy requirements essential for ensuring the successful integration of innovation within European society. Focusing on the multifaceted nature of brain health, high-level panellists will highlight the importance of collaboration between decision-makers, patients, researchers, clinicians, and the wider community. By identifying and addressing critical gaps, efficient and targeted strategies can be implemented to better prioritize brain health, research and innovation. This approach not only alleviates existing challenges but also promotes overall well-being, creating a positive feedback loop that stimulates economic progress. Investing in brain health paves the way towards a healthier future for all citizens, illustrating how enhancing individual well-being directly contributes to the strength and resilience of society as a whole.
Timeless Brains: Nurturing Resilience, Embracing Change
10:50 - 11:05 | Innovation Elevator Pitches
Curious to learn more about the latest in brain innovation? Don’t miss Innovation Elevator Pitches, the spotlight on our Poster & Innovation showcasers. Each will be given 30 seconds to pitch their work to entice you to drop by later for a deep dive and further discussion.
Guillaume Blivet
CIO, REGEnLIFE
Neuromodulation beyond the brain: A brain-gut photostimulation solution to treat neurological conditions.
Jessica Nastos
Project and Communication Coordinator, International Diabetes Federation (IDF)
Improving Public Understanding of Insulin-related Brain and Somatic Diseases and Dissemination of the PRIME Study Results
Chiara Lovati
Sociologist, Observa Science in Society
Communicating brain data: patients and clinicians in health social laboratories
Hans Warinnier
Chief Medical Officer, Bioxodes SA
A tick saliva molecule to rescue lives after intracerebral haemorrhage
Lyuba Zehl
Data & Knowledge Engineering team, EBRAINS
A holistic research infrastructure for fair brain science
Guillaume Blivet
CIO, REGEnLIFE
A brain-gut stimulation therapy for alzheimer's disease: from preclinical research to clinical trials and market access
Carla García Carrancio
Global Marketing Partner, Neurology
Alexion
Lisa Burke
Master of Ceremony
Helen Uvarenko
Malina More
Anna Radovenchik
Founder, Malina More
João Amaro
Assistant Researcher, FMUL
Novel data collection unit with EEG, physiological, and environmental sensors for outdoor urban environments.
Mark Melnykowycz
Product Design Lead, IDUN Technologies
Focus and cognitive workload tracking with brain-sensing earbuds
11:05 - 11:30 | Break
Innovation Hall Officially Open
Grab a coffee and begin your rounds within the Innovation Hall, where we welcome a number of exciting Innovation Showcases and Poster Presentations.
11:30 - 11:45 | Brain Talk
A Consensus Roadmap for a New Diagnostic Framework for Brain Disorders
Martien Kas
President
European College of Neuropsychopharmacology
Current mental health classifications group disorders into distinct categories, but this approach fails to account for overlapping symptoms and underlying biology. Martien Kas will raise the need for a new diagnostic framework that incorporates biological insights to enhance precision in diagnosis and treatment. Exploring how the new pathways neurobiology is opening to precision diagnostics have the potential to transform neuropsychiatric treatment science.
Blossoming Brains: Early Brain Development
11:45 - 12:35 | Panel discussion
Accelerating Brain Research and Innovation in Europe and Globally
Shiva Dustdar
Director and Head of the EIB Institute
European Investment Bank
Niklas Blomberg
Executive Director
Innovative Health Initiative
Magda Chlebus
Executive Director, Science Policy & Regulatory Affairs
European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries Associations
Pavel Balabanov
Head of Therapies for Neurological and Psychiatric Disorders
European Medicine Agency
Ulrike Busshoff
Coordinator
Coordination and Support Action (CSA) BrainHealth
Frédéric Destrebecq
Executive Director
European Brain Council
This panel discussion will bring together policymakers, scientists, and key industry players to present the current advances, drivers and barriers in the brain research and innovation space. By prioritizing brain health and fostering innovative solutions, we aim to reduce the societal and economic burdens of brain disorders. Attendees will explore strategies to integrate brain health into broader health policies and economic frameworks.
Holistic Brains: Strategies for Brain Health in a Dynamic Society
12:35 - 12:55 | Fireside Chat
Caregiving Moonshots: Considering Cures Unlike Those Before
Richard Lui
News Anchor, Founder, Author and Filmmaker
Frédéric Destrebecq
Executive Director
European Brain Council
Over 100 million people in the European Union are family caregivers, unpaid and untrained, crossing every major disease, including Alzheimer’s and/or dementia. They represent unrealized value that could be 10 percent of GDP or more. This fireside chat considers the structures needed for the big ideas that could change a major untapped sector of every country’s economy.
12:55 - 13:05 | Brain Talk
From Rats to Men: The Influence of the Social Context on Drug Consumption
Christelle Baunez
Research Director
Institut de Neurosciences de la Timone, CNRS & Aix-Marseille Université
It is a truism that drug consumption often happens in a social context that can have a significant influence. Intuitively we may think that the presence of a peer has mostly a negative impact, but it is not necessarily the case! What is happening in the brain when we are under the influence of a social partner? Animals studies can tell us a lot about it.
13:05 - 14:05 | Lunch Break
Grab a bite and meet the speakers of the day and other key attendees in the Innovation Hall. Continue your rounds within the Innovation Hall, where we will welcome a number of exciting Innovation Showcases and Posters.
14:05 - 14:10 | Introductory Video by European Medicine Agency
Kaisa Immonen
Patient Liaison Expert
European Medicine Agency
The EMA patient experience data in EU medicines development and regulatory decision-making report will be presented.
14:10 - 15:05 | Platinum Session
Accelerating Patient Experience Data (PED) Utilisation in Neurology: A Collaborative Approach
Pavel Balabanov
Head of Therapies for Neurological and Psychiatric Disorders
European Medicines Agency
Dimitrios Georgiopoulos
Senior Vice President
Global Business Franchise Head Neurology & Immunology at Merck
Astri Arnesen
President
European Federation for Neurological Associations
Gianni Franco
Neurologist
President of the Belgian francophone Parkinson’ s Association and Representative of the Non Pharmacological Society (NPIS)
Paola Zaratin
Co-Chair
Global Patient Reported Outcome for MS Scientific Committee
Despite the critical role of Patient Experience Data (PED) in measuring symptoms that affect patients’ quality of life in neurology, they often lack recognition compared to traditional clinical measurements, hindering innovation and development of treatments that address unmet patient needs. Discussions will focus on tackling challenges related to PED utilization, including adapting PEDs to patient needs, increasing their uptake in clinical practice, and evaluating their benefits in value assessments. Participants will propose measures from a multi-stakeholder perspective to improve the recognition and inclusion of PEDs in neurology.
15:05 - 15:35 | Innovative Session
5 Ironmans Beat Alzheimer's: A Documentary Movie to Raise Awareness of Alzheimer's While Racing 5 Ironmans in EU
Hassan Fadli
Founder
5 Ironmans Beat Alzheimer's
Adrien Rivollier
Movie Director
Lavinia Alberi Auber
Head of Strategy
5 Ironmans Beat Alzheimer's
Lisa Burke
Master of Ceremony
Documentary movie focusing on hope, early diagnosis and solutions about Alzheimer’s. The documentary creators met with researchers, medical staff, patients and caregivers during each of the 5 Ironmans race challenges in 2023-24. These took place in Switzerland, Portugal, France, Sweden and Spain. Their aim is to raise the public’s awareness of Alzheimer’s and to promote early prevention through best practices in health and wellness to ultimately beat Alzheimer’s and all dementia related diseases.
Timeless Brains: Nurturing Resilience, Embracing Change
15:35 - 16:05 | Break
Grab a coffee and meet the speakers of the day and other key attendees in the Innovation Hall. Continue your rounds within the Innovation Hall, where we will welcome a number of exciting Innovation Showcases and Poster Presentations.
16:05 - 16:20 | Brain Talk
Patient Innovation: The Power of Patients to Drive Change in Healthcare
Gemma Tria
Community Manager
Patient Innovation
This session explores an alternative perspective on medical innovation by examining the transformative role of patients in healthcare. The Patient Innovation project will be presented, showcasing its activities designed to foster a more inclusive healthcare innovation ecosystem through multi-stakeholder collaboration. Patient Innovation best practices will be highlighted to inspire attendees to engage in innovative healthcare solutions. Discover how patients can be key drivers of change in healthcare.
Timeless Brains: Nurturing Resilience, Embracing Change
16:20 - 16:50 | Innovative Session
Advancing and Transforming Dementia Care Through Technology: Bridging Research, Clinical Practice, and Digital Tools for Prevention and Medical Care
Valerie Godefroy
Post-Doctoral Researcher
Paris Brain Institute
Emrah Duezel
Research Group Leader, Clinical Neurophysiology and Memory
DZNE, Germany / CSO and co-founder Neotiv
Maarten Van Den Bossche
Professor and Geriatric Psychiatrist
UPC-KU Leuven, Mission Lucidity, Belgium
Sarah Daniels
Consultant Therapist, Health and Social Care Lead
UK Dementia Research Institute
Jurn Verschraegen
Director
Flemish Expert Centre on Dementia Care
Lisa Burke
Master of Ceremony
Today, digital technologies measuring biometrics have become commonplace, from tracking daily step counts and heart rates during morning jogs to analysing nightly deep sleep duration. Can these technologies also be leveraged to provide reliable information in dementia research and care? This panel discussion aims to explore the transformative potential of digital technology, particularly sensing devices and wearable biometrics, in enhancing dementia care and personalizing interventions. The focus will be on how digital technology and biomarkers such as wearable-derived measures can revolutionize dementia care by providing continuous, real-time monitoring of biometrics, enabling early detection of cognitive decline and behavioural changes, and facilitating tailored interventions.
Timeless Brains: Nurturing Resilience, Embracing Change
16:50 - 17:05 | Brain Talk
A European Registry of Non-Pharmacological Interventions
Gregory Ninot
President
Non-Pharmacological Intervention Society
Advances in early diagnosis on brain diseases and screening for fragility are an opportunity to propose preventive and care services that significantly improve health, autonomy, longevity and health-related quality of life, potentiate biomedical treatments, reduce avoidable healthcare expenditure and trigger lasting health behavioural changes. They justify evidence-based, targeted and personalized interventions such as non-pharmacological interventions (WHO, 2003; WHO-Europe, 2021; European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, 2022; European Commission, 2022).
A transdisciplinary, intersectoral, participative, independent, pragmatic and rigorous work involved over 1000 persons in France co-constructed a consensual pragmatic and global framework to produce evidence for non-pharmacological interventions based on the principles of Evidence-Based Medicine and patient-centered approach, the NPIS Model. Then, a centralized European register of labeled, described, and codified practices can allow better information for patients, professionals and healthcare operators, but also better choice, engagement, real traceability and possible financial coverage. The Non-Pharmacological Intervention Society will present the strategy to develop the NPIS Registry in Europe.
Timeless Brains: Nurturing Resilience, Embracing Change
17:05 - 17:45 | Panel Discussion
Enhancing Brain Health Through Sound
Felix Strobl
Medical & Scientific Director, European Society of Preventive Medicine (ESPM) and Scanderra GmbH
Innovation Advisor at Ageing Research, King's College London (ARK)
Péter Kéri
President
GAMIAN-Europe
Tim Buckinx
Founder & CEO
Epihunter
Lisa Burke
Master of Ceremony
During this session, key players in the field will explain how breathing, sound, and music can promote brain health and combat brain disorders. Attendees will experience themselves the effects of breathing, sound and music in their bodies.
Timeless Brains: Nurturing Resilience, Embracing Change
Parallel Sessions
13:45 - 15:35 | PRIME Session
A Healthy Brain in a Healthy Body: Bridging Brain and Somatic Health
The increasing number of people living with two or more chronic disorders (multi-morbidities) poses an urgent need to better understand underlying mechanisms for better prevention and care throughout the life course. Somatic disorders (e.g., type 2 diabetes) and brain disorders (e.g., Alzheimer’s disorder) often co-occur. This session aims to explore the link between mental and non-mental disorders and how to better address it in clinical practice and medical education.
Barbara Franke
Project Department Head
Radboud University Medical Center (Radboudumc)
Marina Koussathana
Project Advisor
European Health and Digital Executive Agency (HaDEA)
Session 1: Latest EU Research Bridging Brain and Somatic Disorders
Andreas Reif
Professor, Head of Department, Psychiatrist
University Hospital Frankfurt
Henrik Larsson
Professor
Örebro University / TIMESPAN coordinator
Session 2: Patient Perspective on the Need to Integrate Brain and Body Care
Angela Bradshaw
Director for Research
Alzheimer Europe
Nina Hoven
President
ADHD Europe
Jessica Nastos
Project and Communication Coordinator
International Diabetes Federation
Geert Poelmans
Director, Chief Scientific Officer
Drug Target ID B.V
Session 3: Clinical Guidelines and Medical Education
Sandra Kooij
Prof. Dr., Amsterdam UMC/VUMC and PsyQ, Chair
Section on Neurodevelopmental Disorders Across the Lifespan, European Psychiatric Association
Alexander Haege
Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist and Psychotherapist
Central Institute of Mental Health
Geert Poelmans
Director, Chief Scientific Officer
Drug Target ID B.V
Holistic Brains: Strategies for Brain Health in a Dynamic Society
17:45 - 18:00 | Closing Day 1
Lisa Burke
Master of Ceremony
Suzanne Dickson
President
European Brain Council
18:00 - 21:00 | Walking Dinner
Back to Programme Overview
Please note that this is a provisional programme which may still be subject to change.