The symposium brings together experts from clinical practice and research to explore three key interdisciplinary topics: white matter (dys)connections, autism and apathy. The program includes keynote lectures, interdisciplinary case discussions, and a dedicated «Young Minds» session, offering a platform for both internationally renowned speakers and emerging researchers. The meeting addresses an interdisciplinary audience of neurologists, neuropsychologists, cognitive neuroscientists, psychiatrists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, and nursing professionals involved in the research, treatment, and care of patients. Participants can expect scientifically rigorous contributions, clinical relevance, and space for exchange and discussion.

Preliminary Program

09.15 Registration

09.45 Welcome address

10:00 Keynote lecture 1: The role of white matter in cognitive impairment and its recovery, Prof. Paolo Bartolomeo, Paris Brain Institute

10:45 Q&A, discussion

11:00 Interdisciplinary cases 1, White matter and cognitive impairment in the acute and post-acute phase: importance of clinical and multimodal assessment and treatment, Chairs: PD Dr. Anna-Katharine Brem (SVNP), Dr. Errikos Maslias and Prof. Karin Diserens (SGVN)

11:45 Lunch and networking

12:45 Young minds session

• Topic 1: EEG-Based Insights into the Neurological Effects of Animal-Assisted Services in Healthy Participants and Patients with Disorders of Consciousness. Fabio Carbone, PhD student, University Basel
• Topic 2: Cerebellum-ventral tegmental connectivity as a personalized biomarker for apathy in schizophrenia. Lorina Sinanaj, PhD student, Université de Genève
• Topic 3: Eye-Tracking and Virtual Reality for Cognitive Rehabilitation Léa Defferrard, PhD student, Université de Lausanne 
• Topic 4: Non-invasive temporal interference stimulation modulates apathy-related behavior Michele Di Ponzio, PhD student, EPFL Lausanne

13:45 Keynote lecture 2: The changing concept of autism, Prof. Francesca Happé, King's College London

14:30 Q&A, discussion

14:45 Coffee break

15:15 Keynote lecture 3: When the Spark Goes Out. The Neurology of Apathy, Prof. Masud Husain, University of Oxford

16:00 Q&A, discussion

16:15 Interdisciplinary cases 2, Apathy, Chairs: Dr. Marco De Pieri (SSBP), Prof. Arseny Sokolov (SGNR)

17:00 Closing remarks 

17.15 End of Symposium

Detailed program flyer to follow

Register here