Top Brain Health Experts from Around the World Gather in Helsinki
The International Congress of Neurology is set to open this weekend at the Helsinki Exhibition and Convention Centre. The congress is organised by the European Academy of Neurology (EAN).
From June 29 to July 2, the EAN Congress will bring together neurologists, other medical professionals in the neurology field, and doctors specialising in neurology from around the world to Finland. As part of the congress, there will also be an extensive exhibition showcasing the pharmaceutical and medical device industries. This year, a record number of abstracts were submitted to the congress, with 2777 neurologists presenting their latest research. The event will also see a record attendance of over 6900 participants.
“Securing the congress for Finland signifies that we are a key player in neurology beyond our size. It is important to host such a significant and comprehensive congress in Finland. The number of participants reflects Helsinki's and Finland’s appeal and reputation as a congress organiser. At the same time, the congress increases the appeal of neurology as a future field for young people in Finland,” says Professor Reetta Kälviäinen, Chair of the Finnish Organising Committee.
In Europe, neurological diseases are the third most common cause of disability and death. According to the WHO and recent studies, at least one in three people of all age groups will suffer from some neurological disease during their lifetime, making them the most common group of all non-communicable diseases.
The congress is organised by the European Academy of Neurology (EAN), which is celebrating its 10th anniversary at this year's congress. The EAN comprises neurological associations from 47 member countries and 45,000 medical professionals in the field. The association is responsible for the development, advocacy, and continuing education of neurologists.
A legacy of brain health for the host country
Sustainability is a key aspect of international congresses across various fields. Congress organisers often aim to positively impact the host city through so-called legacy projects that can promote social, economic, or environmental sustainability. In collaboration with the Finnish Neurological Association and the National Neurocentre, EAN organised a brain health challenge for schoolchildren earlier this spring.
“In the school challenge, we asked Finnish primary and secondary school students, as well as high school students, to develop ideas to promote brain health, and we rewarded the best suggestions. At the same time, we provided additional training for teachers on brain health,” says Kälviäinen.
In addition to the school challenge, the EAN Congress, in collaboration with Finnish organising partners, also participated in the Women's Fun Run running event to highlight the importance of physical exercise for brain well-being.
The EAN Congress will take place at the Helsinki Exhibition and Convention Centre from June 29 to July 2.
Congress website: https://www.ean.org/congress2024 and https://www.ean.org/congress2024/about/press.
For further information and interview requests:
EAN, Chair of the Local Organising Committee, Professor Reetta Kälviäinen, reetta.kalviainen@uef.fi, tel. +358 40 583 9249
Helsinki Exhibition and Convention Centre, Congress Manager Paula Blomster, paula.blomster@messukeskus.com, tel. +358 40 456 6066
10th Congress of the European Academy of Neurology at the Helsinki Exhibition and Convention Centre from June 29 to July 2.
International congresses bring revenue and employment to the host locality. In 2023, events held at the Helsinki Exhibition and Convention Centre generated a revenue stream of 187 million euros and 2535 person-years of employment for the Helsinki metropolitan area.
