From 27 to 30 June 2026, Geneva will host the 12th Annual Congress of the European Academy of Neurology (EAN) at Palexpo, one of Europe’s largest meetings dedicated to the brain, the nervous system, and brain health. More than 7,000 specialists, researchers, clinicians, and healthcare professionals are expected to attend. On this occasion, Geneva has been designated by the EAN as the “European Capital of Brain Health” for the year 2026.
The Geneva Convention Bureau and the Swiss Neurological Society (SNS) are delighted to welcome this leading scientific conference to Geneva. Over four days, experts from across Europe and beyond will discuss the latest advances in neurology and brain health through a program of symposia, workshops, training sessions, and scientific presentations. For both Geneva and Switzerland, this conference represents a major opportunity to showcase scientific, medical, and institutional excellence, while highlighting the excellence of the academic, hospital, and research ecosystem.
“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).
A legacy program has been designed to leave a positive and lasting impact on the host city
Beyond the congress itself, this designation underscores Geneva’s commitment to research, innovation, and public awareness in the field of brain health. A legacy program has been designed to leave a positive and lasting impact on the host city. It includes two public conferences bringing together medical experts to raise awareness among the local population, a nationwide school program (Brain Health Schools Challenge – Projet Ecole Santé Cerveau), and a communication campaign aimed at promoting brain health to the widest possible audience.
Two public events will take place during the week of the congress: on Friday 26 June 2026 at Campus Biotech at 5.00 pm, focusing on the prevention and promotion of brain health, and on Monday 29 June 2026 at 5.00 pm at Palexpo, focusing on patient organisations, in a spirit of dialogue, awareness-raising and inclusion. In parallel, the “Geneva European Capital of Brain Health 2026” campaign will run in Geneva from 20 June to 4 July 2026 to raise public awareness of current brain health issues, particularly regarding sleep, healthy eating and physical exercise.
“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.
Learn more about Geneva’s events here.
