At Campus Biotech, a global day dedicated to the challenges of paediatric brain health

Photo © Mathias Delahaye

On 20 March 2026, Campus Biotech in Geneva hosted the World Head Injury Awareness Day (WHIAD), an international event dedicated to raising awareness of traumatic brain injury — this year with a specific focus on paediatrics. Researchers, clinicians and experts from Switzerland, Europe and North America came together to share the latest advances and advance care for children and adolescents, from prevention through to rehabilitation.

This event was organized thanks to the collaboration between Professor Schaller (EANS Foundation, HUG-NeuroCentre), Professor Assal (HUG), Professor Péron (FPSE, UNIGE) and Professor Hummel (EPFL).

In his opening remarks, Professor Karl Schaller emphasised that traumatic brain injury in children represents a major challenge, requiring diagnostic and therapeutic approaches that differ from those used in adults. He also highlighted the importance of bringing together complementary areas of expertise within a shared environment to improve care for these young patients.

Bringing perspectives together to deepen understanding
From the very first session, dedicated to research, the diversity of approaches reflected the breadth and depth of ongoing work. From advances in brain imaging to biomarker-based diagnostics, the presentations showcased increasingly precise tools for understanding the mechanisms of traumatic brain injury throughout child development.

Among the highlights of the morning was the presentation by Canadian neuropsychologist Miriam Beauchamp. A leading specialist in paediatric traumatic brain injury, she underscored the complexity of diagnosis and prognosis, emphasising the absence of a single clinical profile and the considerable variability of symptoms from one child to another. This observation points to the need for more nuanced, individualised approaches tailored to each patient.

From emergency care to a comprehensive approach 
Discussions also addressed care pathways, from imaging decisions through to rehabilitation and follow-up protocols. Particular attention was given to the judicious use of imaging —especially CT scans — in order to limit children’s exposure to radiation. Recent evidence suggests that a non-negligible proportion of paediatric haematological cancers may be associated with cumulative exposure to radiation from medical imaging.

Taken together, these perspectives underscored the need for a coordinated approach that brings together emergency care, diagnosis, treatment and long-term support.

Beyond care: families, prevention and society 
The discussions also brought into focus a dimension that often remains less visible: that of families, who face the long-term, real-world impact of traumatic brain injury — managing daily life, navigating ongoing care, and supporting their child.

The afternoon sessions grounded these issues in concrete practice, covering areas such as psychological support for children and adolescents, fostering family autonomy during recovery and social reintegration, the organisation of care pathways, and the role of occupational therapy in neurorehabilitation. Together, these perspectives highlight the complexity of returning to “normal” life after a traumatic brain injury.

Whether raising awareness of risks, supporting children in their recovery or helping families navigate the consequences, these exchanges underscored a key point: traumatic brain injuries cannot be reduced to a diagnosis alone, but must be understood as part of broader life trajectories.

A tangible reflection of the Campus Biotech spirit 
Across the sessions, a clear thread emerged: the breaking down of disciplinary boundaries. Researchers, clinicians, rehabilitation specialists and frontline professionals brought their perspectives together to shed light on a complex issue at the intersection of science, medicine and society.

By bringing these areas of expertise together within a single setting, Campus Biotech provides a fertile environment for dialogue and for the emergence of new approaches, closely aligned with clinical realities and patient needs.