Advancing Neuroscience and Brain Sciences: Insights from the 5th International Electronic Conference on Brain Sciences & 1st International Electronic Conference on Neurosciences (IECBS-IECNS 2026)

Dear Colleagues,

This issue of MDPI Topics brings together a collection of scientific contributions presented at the 5th International Electronic Conference on Brain Sciences and 1st International Electronic Conference on Neurosciences (IECBS-IECNS 2026), held virtually from 9 to 11 March 2026. Chaired by Prof. Dr. Stephen D. Meriney (Department of Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh), this conference serves as an interdisciplinary platform uniting researchers, clinicians, and technology developers from neuroscience, brain sciences, neurorehabilitation, and related disciplines concerned with understanding and treating neurological conditions.

With the increasing prevalence of neurodegenerative diseases, cognitive disorders, and neurological injuries, this conference focuses on a large variety of approaches to brain research and clinical neuroscience. In particular, presentations focus on cellular mechanisms, neural circuits, cognitive processes, and therapeutic interventions. The results of these studies are crucial for advancing basic neuroscience, translational neuroscience, and improving patient outcomes.

Through a series of presentations and scientific exchanges, IECBS-IECNS 2026 underscored the importance of research grounded in rigorous methodology, supported by technological innovation and international collaboration. This meeting also encouraged interdisciplinary dialog and the building of professional networks across institutions.

This MDPI Topics issue reflects the core themes of the conference, with contributions that address the following:

• Neurodegenerative diseases and biomarker discovery;
• Cellular and molecular mechanisms of brain function;
• Behavioral neuroscience and neurophysiology;
• Cognitive neuroscience and brain–behavior relationships;
• Neurorehabilitation technologies and therapeutic interventions;
• Neurotechnology, neuroimaging, and neuromodulation;
• Systems neuroscience and computational modeling.

A particular strength of this volume lies in its interdisciplinary scope, which mirrors the structure of the conference itself. The papers featured here contribute to a growing body of literature that bridges basic neuroscience research with clinical applications and translational approaches.

As the scientific community continues to seek a deeper understanding of brain function and innovative treatments for neurological disorders, we hope that the findings and ideas presented in this MDPI Topics issue will inform both academic inquiry and clinical practice across diverse neuroscience research areas.

I thank all contributors, reviewers, session chairs, and organizing partners who made IECBS-IECNS 2026 and this publication possible. We invite the readership of MDPI Topics to engage with these works and continue the dialog on these neuroscience issues.

Prof. Dr. Stephen D. Meriney
Prof. Dr. Magda Tsolaki
Topic Editors