During the FENS Forum 2026 in Barcelona, Europe’s leading neuroscience congress, dedicated sessions highlighted advancements in European brain health research. Discussions focused on research infrastructures, the ERA-Net NEURON legacy, and not least the European Partnership for Brain Health, bringing together stakeholders to address funding and partnership opportunities.
Monday, 5th of July
Satellite Symposium: Accelerating Your Neuroscience Research through the European Research Infrastructures
This symposium showcased practical examples of how researchers can directly benefit from EBRAINS’ digital services, advanced brain atlases, neuroinformatics, modelling, simulation, AI and high-performance computing to accelerate scientific discovery and support the development of personalised medicine.
The event was opened by Philippe Vernier, Joint-CEO of EBRAINS, who highlighted the growing importance of integrated European research infrastructures in enabling collaborative, data-driven neuroscience across disciplines and national borders. He also emphasised EBRAINS’ role in fostering collaboration across the European neuroscience community, reducing duplication of efforts between laboratories and creating a connected research ecosystem where data, tools and expertise can be more effectively shared.
A central feature of the symposium was the series of scientific use cases presented by the EBRAINS National Nodes, demonstrating how researchers are already applying EBRAINS services in cutting-edge neuroscience projects.
A key element of the programme was the session moderated by Ulrike Bußhoff (DLR Project Management Agency), who guided discussions on the strategic role of European Research Infrastructures within the European Partnership for Brain Health. By bringing together experts from multiple infrastructures and scientific domains, the session emphasised the importance of coordinated European investments, interoperability and long-term collaboration to maximise scientific impact and facilitate researchers’ access to advanced services across Europe.
Throughout the day, participants had the opportunity to engage directly with infrastructure experts, explore practical research workflows and discuss future collaborations.
The symposium reinforced a shared vision: by connecting data, digital services, computing resources and scientific expertise, European Research Infrastructures are enabling a new generation of collaborative neuroscience capable of addressing some of the most pressing challenges in brain health, including dementia, Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy and other neurological and psychiatric disorders.
Monday, 7th of July
ERA-NET Neuron Plenary Lecture: Celebrating Two Decades of Collaboration, Introducing the Future of European Brain Research
This landmark plenary lecture celebrated nearly two decades of European scientific collaboration through ERA-Net NEURON, while presenting a forward-looking vision for the future of brain research through the European Partnership for Brain Health
The session opened with remarks by Ulrike Bußhoff, Coordinator of ERA-Net NEURON, who reflected on the network’s development since its launch in 2008. As one of the longest-running ERA-NET initiatives, ERA-Net NEURON has played a pivotal role in coordinating and aligning national research funding organisations across neuroscience, neurology, and psychiatry, becoming a driving force for international scientific collaboration and a stronger European neuroscience community. As ERA-Net NEURON approaches the conclusion of its current phase, its legacy will continue through the European Partnership for Brain Health, which will integrate, expand, and strengthen these collaborative efforts within a long-term strategic framework, reducing fragmentation and working towards a comprehensive European Brain Health Ecosystem.
The session served as a powerful reminder of the impact of sustained international collaboration, celebrating the achievements of ERA-Net NEURON while introducing its next chapter through EP BrainHealth.
Thursday, 9th of July
Special Interest Event: Opportunities for Neuroscientists in the European Partnership for Brain Health: Advancing European Brain Health Research
Moderated by Frédéric Destrebecq, Executive Director of the European Brain Council (EBC), the session introduced FENS participants to the European Partnership for Brain Health, one of Europe’s newest large-scale research initiatives dedicated to advancing brain health research.
The discussion presented the vision and objectives of the Partnership for the coming decade, highlighting its ambition to create a more connected, inclusive and collaborative European brain research ecosystem. Speakers Ulrike Bußhoff, Coordinator of EP BrainHealth, and Catherine Marquer from the French National Research Agency, outlined how the Partnership will support researchers through coordinated funding opportunities, networking activities, matchmaking events, mobility programmes and training initiatives.
A central theme of the session was the importance of supporting researchers throughout all career stages, with particular attention given to funding opportunities for neuroscience research projects and dedicated opportunities for researchers’ professional development, international collaboration and access to research infrastructures.
Speakers highlighted how future Partnership calls will encourage multidisciplinary approaches spanning basic, translational and clinical neuroscience, helping bridge the gap between scientific discovery and innovation while addressing key challenges in brain health research.
This was a successful event with approximately 70 participants. The discussions ran smoothly, generating audience participation. We received many questions, mainly focused on the opportunities for ECRs offered by the Partnership.
