On behalf of Network Glia and the Organizing and Programme Committees, we are truly delighted to welcome you to Bologna for the XVIII European Meeting on Glial Cells in Health and Disease.

Bologna has a long and distinguished tradition of hospitality that can be traced back to the Middle Ages, when students from all over Europe and beyond were drawn to its prestigious University. Today, the Alma Mater Studiorum – University of Bologna – home to the oldest university in the Western world – remains a leading center of academic excellence and cultural exchange, enjoying a strong international reputation that extends far beyond Italy.

Thanks to its strategic location at the heart of Italy and Europe, and to its deep-rooted cultural and academic heritage, Bologna has developed into a dynamic hub of knowledge, innovation, and exchange. The city has supported the growth of renowned hospitals, internationally respected academic institutions, cutting-edge research centers, and industries with a long and distinguished history.

Beyond its academic and scientific strengths, Bologna provides a warm and welcoming atmosphere, rich in opportunities for leisure and cultural discovery, which is preserved in over 50 museums and art galleries. Bologna’s medieval historic center is among the best preserved in the world. The center is indeed distinguished by more than 50 kilometers of iconic porticoes, which are listed as part of the UNESCO World Heritage. During your stay, we invite you to stroll under the porticoes in Piazza Maggiore, visit the Archiginnasio and its Anatomical Theatre, explore the medieval streets of the Quadrilatero, and enjoy the panoramic walk to the Sanctuary of San Luca.

Bologna is equally famous for its culinary heritage. Its celebrated culinary tradition has earned Bologna worldwide recognition as a true capital of taste and quality. We encourage you to experience its cuisine in trattoria and markets scattered throughout the historic center, where food remains an essential expression of local culture.

The meeting will take place at the Bologna Congress Center, a modern venue with excellent facilities for lectures, poster sessions, and networking. Conveniently connected to the city’s historic center, the venue allows participants to easily combine scientific activities with the discovery of Bologna’s cultural landmarks.

We are looking forward to welcoming you to Bologna in July 2027!