The Spanish Brain Council (CEC) Supports European Cooperation in Brain Health at Budapest Meeting

Dr. Mara Parellada, representing the CEC, participated in a high-level meeting where she advocated for the importance of personalized medicine, supported by emerging technologies, to improve the diagnosis and treatment of neurological and psychiatric disorders.

The Spanish Brain Council (CEC),played a prominent role in a high-level brain health meeting held in Budapest on December 9–10, 2024. The event, organized by Hungary’s National Research, Development, and Innovation Programme within the framework of its Presidency of the Council of the European Union, brought together political and scientific leaders from across Europe to strengthen cooperation in brain health research.

Dr. Mara Parellada, Vice President of AEPNYA (Spanish Association of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry) and coordinator of autism programs at the Gregorio Marañón University General Hospital, represented the Spanish Brain Council (CEC) at the event. Dr. Parellada participated in panels discussing the main challenges for research in neurology and psychiatry, stressing the importance of addressing these challenges not only at the national level but also within the broader European context to advance personalized medicine effectively. She highlighted the crucial role of emerging technologies in the diagnosis and treatment of neurological and psychiatric disorders and emphasized the importance of engaging patients, families, and the public in this process, in alignment with the objectives of the Spanish Brain Plan, which is currently being developed by the CEC.

Dr. Mara Dierssen, neuroscientist and president of the CEC, emphasized, “This plan aims to promote clinical and basic research in Spain to advance brain health, prevent and treat brain diseases and their consequences, enhance our understanding of the brain and its pathologies, and foster international collaboration in the field of neuroscience.”

Dr. Parellada's participation in this meeting, alongside representatives from major European funding institutions, professionals, and associations, reinforces Spain’s commitment to promoting brain health and fostering European collaboration in this field. Her intervention underscored the need for multidisciplinary approaches and the development of policies that integrate technological advances to improve the quality of life for individuals affected by brain disorders.

The Spanish Brain Council will continue working closely with the European Brain Council and other national councils to develop and implement effective strategies to address brain health challenges, solidifying Spain as a leader in research and policy in this field.