Two major medical associations - The European Federation of Neurological Societies (EFNS) and the European Neurological Society (ENS) - have agreed to merge. The associations will hold a joint annual congress in 2014, then join forces to form a single organisation called the European Academy of Neurology (EAN).

Professional congress organiser Congrex Switzerland, which has managed the ENS since 1995, has been appointed to run the Joint EFNS-ENS Congress and the 1st EAN Congress in 2015.

Professor Richard Hughes, president of EFNS, said: "EFNS and ENS agreed to appoint Congrex as official PCO for the first joint congress and the first EAN congress. They have fulfilled this function for the ENS well and have an excellent track record for delivering high quality medical conferences."

Professor Zohar Argov, president of ENS, added: "Congrex Switzerland has been our official PCO for the ENS Congress in the past, and has managed our Society since 1995. In all the 17 years they have delivered outstanding services.”

With more than 7,000 participants planned, the two upcoming Congresses will be the most important conferences in Neurology outside North America to date. The EFNS is a federation of 44 European national societies. The ENS has members from 60 countries.

Congrex Switzerland’s regional managing director Alain Pittet said: “I am sure that with our in-depth knowledge of organising major medical conferences and our strategic associations’ expertise we will deliver services which will exceed our clients’ expectations."