Interview with Prof. Max Hilz – 8th European Congress on Neurorehabilitation in conjunction with the 20th Congress of the Society for the Study of Neuroprotection and Neuroplasticity

Interviewee: Professor Max Hilz

Interviewer: Ms. Stefana-Andrada Dobran

The 8th European Congress on Neurorehabilitation, in conjunction with the 20th Congress of the Society for the Study of Neuroprotection and Neuroplasticity, was held on 27–28 October 2025 in Torremolinos, Spain.

The landmark event highlighted innovations that are actively reshaping neurorehabilitation, including:

• Brain–Computer Interfaces: Advancing from theoretical concepts to real-world clinical applications for functional restoration.

• AI, Virtual Reality, and Robotics: Enhancing rehabilitation through more precise, personalised, and adaptive treatment protocols.

• Advanced Pharmacological Therapies: Developing agents that actively support and protect neuroplasticity.

• Multidisciplinary Collaboration: Emphasising that the most impactful innovations emerge at the intersection of multiple specialties.

Professor Max J. Hilz is a renowned authority in autonomic neurology, with a distinguished career spanning clinical practice and academia across the United States, the United Kingdom, and Germany. He is recognized for his groundbreaking research on disorders of the autonomic nervous system and his sustained contributions to advancing the field on a global scale. Over the years, he has held leadership roles in prominent neurological and autonomic organizations, including the World Federation of Neurology, the European Academy of Neurology, and the American Academy of Neurology, and has served as President of both the German Autonomic Society and the European Federation of Autonomic Societies. Professor Hilz has also contributed to setting international subspecialty standards, notably helping develop the Autonomic Disorders subspecialty examination for the UCNS. His work continues to influence current clinical practice and mentor the next generation of autonomic neurologists.

In the interview, Prof. Max Hilz explored the ECNR’s role in promoting multidisciplinary collaboration, underscored the significance of incorporating autonomic nervous system evaluation into clinical neurorehabilitation, and shared his views on how the EFNR can support innovation, teamwork, and the development of new therapeutic strategies to enhance post-stroke recovery.