In March 2020, the Erasmus+ program “Exchange of Good Practices for Brain Education in Europe” (Share4Brain) was kicked off with the aim to draw the attention of academics, relevant public institutions and the general public to the importance of basic and clinical research in neuroscience for better prevention, diagnosis and treatment of neurological and psychiatric disorders.
The Share4Brain project brings together patients, brain researchers, scientists, clinicians and carers from Europe with a view to promote brain research and raise public awareness about the societal and personal impact of brain diseases.
Partners of the project are organizations from Belgium (Belgian Brain Council), Greece (Greek Carers Network EPIONI and the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens), Italy (CVBF), Serbia (Serbian Brain Council) and Spain (Spanish Brain Council).
EPTRI participated and supported the initiative as associated partner.
Five project meetings in five different EU countries are foreseen during the Project. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the first project meeting was held virtually on 28-29 September 2020 with the support of the European Parliament office in Greece.
Focus of the meeting was to raise public awareness about brain conditions and disseminate the project results and activities via the media, relevant brochures and a dedicated website. A joint strategy was formulated to bring competent politicians to support the objectives of the project and accordingly come closer to relevant decision-making positions.
Moreover, during the meeting, a virtual focus group with patients living with depression was held and the following events took place:
- Share4Brain: Addressing the growing prevalence of depression in Europe
- Caring for Carers: Dealing with Depression
- 6th Meeting of the Academy of National Brain Councils.
More information about the project and the next events is available at the official Share4Brain website.