Engaging with Europe’s Brain Health Community
On October 15th and 16th, GAMIAN-Europe proudly took part in the Brain Innovation Days (BID) 2025 in Brussels as a committed member of the European Brain Council (EBC).
The event gathered researchers, policymakers, industry leaders, and patient organisations from across Europe. Together, they exchanged ideas and explored how innovation is shaping the future of brain health.
Strong Expert-by-Experience Representation
This year’s edition was especially meaningful for GAMIAN-Europe. Eight of our expert-by-experience representatives joined the event. Their participation demonstrated that lived experience is vital for developing effective and compassionate mental health strategies.
Panel on Structuring the Brain Health Ecosystem
A key highlight was the participation of Vice President Raluca Nica (Romania) in the panel discussion “Structuring the Brain Health Ecosystem.”
The session brought together:
Tomás Ryan, Chair of the Advocacy Committee, European Federation of Neuroscience Societies (FENS)
Daniel Wójcik, Member, Pan-Europe Regional Committee (IBRO-PERC), International Brain Research Organization (IBRO)
Raluca Nica, Vice President, GAMIAN-Europe
About Raluca Nica
Raluca Nica is a long-standing Board Member and Vice President of GAMIAN-Europe, with over 30 years of experience in the field of mental health.
She also works as a consultant for NGOs, specialising in organisational management and project supervision.
Furthermore, her broad academic background and practical expertise make her a respected advocate for mental health inclusion and reform.
Building a Cohesive Brain Health Community
The panel explored how to create a cohesive and inclusive brain health community across Europe and beyond. Participants shared perspectives from neuroscience, patient advocacy, and research to define key priorities for long-term collaboration. Moreover, the Brain Innovation Days encouraged meaningful exchanges and highlighted how innovation must connect with real-world experiences. Discussions also addressed cross-sector collaboration, data sharing, and integrated approaches that bring together mental and brain health under one agenda.
Moving Forward Together
As Europe continues to invest in brain health and neuroscience, GAMIAN-Europe remains dedicated to ensuring that patients and experts by experience are recognised as equal partners.
Additionally, we will continue to promote collaboration and inclusion so that the voices of people with lived experience remain at the heart of brain health initiatives.
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