The 10th Congress of the Neuroscientific Society was held with great success in Platanias, Chania from June 7 to 11, 2025, with gold sponsor SOUROTI S.A.

More than 500 neuroscientists and researchers in the fields of neurology, pharmacology, psychiatry, biology and psychology from around the world, participated in a series of symposia and lectures, presenting, among other things, innovative approaches for the prevention and treatment of neurological and mental diseases, such as Alzheimer’s, depression and chronic stress.

In the context of the Congress and during the speech entitled “The gut-brain communication axis”, Dr. Ioannis Sotiropoulos, Researcher III – Laboratory Director at the Institute of Biosciences & Applications of the NCSR “Demokritos” and visiting professor at the Medical School of the University of Minho in Portugal, presented new findings regarding the connection between natural mineral water and the prevention and treatment of serious brain disorders. He emphasized that the most important elements mentioned in the specific studies and in the international bibliography are lithium and silicon. He mentioned very clearly, in his presentation, that the water from the thermal spring of SOUROTI has the highest content of these two elements at the same time, a fact that makes it unique in the world, while at the same time emphasizing the need for further investigation.

Dr. Christina Dalla, President of the Conference, Professor of Pharmacology at the Medical School of the National University of Athens and President of the Mediterranean Society of Neuroscience, pointed out that SOUROTI, thanks to its high natural lithium content, is associated with well-being, good brain function, and even the prevention of diseases such as depression, Alzheimer’s disease and chronic stress.

Referring to the company’s history, the General Manager and CEO of SOUROTI S.A.,

Ms. Frida Meletidis, emphasized:
“SOUROTI is a historic company with a 110-year presence. The natural mineral water of our spring is an authentic treasure of nature, rich in precious metals such as magnesium, calcium, sodium, lithium and silicon, elements that offer multiple health benefits.”

The scientific medical community has made important announcements regarding natural mineral water and its benefits to the human body. Given that the human body is composed of approximately 60% to 70% water, adequate — but mainly qualitative — hydration is essential. The consumption of water that is not limited to simply quenching thirst, but is naturally enriched with valuable elements, contributes substantially to maintaining cellular function, metabolic balance and overall health of the body.

SOUROTI curative spring is not just a natural mineral water, it is a gift of nature that is worth enjoying for a naturally healthier and happier life.

📚 Project leader: 

• Ioannis Sotiropoulos: Director of the Laboratory of Exobrain Analysis and Brain Pathology – ExoBrain at the Institute of Biosciences & Applications (IBE) of the National Center for Natural Sciences Research “Demokritos” (NKEF Demokritos). He has been honored with various awards & distinctions, such as Hirnliga Alzheimer Award 2009, AD/PD Young Faculty 2014 Award, JeromeLejeune 2017 Award, Janssen Innovation Award 2017, Alzheimer Association Award for Best Mentor in Neuroscience 2021 
• Christina Dalla: Professor of Pharmacology at the 2nd Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of Aretaeion Hospital, in the Department of Maternal and Child Health of the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. President of the Mediterranean Neuroscience Society and the Hellenic Brain Council, member of the Board of Directors of the European Brain Foundation. In addition, she is Chair-elect of the Communication Committee of the Federation of European Neuroscience Society (FENS) and section-editor of the European Journal of Neuroscience 
• Nikolaos Kokras: Dr. Nikolaos Kokras is Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at the 1st Department of Psychiatry of the Aeginite Hospital of the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA). Researcher in the Neuropsychopharmacology Group of the Pharmacology Laboratory of the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens 
• Giota Touloumi: Dr. Giota Touloumi is Professor of Biostatistics and Epidemiology at the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA). 
• G. Panayiotou: Dr. G. Panayiotou is Senior Researcher, Director and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Fleming Institute of Cancer Research. He served as Director of the Institute of Molecular Oncology and Chairman of the Scientific Council. 

📚 Coordinators & Participating Institutions: 

• DEMOKRITOS Research and Development Center 

Institute of Biosciences & Applications 

• National & Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA) 

Research Institution

• Research Institution “Alexander Fleming” Biomedical Sciences Research Center

🌍 International Collaborating Researchers & Institutions:

• Dr. Dimitris Kapogiannis

• Prof. Clarissa Waites

Columbia University, Usa

• Dr. François Tronche & Dr. Sheela Vyas

Université Paris Cité – CNRS, France

• Dr. Bruno Costa-Silva & Dr. Carolina Moraes

Champalimaud Research Center, Portugal