The first International Brain Health Conference took place in Edinburgh on 18-19 May 2026. With a theme of Advancing Brain Health, IBHC2026 brought together international leaders to explore the latest advances in understanding brain health and its role in preventing neurodegenerative disease.

200 attendees from the life sciences and pharmaceutical industry, academia, policy and healthcare industry attended to listen to presentations, network and learn about developments from sponsors and partners.

Man standing on a stage in front of a lecturn
Man standing on a stage in front of a lecturn

Through the lenses of public health, personalised medicine, and early detection, the conference examined emerging tools, biomarkers, and service models that enable earlier, more effective intervention and support brain health across the life course.

Watch the highlights video to get a flavour of the International Brain Health Conference 2026.

More news

Professor Craig Ritchie, CEO Scottish Brain Sciences.Scottish Brain Sciences

A Strategy for Brain Health

Scottish Brain Sciences Founder and Chief Executive, Professor Craig Ritchie, welcomes the Scottish Government's new dementia strategy and says Scotland can now complete the picture with a separate national Brain Health Strategy.
Read more
Professor Craig Ritchie, CEO Scottish Brain Sciences.Scottish Brain Sciences

The hope for a life-long healthy brain

Professor Ritchie spoke with The Times about the drive to advance research at a faster pace than manageable within the NHS.
Read more

Edinburgh team show how Alzheimer’s spreads

New insights from research led by the University of Edinburgh reveal that the structures sending neurological signals and supporting normal brain function also enable the build-up of toxic proteins linked to Alzheimer’s disease – a finding which they say could prove vital in the search for therapies for slowing the progression of Alzheimer’s disease.
Read more