Geneva to Host EAN Congress 2026 and Lead Europe’s Brain Health Agenda

© Geneva Tourism & Conventions Foundation

Geneva is preparing to welcome one of Europe’s most significant scientific gatherings as the 12th Annual Congress of the European Academy of Neurology (EAN) arrives at Palexpo from 27–30 June 2026.

Bringing together more than 7,000 neurologists, researchers, clinicians and healthcare professionals from across the world, the congress will place the city at the centre of global discussions on brain health, neuroscience and neurological disorders. In recognition of its role as host destination, Geneva has been designated by the EAN as the European Capital of Brain Health 2026.

Supported by the Geneva Convention Bureau and the Swiss Neurological Society (SNS), the congress will feature an extensive programme of scientific presentations, symposia, workshops and training sessions exploring the latest developments in neurology and brain research. Beyond its scientific importance, the event offers Geneva and Switzerland an opportunity to showcase the strength of their academic, healthcare and research ecosystems on an international stage.

“This congress provides an excellent opportunity to advance the field of neurology and increase the visibility of brain health as a key public health challenge,” says Prof. Caroline Pot, President of the Swiss Neurological Society (SNS).

The designation extends far beyond the four-day congress itself. Through a dedicated legacy programme, Geneva aims to create a lasting impact by raising public awareness around brain health and strengthening engagement between science and society.

The initiative includes two public conferences featuring leading medical experts, a nationwide schools programme — the Brain Health Schools Challenge (Projet École Santé Cerveau) — and a broader communication campaign designed to encourage healthier lifestyles and greater understanding of brain health among the general public.

Public engagement activities will begin ahead of the congress, with a conference focused on brain health promotion and prevention taking place at Campus Biotech on 26 June. A second event, dedicated to patient organisations and community dialogue, will be held at Palexpo on 29 June. Complementing these initiatives, the “Geneva European Capital of Brain Health 2026” awareness campaign will run across the city from 20 June to 4 July, highlighting key topics including sleep, nutrition and physical activity.

For Geneva, the congress reinforces the city's long-standing position as a hub for international cooperation, scientific excellence and knowledge exchange.

“Hosting the EAN Congress demonstrates Geneva’s ability to host major international events that foster dialogue between science, health and society. It is also an opportunity to highlight the excellence of our academic, hospital and institutional ecosystem,” adds Zoé Senn, Senior Manager at the Geneva Convention Bureau of the Geneva Tourism & Convention Foundation.

As global attention increasingly turns to neurological health and wellbeing, Geneva’s role as European Capital of Brain Health 2026 places the city at the forefront of one of the most important public health conversations of our time.
 

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