BrainBusiness 2026: Neuroscience Research in Dialogue with Practice and Industry
For the sixth time, the BrainBusiness event series brought together representatives from academia, healthcare, and the business community. On October 15, 2026, the Science Hub Neuroscience at Ruhr University Bochum, together with MedEcon Ruhr and the GesundheitsCampus agency of Bochum Economic Development, welcomed approximately 70 participants to the ZESS research building. The focus was on how neuroscientific findings can be translated more quickly into practical applications and medical care.
In terms of content, the event focused on two main areas: new approaches to biomarkers and bioanalytics in neurological disorders, and the role of expectations, perception, and behavior in the treatment of psychosomatic symptoms and pain. Presentations ranged from the fundamentals of expectation formation and pain processing to MRI-based biomarkers, personalized therapeutic approaches, and digital health solutions.
The event highlighted how important collaboration among different disciplines and stakeholders is for translating research findings into concrete applications. The lively exchange between researchers, clinicians, and industry representatives provided numerous ideas for future collaborations. The next edition of BrainBusiness is scheduled for 2027.
New Year, New Me: The Facts
As the calendar turns to a new year, millions of people around the world commit to New Year’s resolutions, making promises to use the new year as a fresh beginning and an opportunity for transformation. In 2024, almost three-quarters of the British population set themselves New Year’s resolutions — that’s around 40 million people (or the entire population of Canada). This tradition was particularly strong among younger generations, with 96% of Generation Z (aged 18-27) planning resolutions, compared to just 35% of the Silent Generation (aged 79+).
Most common new years resolutions:
- Saving more money (52%)
- Eat healthier (50%)
- Exercise more (48%)
- Lose weight (37%)
- Spend more time with family/friends (35%)
How long do most resolutions normally last before being broken?
- Data from America (2016) shows that 75% of individuals maintain their resolutions through the first week.
- 64% of individuals maintain their resolutions through the first month.
- 46% of individuals in America keep their resolutions past the 6-month mark.
What makes resolutions stick?
Oscarsson et al. (2020) conducted research into what makes New Year’s resolutions stick. Biggest success rates depended on how people phrased their goals. Participants who set approach-oriented goals (trying to move toward or maintain a desirable outcome or state) than those with avoidance-oriented goals (trying to move toward or maintain a desirable outcome or state) were significantly more successful (58.9% vs. 47.1%) at sticking to their goals.
The study also investigates the effects of outside support. These participants received monthly follow-ups and emails with information and exercises for coping with hurdles when striving toward personal goals, and were also encouraged to set goals using the SMART technique and to set interim goals. The group that received some support was exclusively and significantly more successful compared to the groups who received a lot of support or no support at all.
Additionally, you might feel more successful if you set goals that are measurable in numbers. While success for a person striving to quit smoking or lose weight could easily be measured in the number of cigarettes smoked or body mass index, the success for a person striving to “take better care of themselves” could be highly subjective and possibly impossible to measure.
So as we enter 2026, let’s remember to work with our brain’s natural learning system: Frame your goals positively, break them into manageable steps, and celebrate small wins along the way.