XXV World Congress of Neurology - WCN 2021

Dear Friends, Dear Colleagues,

The world is slowly taking the road to recovery, as vaccination programs are rolling out. We truly hoped that 2021 would bring back our normal routines and we would have been able to see each other in person. Despite our best hopes, we feel October is too soon to realize this in a safe and accessible way for all.

Therefore, the World Federation of Neurology (WFN) and the Society of Italian Neurology (SIN), have decided to hold the XXV World Congress of Neurology as an entirely virtual event taking place on the same dates – October 3-7, 2021.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic took hold the XXV World Congress of Neurology was to be held in the magnificent state-of-the-art La Nuvola Conference Centre against the backdrop of the timeless magic of the Eternal City. Thanks to the innovative ingenuity of the organizing committees and Kenes, the PCO, this virtual World Congress will retain much of that same Eternal City magic.

As we adapt to the online world, we remain dedicated to bringing the latest science in the field of neurology to you. The Scientific Program and Teaching Program are still at the core of the World Congress of Neurology. Two years in preparation, each World Congress has its own individual character. From new Scientific Program and Teaching Program Committees, plenary lectures and the Tournament of the Minds, the individuality of this Congress will be displayed, and you will be once again treated to a superb experience.

The World Federation of Neurology (WFN) is honored to be hosting the XXV WCN with the Society of Italian Neurology (SIN) as co-hosts. The WFN is particularly delighted to have Professor Antonio Federico as the XXV WCN President. It has been pleasing to experience the collaborative teamwork between the WFN and SIN in developing the XXV World Congress. Several innovative developments have flowed from solutions to apparent problems. Most notably, the Congress now has a distinct Italian character complementing the overall WCN.

Another feature of a WCN, even in this new virtual format, is the effort the Program Committees inject to ensure that all regions of the world are represented among the invited speakers and chairs, as are members of the Global Neurology Alliance. Professors Kennard and Tedeschi, as Scientific Program co-chairs and Professors Lewis and Berardelli as Teaching Program co-chairs are to be congratulated. One final feature not to be overlooked is the assistance given to young neurologists and trainees, especially from less well-resourced regions of the world, to attend WCN 2021.

We wish all those intending to attend or considering attending, as well as those preparing the Congress, the best of health and a commensurate best World Congress of Neurology. We are looking forward to sharing this new, enhanced virtual experience with you this October!