The 3rd Stakeholder Meeting of the SFCNS Swiss Brain Health Plan took place on October 30, 2025 during the SFCNS Congress and became the best-attended session of the congress. It reflected Switzerland’s growing engagement in advancing brain health as a public health priority and reaffirmed the country’s leading role in global brain health advocacy.

Specialists from neurology, neurosurgery and related clinical fields, together with political representatives and international experts, gathered to discuss how to reduce the burden of neurological diseases, strengthen prevention, and enable lifelong brain health for all. Their contributions demonstrated a strong consensus that improving brain health is essential not only for individual wellbeing, but also for societal and economic resilience.

Co-chaired by Prof. Dr. med. Alexandre Datta (Basel) and Prof. Dr. med. Susanne Wegener (Zurich), the session opened with welcome remarks from SBHP Chair Prof. Dr. h.c. mult. Claudio L.A. Bassetti (Bern) and Prof. Dr. med. Raphael Guzman (Basel), underlining the rapid progress made since the launch of the Swiss Brain Health Plan in 2023.

A scientific highlight was the keynote by Prof. Costantino Iadecola (New York), who spoke on The Neurovascular Basis of Brain Health, presenting latest insights into how vascular factors shape neurological function and long-term resilience. Additionally, Prof. Dr. Sc. Dr. med. Indrit Bègue (Geneva) provided compelling data from the Global Burden of Disease Study, emphasizing the significant economic and societal costs linked to brain disorders in Switzerland. Further presentations by Prof. Dr. med. Urs Fischer (Bern) and Prof. Guzman showcased the critical roles of neurologists and neurosurgeons in promoting lifelong brain health.

The concluding panel discussion - moderated by Prof. Dr. med. Thomas Zeltner (Bern) - brought together leading experts for a vivid and forward-looking exchange. The strong participation and dynamic dialogue demonstrated the relevance of the SFCNS Swiss Brain Health Plan for policymakers, clinicians, researchers, and the public alike.

The great interest in this Stakeholder Meeting sends a clear message: Switzerland is on the right path. By fostering leadership, collaboration, and awareness across disciplines, the SFCNS Swiss Brain Health Plan continues to gain momentum -  driving real progress for prevention, education, treatment and better brain health throughout life.

A heartfelt thank you to all speakers, chairs, partners and participants for contributing your expertise, passion and commitment to advancing lifelong brain health in Switzerland. Your active participation and inspiring discussions made this session such a success.