Dear Madam, dear Sir,

We are pleased to invite you to join an important round table at the European Parliament titled : “Scientific sovereignty as a strategic priority for Europe with a focus on health and brain research” on 12 May 2026 in Brussels & Online (Hybrid).

Hosted by Tomislav Sokol, Member of the European Parliament, in collaboration with the Université libre de Bruxelles, this event will bring together a diverse panel of leading stakeholders from research, healthcare, patient organisations, and industry.

Together, they will:

• Highlight the excellence and global competitiveness of European neuroscience research.
• Discuss current challenges affecting Europe’s scientific leadership.
• Emphasise the urgent need to accelerate the implementation of the European Health Data Space (EHDS) as a cornerstone of Europe’s scientific sovereignty

The EHDS represents a key strategic instrument to strengthen Europe’s autonomy, innovation capacity, and resilience in health and brain research.

Join us Brussels in person or online.
We look forward to welcoming you.

Panelists

Tomislav Sokol is a Member of the European Parliament and a leading voice on European health and digital policy. He is actively involved in the development of the European Health Data Space (EHDS) and advocates for strengthening Europe’s health systems, data governance and patient-centred innovation.

Treasurer, Belgian Brain Council – Patient Representative (Multiple Sclerosis)
Baron Charles van der Straten Waillet is Treasurer of the Belgian Brain Council and a committed advocate for patients living with multiple sclerosis. He contributes to strengthening the voice of patients in health policy and research initiatives at national and European levels.

Member of the European Parliament (Renew Europe)

Sophie Wilmès is vice-president of the European Parliament, member of and former Prime Minister of Belgium. She has extensive experience in European and national governance, with a strong focus on economic policy, public finance and international affairs. Her perspective contributes to the broader strategic discussion on Europe’s competitiveness, sovereignty and public policy priorities.

Deputy Head of Unit “Combatting Diseases”, DG Research & Innovation – European Commission
Petra Goyens is Deputy Head of Unit at the European Commission’s DG Research & Innovation, where she works on health research policy, including disease-oriented research and strategic programming. She contributes to shaping EU priorities in biomedical research and innovation.

Advisor, Cabinet of the Belgian Federal Minister of Health
Dirk Ramaekers serves as advisor within the Cabinet of the Belgian Federal Minister of Health. He contributes to the development and implementation of national health policies, including digital health, healthcare systems organisation and alignment with European initiatives.

President, APEPA – Patient Organisation (Autism)
Alice Suls is President of APEPA, a Belgian patient organisation focused on autism. She is actively engaged in representing patients and families, advocating for better care, inclusion and recognition of neurodevelopmental conditions within healthcare and society.

President, Croatian Brain Council – Professor, University of Zagreb
Professor Dinko Mitrecic is President of the Croatian Brain Council and a neuroscientist at the University of Zagreb. His research focuses on neurobiology and regenerative medicine, and he is actively involved in advancing brain research in Central and Eastern Europe.

CEO, Belgian Brain Council – President, European Brain Data Hub (EBDH) – Moderator
Roland Pochet is CEO of the Belgian Brain Council and President of the European Brain Data Hub. He has extensive experience in biomedical sciences and European collaboration, and is actively engaged in promoting data-driven, patient-centred approaches to brain research and health policy.

Vice-Rector for Research and Valorisation, Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB) – Co-host
Marius Gilbert is Vice-Rector for Research and Valorisation at ULB and a professor specialised in epidemiology and complex systems. His work focuses on the modelling of infectious diseases and the interface between science, policy and society, contributing to evidence-based decision-making.

Director, Digital Health, DG SANTE – European Commission
Marco Marsella is Director for Digital Health at the European Commission’s DG SANTE. He plays a key role in the development of the European Health Data Space (EHDS) and works on policies related to digital transformation, health data governance and patient-centred health systems.

President, French Brain Council – Professor of Psychiatry
Professor Philip Gorwood is President of the French Brain Council and Head of the Psychiatry Department at Sainte-Anne Hospital (Paris). His work focuses on psychiatric disorders, including depression and addiction, and on the integration of research, clinical practice and public health.