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 this interview, Prof. Max Hilz discusses the critical role of the ECNR in bridging diverse neurological subspecialties with clinical practice. He emphasizes the need to integrate autonomic nervous system evaluation into routine neurorehabilitation, highlighting its prognostic value for conditions like stroke, where autonomic dysfunction correlates with severity and recovery. Prof. Hilz outlines promising therapeutic innovations, such as non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation and repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, for enhancing recovery. Furthermore, he articulates the unique role of the European Federation of Neurorehabilitation Societies (EFNR) in fostering collaborations and interdisciplinary dialogue, which he views as essential for unraveling complex clinical challenges and driving meaningful innovation. The conversation underscores a paradigm shift towards a more holistic and collaborative future in neurorehabilitation.