Concept
The European College of Neuropsychopharmacology (ECNP) is a pan-European, non-profit scientific association that serves as a platform to exchange and promote research in the field of neuropsychopharmacology. The ECNP “is committed to ensuring that advances in the understanding of brain function and human behaviour are translated into better treatments and enhanced public health”. The ECNP organises a number of activities to achieve this aim, such as a yearly congress, workshops, seminars, New Frontiers Meetings, publications, awards, supported talks and much more. In 1984 representatives of neuropsychopharmacological societies from across Europe suggested there might be room for a European structure. A meeting to discuss this plan further was held in Copenhagen in May 1985. It was decided that a European College of Neuropsychopharmacology would be founded. A Working Group was formed to plan of the association’s inaugural scientific congress. This congress was held in Brussels in 1987. Around 500 people attended. The Working Group consisted of: Carlos Ballús, Spain Per Bech, Denmark Giovanni Cassano, Italy Alexandra Delini-Stula, Switzerland Markus Gastpar, Switzerland Carl-Gerhard Gottfries, Sweden Lars F. Gram, Denmark Max Hamilton, United Kingdom Paul Kielholz, Switzerland Julien Mendlewicz, Belgium Giorgio Racagni, Italy Eckart Ruther, Germany Michael Trimble, United Kingdom Willem Verhoeven, Netherlands Jennifer Wakelin, Netherlands Édouard Zarifian, France In 1993 the College established a permanent secretariat in Utrecht, Netherlands. The ECNP’s executive organ is the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee consists of six officers (the president, vice- president, president-elect, past-president, secretary and treasurer) and a maximum of six councillors. The Executive Committee has a three year term.