EANS2025 Day 1
A Powerful Start of Collaboration and Innovation
The first day of the EANS2025 Congress kicked off with energy, enthusiasm, and excellence. We were thrilled to welcome more than 1900 participants from across the globe on just the first day, all coming together to embrace collaboration and shape the future of neurosurgery.
Sunday symposia highlighted the breadth and depth of modern neurosurgical collaboration, scientific discovery, and professional leadership. Europe’s leading neuroscience organisations (EBC, EAN, EANO, EORTC, ESNR, and EANS) joined forces to explore the infrastructure, coordination, and collaborative frontiers that will define the future of multidisciplinary neurological research across the continent.
In parallel, the World Leaders in Neurosurgery Symposium convened distinguished experts from around the globe to reflect on the multifaceted dimensions of leadership in our field—encompassing organisational and ethical frameworks, technical excellence, crisis management, and educational innovation—as key pillars of professional advancement and patient care.
Within the Neuro-Oncology domain, the session on meningiomatosis—“Navigating the Complexity of Meningiomatosis: Key Clinical Challenges and Evolving Strategies for Optimal Management”—delved into one of the most intricate challenges in contemporary practice, with a focus on biological diversity, surgical complexity, and emerging therapeutic approaches. A complementary session on pineal tumors and metastases addressed rare but clinically significant scenarios, highlighting diagnostic nuances and evolving treatment paradigms.
Fung traumatic brain injury, derived from the realities of modern warfare. Meanwhile, rther exemplifying the spirit of collaboration, the Joint EANS Trauma Section and Ukrainian Neurosurgical Association Symposium presented new evidence on penetratithe Joint EANS/ISIN Symposium on intraoperative neurophysiology showcased cutting-edge advances in functional guidance during brain tumour surgery.
Together, these sessions embody the Congress’s shared mission to advance neurosurgical science and practice through Innovation, Partnership, and Global Engagement—truly embracing Collaboration.
We look forward to welcoming you again today for another inspiring day of scientific exchange, hands-on sessions, and global connection!
EANS2025 General Assembly:
Leading the Way in European Neurosurgery
The EANS General Assembly 2025 was a moment of reflection, renewal, and strategic direction. With the congress in full swing, this year’s GA provided a platform to report on achievements, reinforce the EANS mission, and set the stage for a new chapter of leadership.
EANS President Torstein Meling reaffirmed his philosophy of “Opening Doors and Building Bridges,” which continues to shape the EANS approach to inclusion, innovation, and collaboration across Europe and beyond.
The Assembly underscored the society’s ongoing commitment to its mission: to enhance the quality of neurosurgical patient care in Europe. It showcased meaningful progress across several key initiatives, including the establishment of new partnerships with neurosurgical societies, expanded research activity, the launch of the EANS Mobile App, significant growth in online learning and digital education content, and increased social media and newsletter engagement, further strengthening connections within the community.
Prof. Wilco Peul, Chief Editor of Brain and Spine, proudly reported on the journal’s growth. The Impact Factor has climbed from 1.9 to 2.5, marking a rapid rise and reflecting increasing citation and readership. With a consolidated audience and targeted marketing strategies, the journal continues to foster a vibrant author community while keeping readers informed with the latest developments.
Additionally, a new EANS Professional Standards Guideline was adopted, setting clear norms for professional conduct within the neurosurgical community.
The EANS proudly welcomed the Azerbaijan Association of Neurosurgeons as a National Member Society, further expanding the reach and diversity of the organisation.
A major highlight of this year’s Assembly was the election of a new EANS Board of Officers. With a legacy of excellence behind us, the newly elected Board is ready to lead the EANS into its next chapter—one defined by knowledge-sharing, innovation, and inclusive growth.
Our recently elected EANS Board of Officers consists of:
The EANS Board
President: Francesco Sala
President Elect: Claudius Thomé
Past President: Torstein R. Meling
Secretary: Lukas Rasulić
Treasurer: Nikolay Gabrovsky
Board Member- Audit Governance: Bart Depreitere
Board Member- CME & Guidelines: Giovanni Raffa
Board Member- Individual Membership Committee Chair: Marisa Gandia
Board Member- Scientific Liaison: Michaël Bruneau
Board Member- Training Committee Chair: Pablo González López
Board Member- Chair Elect of the EANS Training Committee: David Netuka
Board Member- Historian: Dariusz Jaskolski
Board Member- Editor of the official EANS Journal, “Brain&Spine”: Wilco Peul
Board Member- Chair of the Examination Committee: Marcel Ivanov
Board Member- President of the EANS Foundation: Karl Schaller
Board Member- President of the UEMS Section of Neurosurgery: Wilco Peul
Board Member- Research Fund: Niklas Marklund
Board Member- Executive Director: Valentini Amarantidou
EANS Section Chairs
CerebroSpinal Fluid (CSF) Section: Jürgen Beck
Functional Neurosurgery Section: Marie Krueger
Neuro-oncology (Tumour) Section: Johny Duerinck
Neurotrauma and Critical Care Section: Elham Rostami
Pediatric Neurosurgery Section: Radek Fric
Peripheral Nerve Surgery Section: Willem Pondaag
Radiosurgery Section: Antonio Santacroce
Skull Base Surgery Section: Sebastien Froelich
Spinal Neurosurgery Section: Enrico Tessitore
Vascular Neurosurgery Section: Andreas Gruber
EANS Committee Chairs
Diversity in Neurosurgery Committee: Tijana Ilic
EBNS Exam: Marcel Ivanov
Ethico-legal Committee: Mario Ganau
Frontiers in Neurosurgery: Aaron Lawson McLean
Global and Humanitarian Neurosurgery Committee: Magnus Tisell
Individual Membership Committee: Marisa Gandia
JTAAC Committee: Eberhard Uhl
Research Committee: Katrin Rabiei
Training Committee: Pablo González López
Young Neurosurgeons’ Committee: Milan Lepić
EANS Task Forces
Academy: Kostas Fountas
Emerging Technologies and Innovations in Neurosurgery: Nikolay Gabrovsky
Geriatric Neurosurgery: Eric Schmidt
Guidelines & Recommendations: Andreas Demetriades
Other Positions
Director, Hands On Courses: Nikolay Velinov
Congratulations to our new Office Holders! We wish them a successful tenure and look forward to their future activities!
EANS Research Committee
Shaping the Future of Neurosurgical Research
As we start the EANS 2025 Congress, the EANS Research Committee is excited to share the dynamic initiatives ahead. Since the highlight of each year for the Committee is the organisation of the EANS Research Course, we’re thrilled to offer attendees a first-hand glimpse during the Vienna Congress! The EANS Research Committee has the pleasure of organising two seminars during the congress.
Both sessions take place at the Innovation Hub and can be attended by all:
1. Monday, 6 October, 14:30–15:30
Data, Decisions, Dialogue: AI and the Future of Neurosurgery
2. Tuesday, 7 October, 11:00–12:00
Omics to Outcomes: Bridging Bench and Bedside in Neuro-Oncology
In line with our commitment to promoting young researchers, this year’s program will also feature contributions from the Aesculap Award winners, offering them a platform to share their innovative work with the broader community. Don’t miss the opportunity to hear from our top-notch speakers and experience the condensed, impactful educational program we’ve prepared.
The Committee also plays a crucial role in the evaluation of the prestigious Aesculap Award. This year, the competition was as fierce as ever, with brilliant finalists presenting their research during the Research Course. Ultimately, two outstanding awardees, Dr. Kuckelhaus and Dr. Wessels, were selected based on their presentations and will receive their awards on Tuesday, 7 October at 15:50. The other finalists—Drs. Jungwirth, Velz, Klepinowski and Caelers—were equally impressive, contributing significantly to neurosurgical research.
Looking ahead, the Committee aspires to advance neurosurgical research, create opportunities for emerging researchers and young talents in our community, and foster continuous knowledge exchange.
If you’re interested, do not hesitate to apply through the open call process for Committee memberships!
Exploring the Frontiers of Neurosurgery
AI and Translational Neuro-Oncology
The EANS Research Committee is proud to present a seminar series highlighting two rapidly evolving fields at the intersection of neurosurgery, technology, and science. These sessions bring together leading voices to discuss how artificial intelligence and translational research are reshaping neurosurgical practice and discovery.
In the first seminar, “Data, Decisions, Dialogue – The Role of AI in the Future of Neurosurgery,” we will examine how artificial intelligence is influencing surgical decision-making, research methodology, and academic practice. Talks will range from current applications and explainable AI to precision oncology, the role of neurosurgeons who code, and the opportunities and pitfalls of ChatGPT-like assistants.
Monday 6 October, 14.30-15.30 at Innovation Hub.
The second seminar, “From Omics to Outcomes – Translational Research in Neuro-Oncology,” will focus on how molecular and spatial approaches are driving discovery and clinical innovation. Topics include spatial transcriptomics, tackling tumour heterogeneity, and the translation of novel findings into new treatments for aggressive meningiomas. Tuesday 7 October, 11.00-12.00 at Innovation Hub..
Together, these seminars offer a unique opportunity to explore how data-driven insights and molecular science are converging to transform neurosurgery.
A Grand Opening Ceremony
Music, motion and inspiration set the tone for the Congress
The Opening Ceremony of EANS2025 was nothing short of spectacular.
A vibrant opera flashmob kicked off the evening, turning the hall into a stage of movement and energy. The #RideforNeurosurgery project came full circle as the cyclists took the stage to share their remarkable journey. Their experience, a true testament to teamwork, endurance, and shared purpose, beautifully reflected this year’s congress motto: “Embracing Collaboration in Neurosurgery.”
Alexander Huber then captured the audience with his inspiring words on resilience and human potential, before the ceremony turned to art once again, with captivating performances by Gratzer and Bittman, bridging modern and classical sounds.
The evening continued with a graceful ballet performance by the Union Vienna State Opera Ballet.
The awards segment honoured remarkable contributions to the field of neurosurgery: Prof. Bernhard Meyer received the Lifetime Achievement Award, presented together with Prof. Claudius Thomé, EANS2025 Congress President. Prof. Johannes van Loon and Dr. Hugues Dufeau were both distinguished with the EANS Award for Exceptional Service to European Neurosurgery, recognizing their outstanding dedication and long-standing commitment to the neurosurgical community.
The ceremony concluded with a final, joyful return of the opera flashmob, leading everyone straight into the welcome reception.
It was an evening that celebrated collaboration, creativity, and the spirit of neurosurgery: the perfect start to an inspiring congress.
Win a Free Registration to the EANS2026 Hamburg Congress!
Get a chance to win a free registration for the EANS2026 Congress in Hamburg. The steps are easy:
1. Snap a photo
2. Share it on your social media (LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, or X) using the official Congress hashtag #EANS2025
3. Ask your friends to vote for you by liking your post on the EANS2025 Social Wall
The post with the most likes on the EANS2025 Social Wall will win free registration to the Congress. Don’t miss out — Hamburg is waiting!
Now is the time to join the EANS family – a colourful, open, diverse, ever-evolving, and always on-the-move neurosurgical community.
Follow us on Social media and
stay tuned for the rest of the Journey!
