A community of philanthropists gathered to support brain health at the Paris Brain Institute’s Franco-Swiss dinner for research in Geneva

In the presence of Professor Gérard Saillant and Jean Todt, Honorary President and Vice-President of the Paris Brain Institute, the evening celebrated the scientific ties forged between France and Switzerland over the years. It also brought together a community of philanthropists united by a shared commitment to the future of neuroscience and the urgent need to translate scientific advances into tangible solutions for patients and their families.

An evening dedicated to science 

Professor Stéphanie Debette and Brian Lau, Executive Director and Deputy Scientific Director of the Paris Brain Institute, invited Grégoire Courtine (EPFL) and Philippe Bijlenga (Geneva University Hospitals – HUG) to share their perspectives on neuroscience. Together, they explored the latest scientific breakthroughs and the promising prospects they offer, particularly for the development of precision and personalised medicine.

Neurodegenerative diseases, brain injuries, neurotechnologies and precision medicine: the researchers shared insights into their work, their discoveries and the challenges that remain in improving the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of brain disorders.

This gathering reflects the very purpose of the Paris Brain Institute’s Circle of Friends: to give privileged access to cutting-edge science and the people driving it forward to its members, while enabling them to contribute directly to creating the conditions for future breakthroughs.

More than three million Swiss francs raised for research

Thanks to the generosity of guests, benefactors and event partners, more than three million Swiss francs were raised to support research at the Paris Brain Institute.

This remarkable achievement reflects both the urgent public health challenge posed by neurological and psychiatric disorders and the Paris Brain Institute’s leading role in addressing it.

Exceptional moments of generosity and commitment

The highlight of the evening was the auction, conducted by Christie’s, of an F.P.Journe Chronomètre Furtif engraved with the Paris Brain Institute’s monogram.

Generously donated by François-Paul Journe, a Major Benefactor who has supported the Paris Brain Institute since its inception in 2004, when it was still only a vision, this unique timepiece, crafted from tungsten carbide and tantalum, achieved an exceptional hammer price of CHF 2,750,000.

Olivier Goy, a Paris Brain Institute Ambassador, originally from the Haute-Savoie region of France, living with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also attended the evening. He delivered a powerful call to action to the Swiss philanthropic community, highlighting both the tangible progress already achieved through research and the extraordinary potential of artificial intelligence.

A further 25 exclusive items and experiences, generously donated by the dinner’s partner brands and organisations, including Van Cleef & Arpels, Ruinart, Maison Francis Kurkdjian and Crans-Montana 2027, were offered in support of the Paris Brain Institute through a silent auction. Bidding opened several days before the dinner and concluded at the end of the evening.

Michelle Yeoh, Ambassador of the Paris Brain Institute, also chose to extend her commitment by donating a watch from her personal collection: an Audemars Piguet Lady Royal Oak. This exceptional piece will be auctioned by Christie’s in Hong Kong on 26 November.

An international community united in support of research

Beyond the funds raised, the evening demonstrated the strength of an international community of philanthropists who have chosen to stand alongside the Paris Brain Institute.

From Geneva to Paris, Hong Kong and New York, the Paris Brain Institute’s Friends are helping to advance research without borders, driven by scientific excellence, international collaboration and a shared ambition: to better understand the brain in order to improve the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of the diseases that affect it.

Through The Brain Challenge fundraising campaign, the Paris Brain Institute extends its heartfelt gratitude to the Support Committee of the Franco-Swiss Dinner for Research. Their generosity, dedication and invaluable involvement were instrumental in making this initiative a success worthy of the immense public health challenge posed by neurological and psychiatric disorders.

Support Committee: Laura Bohbot, Séverine Cantoia, Véronique De Kepper, Mara Hank Moret, Aude Oltramare, Solène Porcherot.

The Paris Brain Institute’s Franco-Swiss Dinner for Research was organised as part of The Brain Challenge, the Institute’s 2023–2028 fundraising campaign.