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

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

Speaking at the opening of the conference, Subrata Rakshit, former Director General (Technology Management) of the Defense Research and Development Organization, emphasized 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 can play an important role in shaping future educational technologies and improving learning systems by promoting more active and adaptive learning environments.

The role of cognitive neuroscience

Organized by the Department of Clinical Psychology, the conference 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 highlighted rising public health concerns due to excessive use of social media and said Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has initiated discussions with experts on ways to regulate excessive use of social media among youth.

Neuropsychological applications

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

He also highlighted the potential of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, in enhancing diagnosis and treatment across a range of mental health and neurological disorders.

Conference chair 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 in clinics, communities, schools and rehabilitation settings.

The need for a licensing framework

Organizing secretary Shantala Hegde emphasized the need to strengthen training systems and create adequate licensing frameworks for clinical psychologists and neuropsychologists in India. He also called for a stronger multidisciplinary approach to improve neuropsychological care.

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