BRUSSELS--()--2012 marks the tenth anniversary of the European Brain Council. One of the EBC’s most significant achievements has been the role it has played in the increase in brain disorder research funding over the past decade. In the four years prior to the formation of the European Brain Council EU funding of brain research was €85 million; research now exceeds a billion euros.
Maire Geoghegan-Quinn, the EU Commissioner for Research, Innovation and Science said: “During the first decade of its life the European Brain Council has played a key role in the area of neurosciences in Europe.
“It has also mobilised all stakeholders from researchers to clinicians, from industrialists to patients, rallying national and European administrations and political forces. And very importantly the European Brain Council has been a valued interlocutor for the European Commission.”
As well as its valuable membership a key reason the European Brain Council warrants such respect and political attention is because of its focus and genuine desire to improve the lives of those with brain disorders. During the past decade it has not only produced significant evidence, such as the Cost of Brain Disorders Reports it is also focussed on providing solutions. The ambitious and exciting project titled Year of the Brain in Europe 2014 has the potential to change the landscape of this vital health area forever as well as the way all European citizens think of their brain.
Despite the significant achievements the European Brain Council believes there is no time to rest on their laurels. Determined to become the leading and most respected organisation in the field of brain disorders they intend to continue their political focus intensifying messaging ensuring brain disorders becomes a priority funding area.
Alastair Benbow, EBC Executive Director concludes: "I strongly believe that as the world accepts more readily and understands that the brain is responsible for everything the human race has ever achieved it will also recognise that there are no industries, sectors or specialist areas which cannot attribute their success to the brain and, therefore, wouldn’t benefit from collaboration with the European Brain Council. The last ten years have been more than significant. We plan on ensuring the next decade changes the landscape of brain disorders forever. "