The Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology of the University of Coimbra (CNC-UC) is promoting the 2nd Meeting of the Study Group on Neuroimmunology and Encephalitis (GENIE) this Thursday (22) at UC-Exploratório. The meeting begins at 9:30 am.

Following the success of the first edition, which attracted around 50 participants, the meeting returns with lectures by two international speakers (Harald Prüss, from the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, and Laura Mantoan, from King's College London).

There will also be a round table with national experts, two discussion sessions, scientific presentations on autoimmune encephalitis, and a new feature: a session dedicated to testimonials from people affected by autoimmune encephalitis, with the participation of patients and caregivers.

“GENIE aims to reach more and more patients, family members, and other members of the public and integrate them into the association, valuing their contribution and involvement in understanding the disease,” explains CNC-UC researcher and GENIE president Ester Coutinho.

Reflecting the growing scientific and social interest in the field of autoimmune encephalitis, the event returns with an expanded scope and aims to create a space for support and dialogue, bringing clinical research closer to clinical practice and the experiences of patients.

Autoimmune encephalitis is a group of diseases characterized by inflammation of brain tissue. It can affect people of all ages, from children to the elderly. It results from a combination of genetic susceptibility and environmental factors, and can be triggered by certain infections.

GENIE is an association whose main mission is to contribute to the advancement of knowledge and awareness in the field of autoimmune encephalitis. It originated from a group of researchers at CNC-UC and is made up of researchers in the fields of neuroscience and science communication, as well as doctors from various clinical specialties.

“It is very important for researchers and clinicians to be in touch with the reality of those living with autoimmune encephalitis, as well as with their families and caregivers,” concludes the president of GENIE.

The full program for the meeting can be found here. If you would like to join the GENIE Group, please visit the website encefalites.pt or contact us by email at genie@cnc.uc.pt.