Michael Platten - EANO President 2024-2026

Michael Platten, Professor of Neurology at the University Medical Centre Mannheim (UMM) and Head of the Clinical Cooperation Unit Neuroimmunology and Brain Tumor Immunology at the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), took over as President of the European Association of Neuro-Oncology (EANO) at this year's EANO 2024 Congress in Glasgow (see also the following YouTube video). Professor Platten and his team at the UMM and the DKFZ are researching and developing novel immunotherapies against brain tumors.

Professor Susan Short from the School of Medicine at the University of Leeds, who most recently chaired the EANO as President, will become Past President. Michael Platten will hold this honorary position for two years, until the next but one congress of the association. Michael Platten's association with EANO dates back to 2000 when he received the Basic Young Scientist Award at the EANO Annual Congress in Copenhagen. From 2018 to 2022, he served as Chairman of the Scientific Committee, of which he remains a member during his presidency.

Under Michael Platten's tenure as Chair of the Scientific Committee, EANO meetings have significantly strengthened ties with its partner societies. The strong representation of basic and translational science within EANO and the increasing number of joint guidelines are a testament to this initiative, and he believes that EANO should not stop here, but expand its efforts, especially into fields that have become increasingly relevant to neuro-oncology in recent years, such as immunology or neuroscience.

In addition, patient involvement has become an increasing focus in many research organizations. Michael Platten's experience as director of the Neurooncology Center in Mannheim, Germany, has shown him that the increasing complexity of innovative diagnostic, preventive and therapeutic measures requires strong patient involvement. Patients are becoming more knowledgeable about their diseases and treatment options, and are becoming equal partners in decision making. While these skills should be harnessed, he believes that it is equally important for EANO to provide a platform for exchange and a robust approach to sharing knowledge with patients, inviting them to participate in EANO's mission.

Therefore, during his term of office, Michael Platten would like to put special emphasis on the promotion of young scientists, physicians, nurses and allied health professionals.

Source: EANO

About the EANO

The EANO is a multidisciplinary society dedicated to improving the treatment and research of brain tumors. With more than 700 members from over 70 countries, it is one of the most important neuro-oncology societies in the world. EANO organizes congresses and summer/winter schools, promotes networking and knowledge exchange among its members and patients in Europe. It also promotes interprofessional career development in neuro-oncology and publishes international evidence-based clinical practice and treatment guidelines. EANO organizes an annual congress with more than 1000 participants from all areas of neuro-oncology (www.eano.eu/).