Marianne de Visser (The Netherlands)

Marianne de Visser

My name is Marianne de Visser. I am a neurologist and (emeritus) Professor of Neuromuscular Diseases at the University of Amsterdam in the Netherlands.

The first time I encountered the WFN was as a delegate of the Netherlands Society of Neurology in 1993 at the World Congress of Neurology in Vancouver, Canada. I was impressed by the large number of engaged delegates and wanted to contribute my own part as well. From 2002 to 2008, I was an Elected Trustee under Jun Kimura and later Johan Aarli, both inspiring presidents. I witnessed President Aarli's successful outreach to the WHO and his Africa project, which he set up together with Gallo Diop from Senegal to spread knowledge of neurology across sub-Saharan Africa.

I chaired the Nomination Committee for many years, and later the Membership Committee, working hard with my committee members to expand the membership base, although there are still many African and Southeast Asian countries that are not yet members.

After holding board positions within the European Academy of Neurology (2014–2020), I became a Co-opted Trustee under President Carroll (2020–2021). A highlight of his presidency was the adoption of the Intersectoral Global Action Plan on Epilepsy and Other Neurological Disorders (IGAP) at the World Health Assembly in 2022, which is now being implemented worldwide.

Earlier this year, President Lewis appointed me Acting Secretary General, a position he himself held until he was elected President. It is a great honor to once again be part of the WFN and to work together toward the worldwide dissemination of knowledge in the field of neurology, and to invest in brain health, a fundamental social and economic priority.

I solemnly pledge that, should I be elected Secretary General, I will do everything in my power to give neurologists worldwide a voice.