Programme - 13 November 2024

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08:45 - 09:45 | Registration and Welcome Breakfast

09:45 - 09:55 | Welcome

09:55 - 10:10 | Opening Brain Talk

10:10 - 10:20 | Opening Address

10:20 - 11:05 | Opening Panel Discussion: Navigating the Future: Shaping Policies to Amplify Brain Innovation in Europe

11:05 - 11:20 | Innovation Elevator Pitches

11:20 - 11:50 | Break: Innovation Hall Officially Open

11:50 - 12:05 | Brain Talk: A Consensus Roadmap for a New Diagnostic Framework for Brain Disorders

12:05 - 12:50 | Panel discussion: Accelerating Brain Research and Innovation in Europe and globally

12:50 - 13:50 | Lunch Break

13:50 - 14:05 | Brain Talk

14:05 - 14:20 | Brain Talk

14:20 - 15:05 | Sponsor 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 | Brain on a Break

16:05 - 16:20 | Brain Talk: Patient Innovation - The Power of Patients to Drive Change in Healthcare

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 - 17:30 | Panel discussion: Enhancing Brain Health Through Sound

Parallel Sessions

13:50 - 15:40 | A healthy brain in a healthy body: bridging brain and somatic health

16:05 - 17:50 | Harnessing AI for brain health: lab to market to society

17:50 - 18:00 | Closing Day 1

18:00 - 21:00 | Celebratory Reception

08:45 - 09:45 | Registration and Welcome Breakfast

Grab a bite and meet the speakers of the day and other key attendees in the Innovation Hall.

09:45 - 09:55 | Welcome

Lisa Burke

Master of Ceremony

Suzanne Dickson

President

European Brain Council

Frédéric Desbtrecq

Executive Director

European Brain Council

Felix Strobl

Medical & Scientific Director

European Society of Preventive Medicine (ESPM) | Scanderra GmbH

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.

09:55 - 10:10 | Opening Brain Talk

Susan Greenfield

Emeritus Professor of Pharmacology

Oxford Institute of Population Ageing

Brain Talks are inspiring and thought-provoking presentations from speakers leading cutting-edge research or activities supporting innovation in brain science. This out-of-the-box talk will set the scene for two days of brain innovation.

More information will be available soon.

10:10 - 10:20 | Opening Address

Irene Norstedt

Director

Directorate to ‘People: Health & Society’, EC DG-RTD

Brain Talks are inspiring and thought-provoking presentations from speakers leading cutting-edge research or activities supporting innovation in brain science. This out-of-the-box talk will set the scene for two days of brain innovation.

More information will be available soon.

10:20 - 11:05 | Opening Panel Discussion

Navigating the Future: Shaping Policies to Amplify Brain Innovation in Europe

Ágota Dávid

Science attache

European Commission

Leszek Kaczmarek

Professor of Neurobiology

Member of the ERC Scientific Council

Kasia Jurczak

Head of the Combatting Diseases (RTD.D.1) Unit

Member of the ERC Scientific 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

11:05 - 11:20 | 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 a few minutes to pitch their work to entice you to drop by later for a deep dive and further discussion.

11:20 - 11:50 | 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.

11:50 - 12:05 | 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

12:05 - 12:50 | Panel discussion

Accelerating Brain Research and Innovation in Europe and Globally

Shiva Dustdar

Director

European Investment Bank

Niklas Blomberg

Executive Director

Innovative Health Initiative

Magda Chlebus

Executive Director, Science Policy & Regulatory Affairs

EFPIA

Pavel Balabanov

Head of Therapies for Neurological and Psychiatric Disorders

European Medicine Agency

Ulrike Busshoff

Head of Department International Health

CSA BrainHealth | DLR-PT

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

12:50 - 13:50 | 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.

13:50 - 14:05 | Brain Talk

Brain Talks are inspiring and thought-provoking presentations from speakers leading cutting-edge research or activities supporting innovation in brain science. This out-of-the-box talk will set the scene for two days of brain innovation.

14:05 - 14:20 | Brain Talk

Brain Talks are inspiring and thought-provoking presentations from speakers leading cutting-edge research or activities supporting innovation in brain science. This out-of-the-box talk will set the scene for two days of brain innovation.

14:20 - 15:05 | Sponsor Session

Accelerating Patient Experience Data (PED) Utilisation in Neurology: A Collaborative Approach

Paola Zaratin

Director of Scientific Research

Italian Multiple Sclerosis Society

Pavel Balabanov

Head of Therapies for Neurological and Psychiatric Disorders

European Medicine Agency

Dimitrios Georgiopoulos

Senior Vice President

Global Business Franchise Head Neurology & Immunology at Merck

Adrien Moyroud

Project Support Officer

Parkinson's Europe

Despite the critical role of PEDs 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

Adrien Rivollier

Movie Director

Lavinia Alberi Auber

Head of Strategy

5 Ironmans Beat Alzheimer's

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 | Brain on a 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

Research Associate

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

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

A collaborative effort involving over 1,000 individuals in France has led to the development of a comprehensive and pragmatic framework for non-pharmacological interventions (NPIs), known as the NPIS Model. This initiative, characterized by its transdisciplinary, intersectoral, participative, independent, pragmatic, and rigorous approach, aims to produce evidence for non-pharmacological interventions based on the principles of Evidence-Based Medicine and patient-centered approach. To enhance information access for patients, healthcare professionals, and operators, a centralized European registry will be established to label, describe, and codify these practices. This registry is expected to improve choice, engagement, traceability, and potential financial coverage. The Non-Pharmacological Intervention Society is set to present its strategy for developing the NPIS Registry across Europe.

Timeless Brains: Nurturing Resilience, Embracing Change

17:05 - 17:50 | Panel Discussion

Enhancing Brain Health Through Sound

Felix Strobl

Medical & Scientific Director

European Society of Preventive Medicine (ESPM) | Scanderra GmbH

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

13:50 - 15:40 | 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.

Geert Poelmans

Director & Chief Scientific Officer

Drug Target ID B.V

Barbara Franke

Professor

Radboud University Medical Center

Marina Koussathana

PRIME Project Officer

European Health and Digital Executive Agency (HaDEA)

Session 1: Latest EU Research Bridging Brain and Somatic Disorders

Andreas Reif

Chair / Head of Department

Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy / University Hospital Frankfurt

Henrik Larsson

Professor & Coordinator

Örebro University / TIMESPAN

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 (IDF)

Session 3: Clinical Guidelines and Medical Education

Sandra Kooij

Chair

Section on Neurodevelopmental Disorders Across the Lifespan, European Psychiatric Association (EPA)

Jaoa Costa

Co-Chair

Guideline Production Group, European Academy of Neurology (EAN)

Alexander HAEGE

PRIME Representative

Central Institute of Mental Health (CIMH)

Holistic Brains: Strategies for Brain Health in a Dynamic Society

16:05 - 17:50 | BRAINTEASER Session

Harnessing AI for Brain Health: Lab to Market to Society

Artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare is a booming field: the development of computer programs and systems able to emulate tasks normally requiring human intelligence such as recognizing patterns, taking decisions, evaluating and predicting is set to revolutionize the care of people with a brain disease. This session aims to shed light on AI excellence thriving from the lab to the market to the benefit of people living with a brain condition.

Gianmaria Silvello

Professor

University of Padua / HEREDITARY Project

Vincenzo Carbone

Senior Product Manager MedTech

InSilicoTrials

Claudia Prettner

BRAINTEASER Project Officer

European Health and Digital Executive Agency (HaDEA)

Barbara Di Camillo

BRAINTEASER Scientific Coordinator

European Health and Digital Executive Agency (HaDEA)

Session 1: From Lab to Market - Unlocking the Translation of Research into Innovation

Liesbet Geris

Professor

University of Liège

Elisabetta Vaudano

Principal Scientific Manager

Innovative Health Initiative (IHI)

Mats Sundgren

Senior Industry Scientific Director

European Institute for Innovation Through Health Data (i~HD)

Session 2: From Lab to Society - Enabling Remote, Value-Based and Patient-Centred Care

Leon Brudy

Business Development Manager EMEA

Garmin Health

Elisabeth Kasilingam

CEO

European Multiple Sclerosis Platform (EMSP)

Umberto Manera

Assistant Professor

Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin

Session 3: BRAINTEASER - Advancing remote monitoring and clinical decision making

Eleonora Fiorenzato

HEREDITARY Representative

University of Padova

Ira Haraldsen

Head of Research Group

AI-Mind Project Coordinator

Carlos de Miguel Sánchez

BRAINTEASER Clinical Partner

Servicio Madrileño de Salud (SERMAS)

Session 4: BRAINTEASER exploitation roadmap - Key takeaways

Vincenzo Carbone

Senior Product Manager MedTech

InSilicoTrials

Advancements in Neurotechnology: Pioneering Innovations

17:50 - 18:00 | Closing Day 1

18:00 - 21:00 | Celebratory Reception

Back to Programme Overview

Please note that this is a provisional programme which may still be subject to change.