WELCOME TO ICBEM 2026

16th INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON BRAIN ENERGY METABOLISM (ICBEM):
PRESERVING CELLULAR ENERGETICS AND BRAIN FUNCTION IN AGING AND NEUROLOGICAL DISEASE

JUNE 29-JULY 2, 2026

BARCELONA, SPAIN

We invite you to participate in the 16th International Conference on Brain Energy Metabolism (ICBEM) entitled, "Brain Bioenergetics in Aging - Neurovascular and Neurometabolic Coupling and Fuels”.

The conference will be held at the in Barcelona, Spain from June 29-July 2, 2026.

This conference brings together leading researchers, clinicians, young scientists, and students interested in brain energy metabolism.

Lectures and discussions will cover latest developments in research related to neurometabolic and neurovascular coupling in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and normal brain, emerging in vivo imaging modalities for studying how brain bioenergetics relates to diverse brain functions, mechanisms of mitochondrial and metabolic resilience, astrocyte and microglial support, and alterations in injured and aging brains.

The ICBEM biennial meetings provide a forum for lively, interactive and informative discussions that often lead to new collaborations. More than one-third of the meeting time is devoted to discussion which continues after the talks and poster sessions and often during free time. Student and fellow participation is strongly encouraged, and travel awards for a limited number of young scientists will be available.

The conference is open to all interested scientists with registration on a first-come basis until reaching a limit of 120 conferees. Registration covers most meals and meeting expenses, including a farewell dinner. Registration is anticipated to open in early 2026.

We anticipate providing about 20-25 travel stipends, depending on available funding, that will be awarded to students and postdoctoral fellows on a competitive basis. Candidates for travel awards must submit their abstracts by the early deadline. Notification of travel awards will be made by February 2026. Childcare will also be available.

Women, minorities, and persons with disabilities are especially encouraged to participate in the Brain Energy Metabolism conference. Any participants who have special needs are requested to make their requirements known to the organizers so that every effort can be made to address these needs.