Hall 2, Van Gogh, RAI Amsterdam
AL - ALBA Network Diversity & Inclusion Session
Times are CEST
2025 ALBA-Roche Research Prize for Excellence in Neuroscience Ceremony
13:55 - 14:00: Welcome and introduction of the Research Prize and the winner by Prof. Carmen Sandi (EPFL, Switzerland - ALBA Founder, ALBA Chair of the Council of Partners)
14:00 - 14:05: Short talk by the 2025 ALBA-Roche Research Prize for Excellence in Neuroscience Winner: Dr Binnaz Yalcin (INSERM - Université Bourgogne Europe, Dijon, France)
The ALBA-Roche Research Prize for Excellence in Neuroscience recognises outstanding work in brain research by mid-career scientists from underrepresented backgrounds, whose work focuses on the nervous system and may improve our understanding of the causal mechanisms of brain diseases. More ->
Dr Binnaz Yalcin is recognised for her exceptional contributions to neurodevelopmental biology and the genetic basis of mammalian brain development in health and disease. More ->
Building a global & inclusive approach to mental health research
14:05-14:10: Welcome & Introduction by Dr Christina Dalla (National Kapodistrian of Athens, Greece – ALBA Ambassador)
14:10-14:30: Keynote talk by Dr Agustin Ibañez (Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez, Santiago, Chile; and Trinity College Dublin, Ireland) – 2023 ALBA-Elsevier Award Lecture on Brain Sciences Winner
14:30-14:40: Q&A with audience
Abstract
Advancing psychiatric research requires a shift toward inclusive, globally relevant approaches that reflect the complexity of mental health across populations. This keynote by Dr. Agustin Ibáñez explores how transnational collaboration and data diversity can drive a more equitable and precise understanding of mental and brain health that could benefit underfunded and underrepresented regions.
While much of current research remains limited, building diverse international datasets—including neurobanks, culturally-adapted assessments, and exposome-informed metrics—could help develop treatments that are both generalizable and responsive to local contexts.
We will discuss the potential for precision health frameworks that go beyond brain measures to integrate genetics, omics, whole-body health, and socio-environmental factors, supported by computational models that account for individual variability and population heterogeneity.
The session will feature a keynote address, followed by an interactive discussion with the audience. Chaired by Dr. Christina Dalla, this event aims to spark dialogue around inclusive methodologies and innovative tools to advance psychiatric research for all populations.
