Organised by the CSA BrainHealth, the “Towards a Global Brain Research Agenda” Webinar was held on 16 June 2025. The event provided a platform for leading international organisations to share updates on their initiatives in brain health, research and innovation, foster open discussion on potential collaboration and reflect on the challenges and best practices in brain health policy and practice.
The meeting opened with remarks from Ulrike Bußhoff, Coordinator of the CSA BrainHealth, Project Management Agency, German Aerospace Centre (PT DLR), who welcomed participants, highlighting the dual aims of showcasing ongoing activities and nurturing a collaborative dialogue for future action.
She then gave the floor to a series of presentations given by the OECD, UNICEF, UNESCO, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the European Investment Bank (EIB).
Building Evidence Base for More Action on Brain Health (OECD)
Francisca Lopes, Health Policy Researcher, OECD, provided robust evidence and data on brain health, focusing on mental disorders, dementia, and their societal and economic impacts. Their work documents the rising prevalence of mental health issues – exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic – and highlights persistent inequalities by gender and income. The OECD’s Mental Health Performance Framework benchmarks and guides improvements in mental health systems, emphasizing integrated, multisectoral approaches that extend beyond healthcare to include workplaces, education, and social services. Their priorities include mental health promotion, prevention, and the use of internationally comparable indicators to support effective, data-driven policies that address the growing burden of mental ill-health globally.
Brain Health Across the Lifespan (UNICEF)
Represented by Joanna Lai, Adolescent Health Specialist, UNICEF discussed how early and sustained investment in brain health during childhood and adolescence is prioritized. UNICEF’s approach emphasizes supporting both children and caregivers, integrating mental health and psychosocial support across sectors like education and social services. UNICEF focuses on scaling evidence-based interventions, building workforce capacity, promoting safe environments, and advocating for lasting government investment to ensure optimal mental health for every child.
UNESCO Draft Recommendation on the Ethics of Neurotechnologies
Dafna Feinholz, Acting Director of the Division of Research, Ethics and Inclusion, explained how UNESCO is developing global ethical recommendations on neurotechnology, focusing on its impact on brain health, especially for children and adolescents. Through a multi-year, worldwide consultation, UNESCO emphasizes human rights, transparency, and accountability, covering the entire neurotechnology lifecycle and the protection of sensitive neural data. Their work guides responsible, equitable use of neurotechnology across sectors – including education and labor – ensuring ethical standards keep pace with rapid innovation and benefit all.
Brain Health and Migration (IOM)
Represented by Guglielmo Schininà, Head of Mental Health, Psychosocial Response and Intercultural Communication, the IOM presented how it addresses the mental health needs of migrants and refugees through a holistic, culturally sensitive approach. Since 1999, the IOM has provided dedicated mental health and psychosocial support, reaching millions worldwide. Their work emphasizes not only treatment but also strengthening social support and integrating mental health care across all migration programs, with a focus on vulnerable groups such as refugees, trafficking victims, and detained migrants.
Systemic Investing in the Brain Economy (EIB)
Shiva Dustdar, Head of the EIB Institute, presented how the EIB plays a key role in financing brain health and innovation. As the world’s largest multilateral lender, EIB invests $4–5 billion annually in health, innovation, and infrastructure, with $22 billion directed to health and life sciences over five years. Through its Institute, EIB mobilizes philanthropic capital, supports research, and fosters collaboration to bridge funding gaps and accelerate brain research and commercialization across Europe.
Following the presentations, a panel discussion moderated by Frédéric Destrebecq, Executive Director, European Brain Council (EBC) allowed speakers to reflect on shared challenges and opportunities for collaboration.
Catherine Marquer, International Scientific Coordinator – Neurosciences, Agence Nationale de la Recherche (ANR) and partner of the CSA BrainHealth, opened the discussion by reflecting on the key themes from previous presentations and linking them to the CSA Brain Health priorities – including the importance of prevention, multisectoral approaches, and a strong focus on childhood and adolescence She also stressed the need to integrate ethical, social, and legal aspects in brain health research, promote equity and access for vulnerable groups, and improve the translation of innovations to market. Catherine called for stronger collaboration and joint actions to advance brain health across Europe and beyond.
Setting the stage for continued dialogue and joint action in the pursuit of better brain health outcomes worldwide, the webinar underscored the need for cross-sector collaboration, preventive strategies, and the involvement of diverse stakeholders in designing and implementing brain health initiatives.