15 June 2026
Bilbao
The University of Deusto hosted the WOP Konekta 2026 international conference, a scientific event co-organised by the WOP Foundation (The Walk On Project) and the Achucarro Basque Centre for Neuroscience, which took place on 10, 11 and 12 June.
The conference programme focused on the study of demyelinating and neurodegenerative diseases. Over the three-day event, participating researchers examined the application of advanced therapies, the development of mechanistic models of these conditions, and the incorporation of technologies such as artificial intelligence and quantum computing into this field of medicine.
The official opening of the conference took place on 10 June at the University of Deusto Auditorium. The ceremony featured speeches by the Rector of the University of Deusto, Juan José Etxeberria; the President of the Walk On Project (WOP) Foundation, Mikel Renteria; and the Mayor of the City of Bilbao, Juan María Aburto.
In his speech, the Rector noted that hosting this conference at the University of Deusto’s Bilbao campus aligns with the lines of work developed by the University through its Faculty of Health Sciences. He stated that the institution approaches scientific research with a focus on achieving direct social impact, contributing to improvements in people’s quality of life and offering solutions to complex medical problems. The Rector's speech
The conference sessions were structured around three key areas: technological, genetic and cellular. In this context, the aim of the event was to promote transfer and interaction between different disciplines, linking technological development with biology, basic laboratory research with clinical practice, and scientific results with the needs of society and patients.
The WOP Foundation, created by Mikel Renteria and Mentxu Mendieta following a personal family experience, works to raise awareness of neurodegenerative diseases and, through the organisation of musical, sporting and social entrepreneurship activities, raises funds that are directly allocated to the financing of scientific research projects.
Following the official opening, the exhibition will be open to the general public. From 19:00 to 20:30, the auditorium will host the conference’s flagship outreach session. This event has been specially designed so that anyone from the local community or the general public who is interested can attend and gain first-hand insight into the current challenges in neuroscience. Full details of this session are available on the official conference website.
Science, technology and the value of perseverance
The choice of the University of Deusto as the host institution is directly in line with its founding philosophy and its strong commitment to the field of health through its Faculty of Health Sciences. In the words of its Rector, Juan José Etxeberria, the institution understands health from a “deeply humanistic” perspective, aimed at placing scientific knowledge at the service of social transformation and improving people’s quality of life.
Etxeberria emphasised that this conference invites participants to “explore three key areas”: technology, genetics and cell biology. The ultimate aim is to forge vital links: to bridge the gap between technology and biology, to strengthen the connection between basic laboratory research and clinical medical practice, and, above all, to link cutting-edge science with the real needs of patients and society.
The Rector also wished to pay tribute to the contribution and impact of the WOP Foundation, a project born out of the personal experience of Mikel Renteria and Mentxu Mendieta. What began as a promise inspired by a song — “Walk On” — has become a tireless social driver which, through musical, sporting and entrepreneurial activities, raises tangible funds to support scientific research. Its work serves as a constant reminder that, in the face of the challenges posed by neurodegenerative diseases, the response must always be action, optimism and unwavering commitment.
With the launch of WOP Konekta, Bilbao reaffirms its commitment to scientific progress, consolidating its position as a meeting point where world-class science and social hope come together to pave the way towards future cures.
