The event focused on diseases of the central nervous system, such as strokes, Alzheimer's, dementia and Parkinson's disease, for which there are currently very few treatment options. Thereby, the latest findings in the fundamental mechanisms that give rise to these diseases, as well as new therapeutic and diagnostic approaches in particular were presented. Congressional president Professor Johannes Boltze, Fraunhofer EMB, explains: “The practical application of research results to clinical practice is a major concern for us and thus also played a central role in the organization of the event”.

The opening speech on “Therapeutic autophagy induction: From theory to clinical application” was given by Dr Guido Kroemer, from the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Paris Descartes. Kroemer dealt with the question of why cells die and how this knowledge can be used in a clinical setting.

A dialogue between renowned scientific greats and young researchers was particularly encouraged. In a special session for young researchers, Jaroslaw Aranowski, Professor for Neurology and co-editor of the magazine “Stroke”, and Ulrich Dirnagl (chief editor of the specialist journal “Cerebral Blood Flow & Metabolism”) reported on how research results can be published in high-ranking specialist journals. The complete research program as well as additional information can be viewed on our homepage www.neurorepair-2016.de.

The symposium takes place every two years and has developed into a lively discussion platform on the latest developments in the area of neurodegenerative diseases. The next event, the “10th International Symposium in Neuroprotection and Neurorepair” will take place in Dresden in 2018.