The European Commission has declared this May 2013, European Brain Month. This has been decided because neuroscience research is one of the most prominent European challenges. In recent decades, great progress has been made in brain research. However, there is still much to be learned in brain research, which is why the European Commission has earmarked nearly 150 million euros for brain research. The aim is to highlight advances and innovations in neuroscience, as well as to highlight the challenges that still exist, by organizing events and activities in numerous European cities.
Europe earmarks 150 million euros
The European Commission has contributed 150 million euros to twenty international neuroscience research projects. This will bring the total European investment in the study of this field since 2007 to more than 1.9 billion euros. In order to showcase advances in the study of the human brain, more than 50 events are planned in Europe during the month of May. Also, European Brain Month seeks to promote further research to combat mental disorders, among many other diseases of the brain.
Máire Geoghegan-Quinn, European Commissioner for Research, Innovation and Science, said: “Brain diseases and disorders will affect many Europeans throughout their lives. The treatment of those affected currently costs our healthcare system 1.5 million euros every minute, a cost that is expected to increase as the population ages. Brain research can help alleviate the suffering of millions of patients and their caregivers. New discoveries about how the brain works could also translate into numerous innovative services and products for our economies.”
It is understood from the Commissioner’s statements that, there is an urgent need to find more effective techniques and treatments to prevent and treat brain diseases. European Brain Month will highlight the importance of brain research and set future directions for research. European investment will contribute to discoveries on issues such as brain trauma, mental disorders, pain, epilepsy and childhood behavioral disorders.