About new perspectives on neurodegeneration and dementia – and the question of whether diseases such as Alzheimer’s may represent interconnected pathological processes rather than clearly distinct disorders – scientists will gather in Hanover to discuss current research. Pre- and postdoctoral researchers can apply for travel grants (application deadline: September 30, 2026).
Neurodegenerative diseases and dementia are a dramatic burden for our aging societies. While the age-associated demise of neurons leading to dementia has been intensively studied for decades, the individual causes of degeneration are not fully understood. Consequently, causative therapies or a cure are still missing. Although dementia-associated diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and Frontotemporal Dementia exhibit substantial heterogeneity at multiple levels – including genetics and affected brain regions – an increasing number of shared mechanistic pathways are being identified. These findings raise the possibility that “dementia” may represent a continuum of pathological processes rather than a collection of distinct disease entities. For instance, most Alzheimer’s disease cases are currently described as mixed pathologies, as they involve the deposition of several proteins that are found in various types of neurodegenerative disorders; examples are the deposition of amyloid beta, tau, alpha-synuclein, or TDP-43.
The Herrenhausen Conference “Rethinking Neurodegeneration – Challenging established paradigms and exploring new paths” aims to address these complexities from a broad and interdisciplinary perspective. It will provide an unbiased perspective on neurodegeneration, the multifactorial risk factors, and aging from the standpoint of molecular and cellular biology as well as human genetics, epidemiology, and clinical research. It will bring together experts in neurodegeneration, dementia and aging research to present their perspectives, creating a unique opportunity for new and unprecedented synergies. Moreover, this conference aims to move beyond the beaten paths encouraging broader perspectives and outside-the-box thinking, potentially driving a paradigm shift. Given that neurodegeneration and dementia are multifactorial and age-associated conditions, they need to be explored accordingly. The conference also includes contributions from early career researchers and encourages young scientists to broaden their perspectives on long-standing medical challenges.
In many ways, “Rethinking Neurodegeneration - Challenging established paradigms and exploring new paths” reflects the spirit of the famous quote attributed to Max Planck: “When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change”.
Travel grants and poster presentations for early career researchers
We award up to 10 travel grants to PhD-/MD-students and postdoctoral researchers. The grants are intended to support early career researchers whose work relates to the scientific themes of the conference and who wish to actively contribute to the interdisciplinary exchange on neurodegeneration and dementia research.
Applications will be evaluated based on scientific quality, originality, relevance to the conference topics, and the potential contribution to interdisciplinary discussion.
The application deadline is September 30, 2026. All applicants will be informed of the outcome of their application mid October 2026.
Registration
Registration will open at the end of July 2026. There is no attendance fee, but prior registration is mandatory.
The number of participants is strictly limited and attendance subject to selection by the organisers. The registration deadline is November 1, 2026. Your attendance will be confirmed by mid November 2026.
Program
A detailed program will be uploaded in September 2026. The conference will be held in English.
Scientific Committee
- Christian Behl
Institute of Pathobiochemistry, University Medical Center
of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz - Mainz, Germany - Jürgen Götz
Queensland Brain Institute
The University of Queensland - Brisbane, Australia - Tia Powell
Department of Epidemiology & Population Health & Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
Albert Einstein College of Medicine - New York, USA
Confirmed Speakers
You can find all confirmed speakers in the downloadable document.
Organised by
Univ.-Prof. Dr. Christian Behl
Institute of Pathobiochemistry
If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact:
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FAQ scientific events
Where do the Volkswagen Foundation events take place?
The events take place at the Herrenhausen Palace Conference Centre ("Tagungszentrum"), Herrenhäuser Straße 5, 30419 Hanover (see Google Maps).
How do I get to the event venue Herrenhausen Palace?
- by public transport: tram lines 4 and 5, bus line 136: stop "Herrenhäuser Gärten" or "Schaumburgstraße".
- by bike: There are bike racks in front of the Herrenhausen Palace conference centre. E-bike batteries should be taken into the building and not left on the bike.
- by car: The car parks around the Herrenhausen Palace are subject to a charge. There are a few free car parks in the "Alte Herrenhäuser Straße".
- by train: Hanover main station is excellently connected through many long-distance trains from all over Germany and in some cases from other European countries.
- by plane: Please check whether a flight can be replaced by a train connection. Hanover Airport is directly connected to the S-Bahn network in the greater Hanover area. Please take the S5 towards Paderborn or Bad Pyrmont from the airport to get to the city center.
The entrance to the conference centre (three large wooden doors, signage: "Tagungszentrum") is located on the west side of the castle, in the side wing, right next to the entrance to the restaurant "Grauwinkels Schlossküche".
How much are the fees for participating at academic events?
There are no registration fees for participating at conferences, symposia or academic workshops.
When can I check in and get my name tag at the venue?
You can check in 60 minutes before the event begins.
Is the venue barrier-free?
Herrenhausen Palace is barrier-free.
Are the academic events recorded or broadcast live (streaming)?
As a rule, academic events are not recorded or broadcast live (streaming) in order to enable the participants to talk about research results that have not yet been published and to obtain corresponding feedback.
I wish to attend an academic event as member of the audience. Who will cover my travel and accommodation costs and do the necessary bookings?
The participants bear the costs for travel and accommodation themselves. We ask all participants without an active part to take care of their own hotel and travel arrangements. If we provide a contingent of rooms at a specific hotel, you will find more information on the respective event pages.
I am a speaker, chair, or travel grantee at an academic event. Who will cover my travel and accommodation costs and do the necessary bookings?
Please get in touch with the respective contact person for the event. You can find the contact details on the website for the event.
Are food preferences and/or intolerances taken care of?
They are usually taken care of. Please indicate your preferences when registering for the event. Catering/Meals at Volkswagen Foundation events are all vegetarian with several vegan options.
Is there a cloakroom?
At Volkswagen Foundation events held at the Herrenhausen Palace conference centre, you are welcome to use our cloakroom free of charge.
I lost or forgot something at an event at the Herrenhausen Palace conference centre, whom can I contact?
Please contact Schloss Herrenhausen Veranstaltungs- und Betriebs GmbH at: +49 511-763 744-0
Who can I contact if I have further questions?
If you have any questions, you can reach our hotline from Mon-Fri 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at +59 511 8381-200