About us
Why was NEUR-IN created?
The National Institute for Neurological Research (NEUR-IN) was created in response to the findings of the COVID-19 pandemic that there was a lack of strong professional authorities in key areas of medicine who could respond quickly, manage action and communicate with the public.
NEUR-IN is one of the five established national research institutes that bring together leading experts in fields with the greatest impact on population health. Specifically, these include neurology, cardiology, oncology, virology and the field of systemic risk. Top institutions such as Charles University, Masaryk University, St. Anne’s University Hospital, the Czech Academy of Sciences, IKEM and others across the Czech Republic are involved in its creation.
Mission
Vision
Objectives
in numbers
11
10+ events
3
300+
19
Dramatic rise in neurological
and neurodegenerative diseases
There is a worldwide increase in the incidence of neurodegenerative diseases. According to NEUR-IN experts, brain disease affect one in three people. By 2035, the number of people with dementia is going to double. The health and economic impact on society will be enormous. Research into neurological diseases can help change these numbers.
NEUR-IN’s mission is to push the frontiers of knowledge in the field of neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental diseases. By bringing together top scientists from various disciplines to work together to find solutions that will reduce the impact of diseases on the lives of patients, their families and society as a whole. The aim is that scientific progress should lead not only to improved health but also to greater social and economic stability.
Source (graph): World Health Organization, 2025
Why do we need to study the human brain?
Neurological disorders are among the biggest global health challenges and are the most common cause of disability and the second leading cause of death. The prevalence of these diseases is increasing, even in younger age groups. The numbers are clear – 1 in 3 people in the world will experience a neurological disease in their lifetime.
News from the world and the Czech Republic :
- Since 1990, the number of deaths from neurological diseases has increased by 39%,
- over 33% of the world’s population currently suffer from them,
- In the Czech Republic, up to 30% of people with dementia remain undiagnosed,
- The cost of Alzheimer’s treatment is rising, with the cost of treatment at the Health Insurance Fund alone increasing by more than 30% in 5 years.
Research enables early diagnosis, the development of new treatment methods and the provision of quality care. That is, what will significantly affect the quality of life of each of us.
What are NEUR-IN scientists and research teams investigating?
Researchers from all over the Czech Republic and abroad focus on neurological diseases from two categories, neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental.
The main diseases studied include:
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Parkinson’s disease
- Epilepsy
- Dementia
- Autism
- Polio
We’re investigating:
- causes of disease, genetic, environmental and other factors,
- prodromal stage, i.e. early signs that help
to predict the disease before its outbreak, - modern diagnostic methods,
- personalised treatment (“tailor-made”) for each patient according to their genetic and health profile.
How do we use artificial intelligence?
Artificial intelligence (AI) helps where the human eye or analytics is at its limits, for example, in reading an MRI or CT scan. It can detect subtle deviations that are crucial for early diagnosis.
We also use it in the field of precision medicine, where we use AI to analyse patient data and design treatments with maximum efficacy and minimal side effects. It’s the future of medicine, a turnkey treatment.
What is the public benefit of NEUR-IN?
The results of the NEUR-IN research aim to improve healthcare, bring new treatment options and more accessible diagnostics. In addition, the website provides validated information, research news and calls for participation in studies and projects.
Organisational structure
prof. MUDr. Milan Brázdil, Ph.D., FRCP
Prof. Milan Brázdil, Ph.D. is a leading Czech neurologist and epileptologist. Since 1989, when he graduated from the Faculty of Medicine in Brno, he has been researching epilepsy and neuroscience. He is the head of the First Neurological Clinic at St. Anne’s Hospital and the Faculty of Medicine of the Medical University of Brno, where he also heads the Centre for Epilepsy Brno and the Behavioral and Social Neuroscience Research Group at CEITEC MU. He focuses on surgical management of epilepsy, invasive electrophysiology and behavioural neuroscience. He is a recipient of an award for contributions in epileptology and an ambassador for epilepsy within international organizations.
Prof. MUDr. Robert Jech, Ph.D.
Prof. Robert Jech, MD, PhD is a neurologist with more than 25 years of experience in the treatment of movement disorders. He works at the Department of Neurology, 1st Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague, where he runs the interventional treatment center with the highest number of implanted patients in the Czech Republic. He specializes in advanced Parkinson’s disease, dystonia and spasticity. His research focuses on deep brain stimulation, control of volitional movements and pathophysiology of movement disorders. He has received a number of prestigious awards for his scientific work, including the Chairman’s Award of the GA of the Czech Republic and the Minister of Health Award.