Advancing Brain Health Through International Scientific Collaboration

The science academies of the G7 nations have issued a landmark joint statement calling for coordinated global action on brain health. Released in May 2026 under the leadership of France’s Académie des Sciences, the document urges G7 leaders to treat brain and mental health as a cross-cutting policy priority ahead of the June summit in Évian-les-Bains.

Brain disorders currently affect one in three people worldwide and rank among the leading causes of disability and death. The burden is rising rapidly with population ageing, yet advances in neuroscience, digital technologies and artificial intelligence are opening new pathways for prevention, diagnosis and treatment.

The S7 Statement: Key Recommendations for Policymakers

The statement, titled “Advancing Brain Health (including Mental Health) for Global Societal Resilience,” recommends establishing a standing G7 Brain Health Advisory Council. This body would guide policy development, monitor progress and ensure ethical oversight of emerging technologies.

Additional proposals include a G7 Call to Investment and Innovation in Brain Health to mobilise public-private resources and a holistic, lifespan approach that integrates prevention, research and care across disciplines. The academies stress the importance of equitable data sharing, reduced inequalities and cross-border collaboration.

European Academies at the Forefront

European institutions played a central role in shaping the statement. Germany’s National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina, Italy’s Accademia Nazionale dei Lincei and the United Kingdom’s Royal Society contributed expertise alongside their G7 counterparts. The document was formally presented to French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris on 20 May 2026.

These academies have long influenced European research agendas. Their involvement ensures that recommendations align with existing frameworks such as Horizon Europe and the European Research Area, creating opportunities for universities across the continent to align their strategies with G7 priorities.

Implications for European Higher Education and Research

European universities stand to benefit significantly from the heightened focus on brain health. Neuroscience and mental-health research programmes are expected to see increased funding calls, particularly those incorporating artificial intelligence and digital health technologies. Interdisciplinary centres combining biology, psychology, data science and engineering are likely to expand.

PhD candidates and early-career researchers in fields such as cognitive neuroscience, neuroinformatics and psychiatric epidemiology may find new fellowship and collaboration opportunities. Institutions with strong links to clinical partners or access to large population cohorts are especially well positioned.

Photo by National Cancer Institute on Unsplash

Opportunities in AI and Neuroscience Integration

The statement highlights the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in brain research. European universities are already investing in AI-driven tools for early detection of neurodegenerative diseases and personalised mental-health interventions. The G7 emphasis on ethical AI development aligns closely with the EU AI Act, providing a regulatory framework that universities can leverage when designing new programmes.

Cross-disciplinary master’s and doctoral tracks that combine machine learning with clinical neuroscience are expected to grow. Partnerships between computer-science departments and medical faculties will become increasingly valuable for securing competitive grants.

Challenges Facing European Brain-Health Research

Despite the positive outlook, several challenges remain. Fragmented data-protection regimes across member states can slow collaborative projects. Funding disparities between Western and Eastern European institutions risk widening existing gaps in research capacity.

Workforce shortages in specialised areas such as neuroimaging analysis and computational psychiatry also pose hurdles. Universities will need targeted recruitment and training initiatives to meet demand.

Building Capacity Through University Partnerships

European university alliances and networks are well placed to respond. Joint programmes under Erasmus+ and Horizon Europe can incorporate brain-health modules, while shared research infrastructures such as the European Brain Research Infrastructures initiative offer platforms for large-scale studies.

Administrators are advised to review institutional strategies for alignment with the S7 recommendations, particularly around open science, ethical governance and international mobility for researchers.

Future Outlook for Academics and Researchers

The S7 statement signals a long-term commitment that could shape research priorities for the next decade. Academics who position their work at the intersection of neuroscience, technology and policy stand to gain visibility and funding. Professional development in areas such as responsible AI, patient and public involvement, and science communication will be increasingly important.

University leaders should consider establishing or expanding dedicated brain-health institutes to attract talent and foster innovation clusters.

Photo by Ecliptic Graphic on Unsplash

Actionable Steps for European Institutions

Institutions can begin by mapping existing brain-health research strengths against the S7 priorities. Developing internal ethics review processes for AI applications in neuroscience and creating seed-funding schemes for cross-faculty projects are practical first steps.

Engaging with national academies and European-level bodies will help ensure that local initiatives contribute to the broader G7 agenda.

Conclusion: A Pivotal Moment for Brain-Health Research in Europe

The 2026 S7 joint statement represents a significant convergence of scientific evidence and political will. For Europe’s higher-education sector, it offers both a mandate and an opportunity to lead in one of the most pressing global challenges of our time. Universities that act decisively stand to strengthen their research portfolios, attract top talent and contribute meaningfully to societal resilience.