Get to Know the Speakers

Thomas Berger, MD, MSc, FEAN, is Full Professor of Neurology and Chair of the Dept. of Neurology at the Medical University of Vienna, Austria. Apart from his specific clinical interest in neuroimmunological disorders, he strongly advocates general neurology and brain health in resident education and neurological routine practice. He has served as Chair of the Scientific Committee at the European Academy of Neurology. Prof. Berger is also Past President of the Austrian Society of Neurology and chaired the local organising committee for the 7th EAN Congress in 2021. 

Paula Blomster is a Congress Manager at the Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre (Messukeskus Helsinki) in Finland. She’s responsible for securing major international events and congresses at the venue, including high profile scientific and medical conferences such as the European Academy of Neurology congress. Paula supported legacy projects from the Brain Health Mission and the European Academy of Neurology by helping to launch the Brain Health School Challenge for three consecutive years and the very first Public Brain Health Day. Her dedication contributed to Helsinki earning the title “European Capital of Brain Health” 2024, 2025.

Paul Boon is Senior Full Professor of Neurology and Director of Neuroscience at Ghent University, Belgium. He is Past President of the European Academy of Neurology (EAN) and currently serves as Co-Chair of the Brain Health Mission. At Eindhoven University of Technology, he chairs the Department of Neurology and the Division of Head, Movement and Senses, and is also Professor of Neuromodulation. Prof. Boon is a Fellow of the European Academy of Neurology (FEAN) and serves as an observer to the EAN Board in his capacity as Brain Health Mission Co-Chair. 

Johanna Grönberg is a Senior Advisor for Congresses at the Helsinki Convention Bureau. She supports international associations and organisations in planning, bidding for, and hosting major congresses and conferences in Helsinki. Johanna acts as a key liaison between clients and local services, venues, and city partners, ensuring high-quality events and delegate experiences. She is also active in representing Helsinki as a premier destination for international meetings and events. Johanna played a key role in supporting legacy projects from the Brain Health Mission and the European Academy of Neurology, including the Brain Health School Challenge over three consecutive years and the first Public Brain Health Day. Her commitment helped secure Helsinki’s recognition as “European Capital of Brain Health” 2024, 2025.

Elena Moro is Professor of Neurology at Université Grenoble Alpes and at the Department of Psychiatry, Neurology and Neurological Rehabilitation of CHU Grenoble in France and is currently serving as the European Academy of Neurology President (2024-2026). She graduated in medicine at the University of Trieste, Italy, and completed her residency in neurology at the Rome Catholic University. She then went on to complete a fellowship in movement disorders in Grenoble, France. After receiving her PhD in neurosciences, she joined the Division of Neurology at Toronto Western Hospital, Canada, as medical director of the surgical programme for movement disorders. In 2012, she moved to Grenoble, France, where she is currently director of the Movement Disorders Center and head of the Department of Psychiatry, Neurology, Neurological Rehabilitation and Forensic Medicine. 

Anja Sander is the Executive Director of the European Academy of Neurology (EAN), the leading panEuropean professional medical association uniting neurologists and advancing neurological science, education, and care across Europe. She has been instrumental in the organisational development and strategic growth of the EAN since the early 2000s, serving both before and after the merger that created the EAN from its predecessor societies. Under her leadership, the EAN has strengthened its role in education, advocacy, and international collaboration, and she continues to guide the EAN and key initiatives including the Brain Health Mission. Anja’s decades of experience and dedication have been a driving force in shaping EAN’s mission and impact on neurology across the continent. 

Sabine Verheyen has served as First Vice‑President of the European Parliament since July 2024, supporting the President in overseeing the Parliament’s work, budget, and strategic priorities, and representing the institution in EU engagements and citizen outreach. 

A member of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and the European People’s Party (EPP), she has been a Member of the European Parliament since 2009, re‑elected in 2014, 2019, and 2024. She previously served as Chair of the Committee on Culture and Education, where she advanced EU policy on culture, education, youth, and media, and contributed to strengthening cross-border cooperation in the arts and education sectors. 

Before her European Parliament career, Verheyen was active in local politics in Germany, serving on the Aachen City Council from 1994 to 2009 and as Mayor of Aachen from 1999 to 2009. She studied architecture at FH Aachen, bringing analytical and structured thinking to her political work. Born in Aachen, Germany, in 1964, Verheyen combines her local governance experience with European leadership, championing cultural, educational, and civic initiatives that connect communities across the EU. 

Angelika Winzig is an Austrian politician and entrepreneur serving as a Member of the European Parliament since 2019 for the Austrian People’s Party (ÖVP) within the European People’s Party (EPP) group. She studied at the Vienna University of Economics (WU), completing doctoral studies in economics, and worked in marketing and strategy at BASF before becoming a managing partner of her own company.  
Winzig’s political career includes serving in the Austrian Federal Council (2012–2013) and the National Council (2013–2019). Elected to the European Parliament in 2019, she has represented Austrian interests on numerous committees, notably industry, research & energy, economic & monetary affairs, and employment & social affairs, and is active in the SME Intergroup. She has also served as Head of the ÖVP delegation in the European Parliament.  

Brain Health School Challenge winners will present their winning projects from the Brain Health School Challenge 2025. This showcase highlights Europe’s youngest brain health advocates, demonstrating creativity and commitment to promoting lifelong brain health through education and awareness.