On 25 January 2024, following the World Economic Forum in Davos, the European Brain Council, in partnership with Rice University Baker Institute for Public Policy and the Brain Capital Alliance hosted the full day event “Brain Health for Society: Insights from Brain Capital”, in Basel, Switzerland.
Among the speakers of the event were the Founder and President of EMEA Prof. Rym Ayadi Professor, Bayes Business School and co-founder of the Brain Capital Alliance, and EMEA Advisors Harris Eyre MD PhD, Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy and co-founder of the Brain Capital Alliance, Nathalie Hilmi, Head of Environmental Economics, Centre Scientifique de Monaco and Pawel Swieboda – Founder, NeuroCentury.
At the conference Prof Ayadi moderated the Panel “Brain Capital and Impact Investing”. She underlined: “Integrating brain capital into impact investing strategies transforms not just portfolios but lives and communities. By focusing on cognitive and emotional well-being and preserve healthy brains, we unlock human potential, driving innovation and productivity that yield both financial returns and societal progress. This approach represents a forward-thinking fusion of economic success and social responsibility, where investing in the brain is not just an asset strategy, but a blueprint for a more enlightened and sustainable future for human flourishing.”
Dr. Harris Eyre said during his presentation on “Brain Capital: Public-Private Perspectives” , ‘Our brains are vital to our ability to think, feel, remember, be resilient, adapt and flourish–and vital for our ability to sustain ourselves in an increasingly turbulent world. The goal the Brain Capital Alliance’s work is to transition economies from “brain unhealthy” to “brain healthy.” The transition requires radical public-private policy partnership and entrepreneurship, focusing deeply on economics and systems to improve society’s overall mental and neurological health’.
The conference highlighted the importance and urgency of prioritising brain health, particularly by presenting the novel concept of ‘Brain Capital’, which puts a premium on cognitive skills and abilities in accomplishing socio-economic objectives. Building Brain Capital is fundamental for meeting modern societal challenges, driving innovation and achieving economic security. Policies and investments to boost brain power can increase productivity, stimulate greater creativity and economic dynamism, afford social cohesion, and create a more resilient, adaptable, and sustainability-engaged populace.
The event was held in Basel, close to the campuses of Roche, a major life science innovation company. Many Roche executives were in attendance and speaking including Jan Schadrack (Global Head of Medical Affairs, Neuroscience and Rare Diseases), Paul Fontoura (Global Head and Senior Vice President Neuroscience, Immunology, Ophthalmology, Infectious and Rare Diseases) and Michael Oberreiter (Head of Global Access).
Link to the report of the session “Brain Capital and Impact Investing”
Link to the Brain capital policy guidance published in Lancet Neurology
Link to the EBC event: Brain Health for Society Insights from Brain Capital Video – Part 1
Link to the EBC event: Brain Health for Society Insights from Brain Capital Video – Part 2
