CURE-ND (Catalysing a United Response in Europe to Neurodegenerative Diseases) brought together leading experts in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and neurodegeneration research for a two-day workshop on 29-30 September 2025. The event was hosted in London by the UK DRI in collaboration with Health Data Research UK (HDR UK) and the Vascular Brain Health Institute (VBHI) in Bordeaux.
CURE-ND is a collaborative network linking four major European brain research institutes: the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), the Paris Brain Institute, Mission Lucidity (a partnership between imec, KU Leuven, UZ Leuven and VIB in Belgium) and the UK DRI. The alliance aims to accelerate progress in understanding and treating neurodegenerative diseases through coordinated research efforts across Europe.
The workshop addressed particularly timely challenges as the field grapples with unprecedented volumes of biological data and seeks to translate research findings into preventive strategies and treatments. The goal was to identify synergies and collaborative opportunities across Europe, fostering joint AI/ML initiatives that could accelerate progress in tackling neurodegenerative conditions.
The event opened with a panel discussion featuring Directors and senior leadership from UK DRI, DZNE, Paris Brain Institute, HDR UK, and Mission Lucidity. The panel explored how organisations can enhance collaboration by effectively utilising AI/ML expertise, data, and infrastructure to deliver on the CURE-ND mission.
Five themed sessions followed, covering the application of AI and ML across the research pipeline. Sessions explored cellular and molecular biology, where computational approaches are revealing new insights into disease mechanisms through spatial biology and multi-omics data integration. Discussions also centred on diagnosis and early detection, where AI is enabling the analysis of complex datasets to identify at-risk individuals years before symptoms appear.
Clinical applications formed another key focus, with sessions examining how data-driven strategies can accelerate clinical trial design and the integration of digital biomarkers. The workshop also addressed emerging healthcare technologies, exploring how wearable devices and remote monitoring are creating new opportunities for longitudinal assessment and real-world data collection. A final session brought together insights from across all domains to explore multi-disciplinary synergies.
The workshop proved highly successful in fostering meaningful dialogue between experts from across Europe. Participants engaged in rich discussions about shared challenges and opportunities, generating numerous ideas for future collaborative initiatives. The event has laid a strong foundation for ongoing cooperation within the CURE-ND network, with partners committed to building on the connections and insights established during these two days.
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