Bridging Neuroscience and AI: EBRAINS Lithuania, France and Switzerland National Nodes Join Forces in Lithuania

Organised through a close collaboration between the EBRAINS National Nodes of Lithuania, Switzerland and France, the event brought together leading clinicians, neuroscientists, engineers and AI experts to explore how emerging technologies can transform the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of neurological and psychiatric disorders.

The symposium highlighted some of the most promising developments at the intersection of clinical neuroscience and artificial intelligence, including digital brain twins, AI-assisted disease prediction, personalised neurorehabilitation, neurotechnology, and secure health data infrastructures. International experts from leading institutions in Lithuania, Switzerland and France shared advances that are already shaping clinical practice, from personalised epilepsy and neurodegenerative disease management to innovative stroke modelling and predictive digital health solutions.

A key message throughout the meeting was that the successful translation of AI-driven neuroscience into patient care requires strong interdisciplinary and international collaboration. The partnership between the three EBRAINS National Nodes created a vibrant European platform for scientific exchange, bringing together complementary expertise in clinical neuroscience, computational modelling, neurotechnology, ethics and data science.

The scientific and organisational leadership reflected this collaboration under the General Chairmanship of Prof. Viktor Jirsa (EBRAINS Chief Science Officer). The programme was coordinated by Prof. Ausra Saudargiene (ERBAINS Lithuania), Dr. Damien Depannemaecker (EBRAINS France) and Dr. Birgit Schaffhauser (EBRAINS Switzerland).

The EBRAINS Switzerland National Node was represented by Prof. Oliver Y. Chén (University of Geneva) and Prof. Philippe Bijlenga (Geneva University Hospitals and University of Geneva, Switzerland).

The symposium was strongly supported by the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, with significant contributions from leading clinical neuroscience experts: Prof. Daiva Rastenyte (Chancelor of LSMU Medical Academy, Head of the Department of Neurology), Prof. Arimantas Tamasauskas (Head of the LSMU Department of Neurosurgery, Director of LSMU Neuroscience Institute), and Prof. Vaiva Lesauskaite (LSMU Institute of Cardiology), Prof Kestutis Petrikonis (LSMU Department of Neurology), prof. Andrius Radziunas (Head of Functional Neurosurgery Unit, LSMU Department of Neurosurgery), Sarunas Tamasauskas(LSMU Department of Neurosurgery). 

Advances in neurotechnology and wearable devices for personalised neuromodulation and monitoring brain and heart health were presented by Prof. Eugenijus Kaniusas (Vienna University of Technology, Austria) and Prof. Vaidotas Marozas (Kaunas University of Technology, EBRAINS Lithuania).

Prof. Inga Ulnicane (University of Cambridge, United Kingdom) and Prof. Claus Beisbart (University of Bern, EBRAINS Switzerland) addressed responsible innovation in neurotechnology and ethical principles for the use of AI in neurological research and clinical practice.

Equally important was the active participation of early-career researchers and students, reinforcing the commitment to building the next generation of neuroscience innovators.

The discussions underscored the growing role of EBRAINS as a European research infrastructure that enables collaborative, data-driven neuroscience and supports the development of trustworthy and clinically relevant AI solutions. As digital brain twins move from concept to clinical reality and personalised medicine becomes increasingly achievable, the need for shared expertise and coordinated research efforts has never been greater.

The symposium marked an important milestone in strengthening ties between the EBRAINS communities. Beyond the scientific achievements presented, the event fostered new partnerships and identified concrete opportunities for future joint projects in clinical neuroscience, AI, digital twins, neurorehabilitation and neurotechnology. The enthusiasm and momentum generated in Kaunas clearly demonstrated that this trilateral collaboration is only the beginning of a broader and highly promising European effort to advance brain health through innovation, research excellence and clinical impact.

Support was kindly provided by the Research Council of Lithuania (Dissemination of Research Results through Event Organisation, agreement No. S-MOR-26-35; and the Lithuanian-French "Gilibert" programme, agreement No. 2024-PRO-00148 / / P-LZ-24-6), Teltonika Telemedic, and the EBRAINS 2.0 project funded through Horizon Europe (Grant Agreement No. 101147319) and the Swiss State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI Grant No. 23.00638).