ECNS 2026 Presidential Address
It is a great pleasure and a privilege to reflect on what we have shared as a society and where we are heading.
Our Core Philosophy: Unity in Science
Before discussing our society’s achievements, I want to reflect on the purpose that brings us together. In ECNS, our core motivation is to seek answers together, without any distinction of religion, race, or language. The ultimate question we ask is simple: “How can we better serve humanity?”
As Atatürk once said:
“Those without a philosophy may fight, but they do not know what they are fighting for.”
ECNS brings different cultures together in a warm, friendly way, and this shared philosophy is our greatest strength.
A Shared History of Healing
A historical mural from 1906 in Lisbon brings together figures from Al-Andalus, Persia, and Baghdad: Albucasis, Avenzoar, Maimonides, Rhazes, Avicenna, and Ibn Masawayh, a Christian physician. They came from different lands and followed different faiths, but they all shared one question: How can we understand and heal the human being?
This mural reminds us that the history of healing is a shared human journey. Science speaks only one language. We come from many cultures, but we share one scientific purpose.
ECNS: A Table Where Everyone Has a Seat
Our society is a table where everyone has a seat. We come from different countries, speak different languages, and have different clinical traditions. But we are united by one shared question: how to better understand the brain to help our patients.
A scientific society gives us shared standards, collaboration, and mentorship. It gives us a common language for EEG methods and allows us to conduct multi-center studies across borders. Most importantly, it is the place where young researchers meet experienced colleagues.
We take our findings from the lab to the clinic, and our journal helps translate these findings into patient care. Above all, what stays with us is friendship: the trust that lasts long after the congress ends.
Our Goals and Progress in 2024–2026
In my President’s letter in October 2024, we set clear goals. We wanted to grow our membership and scientific collaboration, and we largely achieved that. We also achieved our goal of building clinical interest in EEG and neurophysiology.
Our journal’s impact factor increased. As ECNS members, we are also taking the initiative to publish a statement paper on the clinical utility of EEG and ERP in psychiatry.
Our Website and News From Members
We modernized our digital home with the launch of our new website, ecnsweb.net, in November 2024. We transferred the old content and fixed the broken links.
One of my favorite additions is the “News From Members” section. This is your space for sharing publications, project updates, and finding new scientific partnerships. I highly encourage everyone to contribute.
Our Institutional Memory: Iván Bódis-Wollner
As we move forward, we must also remember our roots. Our institutional memory is precious. In May, we honored the memory of Iván Bódis-Wollner. We remember him not just for his brilliant scientific contributions, but for his deep human compassion.
Munich 2025 and Online Roundtable Meetings
Munich 2025 was highly successful, with a strong focus on neurophysiology, machine learning, and artificial intelligence. The roundtable discussion with high-impact journal editors was extremely valuable for understanding submission metrics, common pitfalls, and how to improve our work.
These discussions continued online. I want to thank Prof. Dr. Barış Metin for leading the organization of our online roundtables, which created a valuable bridge between our junior and senior members.
Rochester 2026
In early 2026, junior researchers presented their work. Our efforts have now brought us to Rochester. Meeting updates have been shared, and we look forward to a great meeting.
Ongoing Work, Friendship, and Young Researchers
Our work is never truly finished. We are still assessing membership outcomes, working to sustain contributions to the website, and tracking our clinical impact through education and research.
Our most important ongoing work is building connections. New members join familiar faces, and young researchers work alongside experienced mentors. Their discussions continue long after the congress, leading to new joint research.
A Living Mural
To me, ECNS is a living mural. From the historic painting in Lisbon in 1906 to our gathering in Rochester in 2026, every generation adds new faces. ECNS is our shared wall, and the next chapter belongs to all of us.
Thank you for your trust, your dedication, and most importantly, your friendship.
