On 26 June 2025, the CSA BrainHealth took centre stage at the European Brain Council’s event in the European Parliament: “Advancing Brain Research in Europe: A Call for Collective Action” Hosted by MEP Romana Jerković, the event brought together policymakers, researchers, funders and civil society to underscore the urgency of building a coherent, long-term strategy for brain research in Europe.
The session opened with a strong political call for action from MEP Jerković, who underlined that brain health is fundamental to Europe’s well-being, resilience and competitiveness. Kasia Jurczak from the European Commission emphasized the need to link brain research with Europe’s broader ambitions in life sciences, innovation and economic development. She recalled that the European Union has invested over €7 billion since 2014, stressing the growing alignment of brain research with the EU’s political priorities.
Vision, structure and timeline of the upcoming European Partnership for Brain Health
Friederike Bathe, Head of the Coordination Office of the CSA BrainHealth, then shared the vision, structure and timeline of the upcoming European Partnership for Brain Health, set to launch in January 2026. Friederike outlined how this Partnership will bring together over 50 funders and stakeholders from 31 countries, pooling more than €500 million over ten years to drive brain research, innovation and care.
She emphasized that the Partnership is designed to:
- Integrate neuroscience, neurology and mental health into one holistic approach;
- Support over 20 transnational calls for research funding;
- Foster innovation through collaboration with patients, industry and society;
- Ensure brain health is prioritised across EU health, digital, economic and social policies.
Panel Discussions: Ethics, Innovation, and Research Excellence
A panel discussing on ethical and regulatory questions followed to explore the delicate balance between innovation, public trust and evolving legal frameworks, with speakers calling for dynamic governance, inclusive data practices and transparency in the use of animal and emerging technologies. A fireside chat on research translation highlighted the need to accelerate the path from discovery to clinical impact, with a strong emphasis on precision psychiatry and early-stage support for innovation.
Finally, a panel on research excellence stressed the importance of cross-sector collaboration, global competitiveness and ensuring that research delivers tangible outcomes for patients. Closing the event, Prof. Suzanne Dickson issued a call for continued action and collective ambition — a message that captured the spirit of the day.
This high-level session set a clear tone: brain health is not only a health challenge, but a strategic imperative for Europe. The CSA BrainHealth’s presence in the European Parliament reinforced the growing momentum behind the Partnership and the shared commitment to a stronger, more inclusive brain research ecosystem.