IE | Mansukh Madaviya inaugurates Centre for Brain and Mind at NIMHANS

The Centre for Brain and Mind was launched in collaboration with National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS) with the contribution of Rs 100 crore from Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies.

National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS) Bengaluru marked the World Mental Health Day 2023 Tuesday by unveiling three new facilities – Centre for Brain and Mind, Platinum Jubilee Auditorium and Academic Facility, and Administrative Office Complex. Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare and Chemicals & Fertilizers Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya virtually inaugurated these.

The Centre for Brain and Mind was launched in collaboration with National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS) with the contribution of Rs 100 crore from Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies.

“This initiative builds upon the resources and repository generated by the Accelerator program for Discovery in Brain disorders using Stem cells (ADBS project), earlier funded by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India. The primary focus of the centre involves a comprehensive investigation into a large cohort of severely mentally ill patients including those diagnosed with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, dementia, or addiction within families. Over the next two decades, the research will focus on understanding the causes, correlates, and courses of these disorders, along with exploring potential interventions and treatments,” release from NIMHANS stated.

The research will employ advanced techniques in imaging (with a dedicated MRI scanning facility), genetics, and stem cell biology. NIMHANS will play a pivotal role in the clinical assessments.

“A key highlight is the commitment to openness and collaboration, with the database and repository becoming open source. This move aims to maximize utilization by scientists globally, fostering advancements in brain and mind research. The centre also emphasizes public engagement and community outreach to ensure that research outputs are effectively communicated to patients and their families,” NIMHANS said.

Platinum Jubilee Auditorium and Academic Facility has been established at a cost of Rs 13.6 crore, in keeping with the substantial surge in the number of students and academic programs across various courses in psychiatry and allied specialties. To facilitate seamless coordination and enhance the efficiency of administrative operations, a new Administrative Office Complex has been constructed at a cost of 11.11 crore.