BNS Strategic Roadmap 2026–2027

Building a stronger, more connected neuromodulation community

Neuromodulation is evolving rapidly, both scientifically and clinically. At the same time, collaboration, education, structured data and clear professional positioning are becoming increasingly important.

In March 2026, the BNS Board met in Rosmalen to define the strategic direction of the Society for 2026–2027. The process combined a SWOT analysis, a TOWS discussion and input from the BNS member survey.

Our members’ contributions confirmed that BNS should continue to develop as an independent, scientific, multidisciplinary and cross-border Benelux platform. Over the coming two years, we aim to become more structured, more visible and more active in creating shared scientific, clinical and educational output.

Why this roadmap matters

The Benelux has an exceptional concentration of scientific expertise, high-quality neuromodulation care and multidisciplinary collaboration. Our compact geographical region also creates valuable opportunities for cross-border education, research and knowledge-sharing.

This roadmap translates those strengths into action. It will help BNS foster collaboration, produce meaningful and visible output and turn the expertise of its members into initiatives that benefit professionals and patients throughout the Benelux.

Our six strategic priorities

1. Formal structure and positioning

BNS will further define and communicate its mission, vision, scope and governance.

We aim to establish a clear role for BNS as an independent Benelux umbrella organisation, complementary to national scientific and professional societies.

Our objectives include:

• Publishing a clearly defined mission, vision and scope.
• Establishing transparent and efficient governance.
• Clarifying the relationship between BNS and national societies.
• Strengthening the Society’s legitimacy, stability and external credibility.

2. Benelux consensus documents

BNS will support the development of multidisciplinary consensus documents and position papers.

These documents should address relevant clinical or organisational questions, support harmonisation where possible and recognise differences between the healthcare and legal systems of Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg.

Our objectives include:

• Establishing at least one multidisciplinary working group.
• Developing at least one Benelux consensus document or position paper by the end of 2027.
• Involving professionals from at least three disciplines.
• Making the resulting documents openly available through the BNS website, newsletter and social-media channels.

Member feedback particularly prioritised education and Benelux-wide consensus documents, while stressing that recommendations must remain practical and account for differences between the three countries.

3. Multicentre data and registry initiatives

Real-world evidence and multicentre data are increasingly important for research, innovation, quality improvement and health policy.

BNS will explore and support an initial, clearly defined multicentre pilot project involving centres from across the Benelux.

Our objectives include:

• Defining a feasible pilot project around one indication or technique.
• Involving at least three participating centres.
• Establishing clear agreements concerning data governance and ownership.
• Working towards an initial analysis, abstract or scientific presentation.

The roadmap specifically identifies a multicentre pilot with formal data governance and at least three participating centres as an important step toward structural Benelux scientific collaboration.

4. Integration of non-invasive neuromodulation

To remain multidisciplinary and future-oriented, BNS will broaden its scope to include non-invasive neuromodulation.

This may include techniques such as transcranial magnetic stimulation, transcranial direct-current stimulation and non-invasive vagus-nerve stimulation, alongside established invasive neuromodulation therapies.

Our objectives include:

• Formally including non-invasive neuromodulation within the BNS scope.
• Involving representatives with non-invasive neuromodulation expertise.
• Organising at least one dedicated session, symposium or educational activity.
• Engaging new centres and professional disciplines.

5. Education and communication

Education is a central part of the BNS mission. Our activities should be accessible to the full multidisciplinary team, including physicians, nurses, psychologists, researchers, fellows and other professionals involved in neuromodulation.

Our objectives include:

• Organising regular webinars and case-based educational activities.
• Continuing regular BNS newsletters.
• Improving website and social-media communication.
• Developing reliable patient or referrer information.
• Increasing participation and engagement across the Benelux.

6. International positioning

BNS will strengthen its role within the International Neuromodulation Society and expand collaboration with other European and international partners.

Hosting e-INS 2027 in Brussels, with Lisa Goudman and Maarten Moens serving as congress co-chairs, represents an important opportunity to strengthen the international visibility of BNS and connect the Benelux community with European and global neuromodulation partners.

Our objectives include:

• Establishing structured dialogue and collaboration with INS.
• Ensuring BNS representation at international meetings.
• Participating in cross-chapter and European initiatives.
• Identifying relevant European research and collaboration opportunities.
• Developing BNS as a recognised point of contact for neuromodulation in the Benelux.

The roadmap proposes formal engagement with INS, annual representation at an international meeting and at least one joint international activity or collaboration.

From strategy to action

Each priority will be linked to responsible board members and multidisciplinary working groups. Our aim is not to create a strategy that remains on paper, but to produce realistic, useful and visible results for our members.

Progress will be reviewed regularly, and important milestones, activities and outputs will be communicated through the website, newsletters, meetings and social-media channels.

A roadmap for the whole BNS community

The success of this roadmap depends on the involvement of our members. We invite professionals from all relevant disciplines and centres in Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg to contribute to working groups, educational activities, consensus initiatives and collaborative research.

Together, we can strengthen neuromodulation care, research and education across the Benelux.