We're excited to share a special edition of our BrainTalk podcast – this time as a vidcast from within the European Parliament! Moderated by Frédéric Destrebecq, EBC Executive Director, MEP Tomáš Zdechovský (EPP, Czech Republic) and Suzanne Dickson, President of the European Brain Council, sit together to discuss the future of brain health research, innovation, and the urgent need for systemic change.

Key themes discussed: 

• Breaking down silos – The urgent need to connect fragmented brain research efforts across the EU's 27 countries and create strategic research hubs of excellence
• Beyond physical health – Why social rehabilitation and reintegration are crucial for people living with brain disorders, and how this connects to brain capital and economic productivity
• Current challenges – From threats to research to administrative burdens that limit scientific creativity, and the critical need for long-term strategic planning
• Bringing the community together – The importance of bringing together neurologists, mental health experts, neuroscientists and people with lived experience

As MEP Zdechovský powerfully shared: "It's not about how much money you have or how high your social status, but how you live your life, how your brain is functioning, and how you can participate in society." This conversation comes at a crucial time as our community works on a Coordination Plan for brain health.