By Prof. Steven Lewis, WFN president, and Laura Druce, WFN CEO
The World Federation of Neurology (WFN) invites nominations for two positions up for election in 2026. They are:
- Secretary general, a 4-year term
(2027-2030) - Elected trustee, a 3-year term
(2026-2029)
The WFN encourages all member societies to suggest suitable candidates for both positions. Engagement in the WFN and neurology in a global context are expected. Availability, readiness for communication, and experience with international and global societies are required. English is the WFN’s primary communication language. The submission deadline is Friday, April 17, 2026.
Secretary General
The secretary general plays a key role on the WFN executive leadership team. Responsibilities include oversight of the WFN secretariat, as well as helping ensure compliance with U.K. charity rules and regulations.
Dr. Marianne de Visser currently fills the position of secretary general. She was appointed by the trustees as acting secretary general after the previous secretary general, Prof. Steven Lewis, was elected as WFN president.
WFN Trustee
Elected trustees are members of the WFN trustee board and have voting rights for all decisions. Co-opted trustees have the same rights.
All trustees are appointed and serve under U.K. charity law and have full responsibility for the WFN. All trustees have special tasks and a personal portfolio. They are involved in short- and long-term decisions and support the WFN globally and in their region. The current trustees participate in many activities, including communication, regional representation, and website activities.
Dr. Mohammed Wasay ends his term of elected trustee immediately following the Council of Delegates (COD) meeting in October. He is eligible for re-election.
General Nomination and Election Information
Email nominations to elections@wfneurology.org. All applications must be made electronically.
A nominee must:
- Be a member of an eligible WFN member society in good standing
- Have a national and international reputation
- Have made contributions to regional and global neurology
- Be committed to the WFN
- Have no conflict of interest with other societies
- Only apply for one position
The Nominating Committee will consider all applicants for their suitability for the positions. Gender and geography are considered. Current elected trustees are from three of the six WFN regions. We would like to have participation from as many regions as possible.
A WFN member society must submit:
- The name(s) of the candidate(s)
- A statement signed by the candidate confirming his/her willingness to stand for election
- A brief curriculum vitae (a single typewritten page)
- A letter of support from the member society
The Nominating Committee’s recommendations as well as statements from each of the applicants will be published in World Neurology and on the WFN website.
Late Nominations
Nominations made after April 17 may be accepted. In addition to the criteria above, the candidates with late applications must be supported with signatures of member society delegates from at least five WFN member societies. An explanation for the late application is also required.
All late nomination documents must be received by the London office by Friday, Aug. 28, 2026 — 30 days prior to the start of electronic voting. Please see the WFN website for additional information.
Email nomination documents to elections@wfneurology.org. Applications will be reviewed for completeness and forwarded to the Nominating Committee for evaluation. All applications are confidential.
The voting will be electronic, and the results of the vote will be announced by the WFN president at the COD meeting Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2026. •
