The Belgian Neurological Society (BNS), founded in 1896, is the official scientific Society of the Belgian neurologists. The main aims of the BNS are to promote continuous education in neurology and cooperation between neurologists, and to stimulate clinical and translational research and international collaboration. The BNS can be consulted to advise Belgian health authorities on matters dealing with neurological issues. The BNS organizes two scientific meetings annually, with a main focus on new developments in the field of neurology and the day-to-day clinical practice of neurologists.

History
In December 1895, a first grouping of neurologists with the assistance of Professor Francotte creates the Journal of Neurology . On March 5th, 1896 in the 6th copy of the said journal, a circular invites neurologists to work together. They were 18 to join this project. On April 11, 1896, they met at the University of Brussels and founded the Belgian Society of Neurology.
The new society aims to study the anatomy, physiology and pathology of the nervous system.
A monthly session takes place in Brussels on the first Saturday of the month.
In 1897, they organized the first international congress of neurology and psychiatry, and in 1905,  inaugurated the first Belgian congress of neurology and psychiatry in Liège.

Founders
Crocq father and son, Debray, De Rode, Duchateau, Glorieux, Janssens, Lefèvre, Lentz, Libotte, Mahaim, Sano, Semal, Swolfs, Vanlair, Van Gehuchten, Van Velsen, Verriest and Wicot.

Organization
The first representatives of the office in 1896 are respectively Professor Verriest, Mr Lentz, director of  the Asile d’aliénés de l ‘Etat in Tournai and Jean Crocq (son).
The society is made up of regular members among physicians and those involved in studies related to neurology. It had 19 members when it was founded, 50 in 1921 and 82 in 1946.

All candidate members should send a one page CV to the Secretary General. Candidacies will be approved by the Executive Committee.

1. Full member : every neurologist can apply.
2. Associate member : physician with another specialism or other individuals interested in clinical neurology or neurosciences.
3. Honorary member : every retired full member can become an honorary member.
4. Resident and Research Fellow Section members : MD or MSc currently working as residents in Neurology, research fellows, PhD students or neurologists with no more than 3 years of practice after completion of the residence training. When the conditions for being BNS-RRFS are no longer applicable, the neurologist can become an ordinary full member.

Members Benefits

Subscription to Acta Neurologica Belgica is included.

35% discount on MedLink Neurology subscription. MedLink Neurology is an online, authoritative and up-to-date information resource covering the full spectrum of neurologic conditions. Please have a look at : www.medlink.com. To claim your discount, log onto the BNS members’ section and follow the link. 

Members of the BNS will also automatically become an associate individual member of the EAN, with the following benefits :

• Free access to the online learning platform eBrain, eBook – “Manual of the Neurological Examination for Neurologists in Training”, and the European Journal of Neurology.
• Reduced fee at EAN congresses.
• The opportunity to apply for educational grants.
• Free access to the European Journal of Neurology, by the following procedure : Go to “MY EAN” in the right upper corner and click on Forgot Password on the EAN Website www.ean.org. A new page shows up. Insert the email address used for our society, and you will receive the new password that links to your membership account. Please do not create a new account. Once logged-in, you can click on the upper menu Eur J Neurol, and go to the issue you like.

2024 Members Fees

• Full member : 150 EUR
• Associate member : 100 EUR
• RRFS : 50 EUR, first year of membership is free