Experts call for bridging engineering, technology and brain sciences at NIMHANS conference

Experts at an international conference on Clinical Neuropsychology and Cognitive Neuroscience (I-CNCNC 2026) at NIMHANS on Thursday emphasised the urgent need to bridge engineering, technology and biological sciences to advance research in brain health and cognitive sciences.

Speaking at the inauguration of the conference, Subrata Rakshit, former Director General (Technology Management) at the Defence Research and Development Organisation, stressed the importance of integrating engineering, artificial intelligence and biological sciences to better understand brain functions such as memory, attention, cognition and neuroplasticity.

He noted that such interdisciplinary collaboration could play a key role in shaping future educational technologies and improving learning systems by promoting more active and adaptive learning environments.

Role of cognitive neuroscience

The conference, organised by Department of Clinical Psychology, was inaugurated by Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao, who highlighted the role of cognitive neuroscience and multidisciplinary research in strengthening mental health care systems.

He also flagged the growing public health concerns linked to excessive social media use and said Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has initiated discussions with experts on ways to regulate its overuse among young people.

Neuropsychological practices

NIMHANS Director Pratima Murthy spoke about the institute’s interdisciplinary legacy and the importance of holistic neuropsychological practices. She said neuropsychology has an important role not only in neurological conditions but also in psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, obsessive-compulsive disorder and behavioural addictions related to social media.

She also highlighted the potential of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, in strengthening diagnosis and treatment across various mental health and neurological conditions.

Conference chairperson Jamuna Rajeswaran, professor and head of the Department of Clinical Psychology at NIMHANS, spoke about the evolving academic landscape in neuroscience and its expanding applications across clinics, communities, schools and rehabilitation settings.

Need for licensing framework

Organising secretary Shantala Hegde emphasised the need to strengthen training systems and establish adequate licensing frameworks for clinical psychologists and neuropsychologists in India. She also called for a stronger multidisciplinary approach to improve neuropsychological care.

The three-day conference, being held from March 5 to 7, has brought together around 600 participants from India and several other countries, including mental health professionals, neuropsychologists, neuroscientists and psychology students.