The European Federation of Neurological Associations (EFNA) successfully held its inaugural EFNA Conference, held in Dublin on 25 and 26 September 2026, bringing together neurology patient advocates, clinicians, researchers, policymakers and industry partners from across Europe for two days of discussion, learning and collaboration.

The conference marked a particularly significant milestone for EFNA, celebrating 25 years since the organisation’s foundation and providing a unique platform designed by neurology patient advocates, for neurology patient advocates. As the first event of its kind organised by EFNA, the conference highlighted the vital role that patient organisations play in shaping the future of neurological care, research and policy across Europe.

Held during Ireland’s EU Presidency, the conference featured a dynamic programme of panel discussions, presentations and interactive sessions exploring the challenges and opportunities facing the neurological community. Expert speakers from the patient, clinical and research sectors shared insights on topics ranging from access to care and health policy to innovation, research and patient engagement.

EFNA President Astri Arnesen said:

“This conference was a celebration of how far the neurological patient advocacy movement has come over the past 25 years, while also looking ahead to the work still to be done. Bringing together advocates from across Europe created an invaluable opportunity to share experiences, learn from one another and strengthen our collective voice. Above all, it demonstrated the power of patient-led advocacy in driving meaningful change.”

A highlight of the conference was the keynote address delivered by MEP Billy Kelleher, a long-standing champion of health issues at both Irish and European level. Mr Kelleher has been a committed advocate for neurological health and rare diseases and is an active member of EFNA’s MEP Interest Group on Brain Health and Neurological Conditions. In addition to his support for the neurological community, Mr Kelleher has been a prominent advocate for improved outcomes for people living with rare diseases, including efforts to strengthen and expand newborn screening programmes across Europe.
During his keynote address, Mr Kelleher reflected on the importance of ensuring that neurological conditions receive greater attention within European health policy and emphasised the need to place patients and their lived experience at the centre of decision-making.

The conference also showcased the winners of EFNA’s inaugural BrainTalks competition, launched in spring 2026 to identify inspiring voices from the neurological patient advocacy community. Four winners were selected from a strong field of applicants and took to the stage in Dublin to deliver compelling TED-style talks. These were:
‘The Power of Being Seen’ – Carmina Crainic, Romania; ‘Understanding Is Power: How AI Can Give Patients Back Control’ – Natalie Diana Busari, UK; ‘The Hidden Power of the Human Voice’ – Anastasia Pekarskaya, Belgium; and ‘When Common Doesn’t Mean Equal – The Fight for FND Care’ – Eamon McPartlin, Ireland.
Their presentations explored personal experiences, advocacy successes and new approaches to tackling the challenges faced by people living with neurological conditions, reinforcing one of the conference’s central themes: the power of the patient voice to drive change.

Another highlight was Jagdeep Singh Aujla’s presentation ‘Aging Well with Neurological Conditions.’ Jagdeep is a Parkinson’s Patient Advocate and founder of the Dopamine Warriors boxing club. Jagdeep had the audience on their feet and learning some boxing moves- something that we discovered stretches the brain as well as the body!

The conference concluded with a renewed commitment from attendees to strengthen collaboration across the neurological community and to continue advocating for policies and initiatives that improve the lives of the more than 180 million Europeans living with neurological conditions.

EFNA is deeply grateful to its conference sponsors, Roche, Alexion, AstraZeneca Rare Disease, Novartis, Merck and Lundbeck, whose support made this event possible.

Special thanks are also extended to Carolyn Paul, whose warmth, wit and expert moderation were a defining feature of the conference. By putting speakers and audience members alike at ease, she helped foster the open, positive and inclusive environment that characterised the event and contributed greatly to its success.

The conference’s success was a testament to the enthusiasm of its participants, the expertise of its speakers and moderators, and the invaluable support of EFNA’s sponsors and partners. As EFNA enters its next chapter, the success of its inaugural conference reinforces the organisation’s commitment to empowering patient advocates, amplifying patient voices and advancing neurological health across Europe.

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About EFNA

The European Federation of Neurological Associations (EFNA) is the umbrella organisation representing pan-European neurology patient groups. Founded in 2001, EFNA works to improve the quality of life of people living with neurological conditions by advocating for equitable access to care, promoting patient engagement and ensuring that the patient voice is represented in European health policy.