Mar 16, 2026
Network-Based and Adaptive Approaches to Deep Brain Stimulation at DBS2026
From February 22th–24th 2026, the 3rd Expert Summit on the Future of Deep Brain Stimulation gathered approximately 500 researchers and clinicians from more than 30 countries in Würzburg. The meeting provided a comprehensive overview of current developments in deep brain stimulation (DBS) and highlighted the increasing interaction between clinical neuroscience, imaging, electrophysiology, and data-driven technologies.
From Local Stimulation to Network Modulation
A central theme throughout the conference was the shift of DBS as a local intervention toward understanding it as targeted modulation of functional brain networks. The keynote lectures demonstrated how spatial and dynamic network models can refine target selection and improve therapeutic specificity. In addition, the growing role of artificial intelligence in medical technology was discussed, particularly with regard to data-driven decision support and the integration of intelligent systems into clinical workflows.
Electrophysiology and Adaptive Stimulation
Electrophysiology and adaptive stimulation formed another major focus. Presentations on oscillatory dynamics and brain states emphasized that pathological activity patterns in movement disorders can serve as physiomarkers for closed-loop systems. At the same time, critical discussions highlighted the complexity of translating these signals into robust, automated programming strategies.
“For my own research within ReTune, the strong emphasis on electrophysiological biomarkers in the development of adaptive DBS and the detailed discussions on programming strategies were particularly relevant.”, said Dr. Victoria Witzig, Postdoc at Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin. The conference reinforced the importance of understanding neurological disorders as network disturbances and of developing neuromodulation strategies that dynamically interact with ongoing neural activity. “The poster sessions and informal discussions were especially valuable in this regard, as they enabled detailed methodological exchange and potential collaborations”, concluded Dr. Witzig.
Global Perspectives and Future Directions
Beyond technical innovation, the meeting also addressed broader perspectives, including international differences in access to DBS therapy and the long-term outlook of neuromodulation worldwide. These discussions highlighted that scientific progress must be accompanied by considerations of accessibility, sustainability, and ethical responsibility.
Overall, the summit offered a dense and focused program with a clear translational orientation. It demonstrated that DBS is continuously evolving toward more personalized, network-informed, and technologically integrated approaches, and that interdisciplinary collaboration will remain central to this development.
Further information: www.dbs-expertsummit.de
© Picture: TRR 295 ReTune
