Shaping the Future of Dementia Research: Insights from ERA-AD 2026
The second European Research Academy on Alzheimer’s Disease (ERA-AD) took place from 1-5 March 2026 in the secluded and picturesque setting of Bertinoro, Italy. For the first time, Demenz Forschung Schweiz - Stiftung Synapsis co-organized and financially supported this outstanding international workshop alongside Alzheimer Netherlands (NL), Vaincre Alzheimer (FR), and the Deutsche Alzheimer Forschung Initiative e.V. (DE).
The academy brought together established experts and 40 carefully selected international early-career researchers, including Swiss researchers. In addition to high-level scientific exchange, such as a highlight lecture on fluid biomarkers by Prof. Henrik Zetterberg (SE, UK) and contributions from Swiss experts Stefan Bläsi and Dr. Aurélien Lathuilière, the program featured dedicated Professional Development Sessions designed to guide young scientists toward independent research positions.
Voices of the Academy: Feedback from Our Grantees
Following the event, participants shared their firsthand experiences, illustrating how the academy successfully bridged the gap between high-level science and personal career development.
Highlights and the Value of Broad Perspectives
Attendees highly valued the diverse perspectives on Alzheimer’s disease and its underlying causes. For many, the ability to "zoom out and zoom in" was incredibly beneficial, especially for those entering the field without a traditional neuroscience background.
- The Environment: The secluded venue fostered strong group coherence. Collaborative meals, outings, and informal chats over breakfast or dinner provided seamless opportunities for natural exchange.
- Diverse Formats: Participants praised the seamless integration of lectures, discussions, and developmental sessions, noting that the overall exchange between peers and senior experts was the absolute highlight.
“I appreciated that the research came from different fields and countries, as it helped show how global research connects and often leads to similar findings.” (Elindi De Coning, PhD Student, Lausanne University Hospital)
Standout Lectures and Key Takeaways
While attendees agreed the scientific program was of exceptionally high quality, anchored by leading figures like Henrik Zetterberg and Frank Jessen, several specific sessions left a lasting impression:
“Prof. Christian Behl’s Lecture was a preferred session for many. Prof. Behl gave a thought-provoking overview of his career, the broader Alzheimer's field, and the mindset required to conduct impactful research. His strong message about having the courage to pursue bold, unconventional ideas resonated deeply, illustrating how original thinking is vital to advancing dementia research." (Mohammad Sohaib, Paul Scherrer Institut)
Career Development and "Pitching" Success
The professional development workshops, particularly those focused on finding a research niche and securing independent funding, received high praise. Attendees noted these sessions provided a significant confidence boost, making the path to independent funding feel achievable and clearly mapped out. The interactive "Pitching Your Research" session, where participants prepared presentations of their own projects to receive direct feedback, was deemed highly valuable.
Lasting Impact: Expanding the Swiss Network
The ERA-AD 2026 successfully achieved its core missions: Supporting the professional development of early-career researchers and expanding their scientific networks. Participants reported forming vital connections with peers across Switzerland and Europe, with several already initiating post-academy discussions and setting up brand-new scientific collaborations.
“I’ve also been able to set up a new potential collaboration and started discussions afterwards.” (Dr Miriam Rabl, University of Zurich)
To maintain this momentum, there is strong interest among the cohort for future follow-up meetings. Whether organized as informal catch-ups, short research update talks or in-person reunions combined with next year’s academy participants - the connections made in Bertinoro are poised to influence the future of European dementia research for years to come.
We congratulate all of our Swiss participants on a highly inspiring and collaborative week in Italy.
Preparations Underway for ERA-AD 2028
Given the resounding success of this initiative and our core commitment to nurturing the next generation of scientific leaders, Synapsis Foundation is delighted to announce that we will be supporting the next edition of the European Research Academy on Alzheimer’s Disease in 2028. For future updates and application timelines for the 2028 academy, stay tuned!