European Congress of Neuropathology 2025

INVITATION

The European Confederation of Neuropathological Societies (Euro-CNS) invites you to the 13th European Congress of Neuropathology in enchanting Maastricht, the Netherlands, from 11-14 June 2025.

Under the motto ‘Knowing the Past, looking to the Future’ the congress organization will be a combined effort of the Benelux countries (the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg) in cooperation with European colleagues. Just as the Benelux was at the cradle of the European Union, the organizers hope to attract and inspire participants from all the European countries and beyond. The congress venue, the ancient city of Maastricht, played an important role throughout the history, from the Roman times to modern Europe.

The scientific program will feature state-of-the-art plenary lectures, symposia and workshops. Abstract authors will be invited to present their work in several symposia, workshops or in the free communication sessions. A few novel fields shall be added to the program as a surprise.

Accreditation by the European Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (EACCME) will be requested.

As the organization of the congress progresses, we shall lift the tip of the veil a little more.

Congress President: Bela Kubat (Maastricht, the Netherlands)
Program Chairs: Wilfred den Dunnen (Groningen, the Netherlands), Martin Lammens (Edegem, Belgium)

Maastricht

Atmosphere

A lively Romanesque city with an international character and edgy touch, Maastricht is easy to love. Stroll past monumental houses and churches, city walls, charming alleys, and intimate squares to end up on one of the many café terraces. Besides all the charming, romantic places, you can stay in boutique design hotels, shop at designer stores, and eat at highly acclaimed restaurants. And with everything within a short walking distance, you’ll quickly feel at home.

Discover more about what makes Maastricht unique.

Historic buildings and contemporary architecture

The city center of Maastricht has been declared a national heritage site. You’re invited to walk through what feels like a history book: a rich variety of architectural styles that date back to the early Roman period through to the Renaissance.

Experience the seamless transition from stately, old facades to contemporary architecture like the Maastricht Academy of Fine Arts and Design (MAFAD). The MAFAD was designed by local architect Wiel Arets, and UNESCO has named it one of the most beautiful buildings of the 20th century.

Start your journey through the Maastricht history.

Compact & safe

Maastricht is a compact city, which is great for the congress delegates. Don’t worry about long trips from the hotel to the venue. In fact, all city highlights are within walking distance of each other. Most streets are pedestrian zones, so you won’t lose your way. Less commuting means more time to discover Maastricht, meet colleagues and enjoy social events in the evening.

Would you rather ride a bike like the Dutch do? Shared bikes are a quick, cheap, and eco-friendly way to travel from A to B. You can also opt for electric buses. Public transport in Maastricht requires a public transport chip card. For conferences, city bus arrangements to let your delegates cross the city quickly and for free, are available upon request.

In addition to its compactness, Maastricht is very safe. The safety ratings are high (80 out of 100), and crime numbers are very low (16 out of 100)*. This is one of the benefits of the ‘Safety in Maastricht’ program.

*Quality of Life in Maastricht (numbeo.com)

Explore the Maastricht districts.

Tickle your taste buds

Connections are created over good food and great drinks, and Maastricht just happens to offer an abundance of culinary treats. Many restaurants are housed in its unique historic buildings, adding charm to the high gastronomic standards. You can find a wide range of cuisines here, from French and Italian to Moroccan and Greek. From Michelin star experiences to street food, the city is well-known for gastronomy.

Find out where to go for good food and drinks.

Meuse-Rhine Euroregion

It’s not just Maastricht that makes this region popular amongst tourists. Many visitors come for the region as a whole: where cultures of three countries merge in a beautiful landscape of rolling hills.

Feel like finding peace in nature? Escape city life to discover century-old traditions and calming nature. Or get adventurous and active if you feel like it. You can go for a hike, an active bike ride, a cave tours and many more activities.

Discover the Maastricht region.

Accessibility

Maastricht is located in the heart of Europe with Germany and Belgium just a few kilometers away. It is easily accessible by train, car, and plane.

Check the video on how to get to Maastricht, fast and easy.

Star Alliance Official Carrier Program

The city’s collaboration with Star Alliance means substantial discounts on flight tickets for delegates who fly to Brussels Zaventem Airport or Düsseldorf International Airport.

Star Alliance main airlines

  • United Airlines
  • ANA Airlines
  • Singapore Airlines
  • China Airlines
  • Brussels Airlines
  • SAS Airlines
  • Air Canada
  • Lufthansa

Getting to your hotel

For the last leg of your journey, from the airport terminal to your hotel, we created the ‘Go to Maastricht’ booking tool. This service guarantees a direct connection between all international airports or train stations and the city of Maastricht. Tailored to your travel itinerary and at affordable rates. Easily find and book your connecting transport via the online booking tool.

Visa

EU citizens can travel to the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany (Schengen countries) without restrictions. Non-EU citizens might need a visa. If you travel to the Netherlands, Belgium or Germany from outside the Schengen agreement area, you might need a visa.

Read more on the Dutch government website

Infrastructure

By train

Maastricht is easily accessible by international train via Thalys, TGV and/or Eurostar from major hubs within Europe, and via Liège, Brussels or Aachen. High-speed trains connect Liège and Aachen rapidly with Cologne, Brussels and Paris, among other cities.

Travel time to Maastricht:
Liège: 30 minutes
Brussels: 1 hour
Aachen: 1 hour
Paris: 3.5 hours
London: 4 hours

Maastricht has three train stations: North, Central and Randwyck. There is a direct train from Amsterdam Central station to Maastricht every thirty minutes. This fast and comfortable mode of transportation gets you to this attractive conference destination in less than two and half hours.

Maastricht Randwyck is conveniently located next to the MECC Maastricht conference center. The Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC+), Maastricht University, NH Hotel and Apart Hotel Randwyck are also within walking distance of this train station.

Maastricht Central is just a few minutes away from the historical city center by foot, and is surrounded by plenty of hotels for those who wish to stay in the vibrant downtown area.

The Maastricht North station offers excellent Park & Ride options: there are 360 parking spots available. It’s only a six-minute train ride to Maastricht Central from Maastricht North.

By plane

Via Brussels Airport Zaventem, Amsterdam Airport Schiphol and Düsseldorf International Airport.