IIT Madras hosts first BRICS neuroscience symposium in India

The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) hosted the 3rd BRICS Neuroscience Symposium 2026 from June 5 to 7, bringing together neuroscientists, clinicians, researchers and academicians from BRICS countries and partner nations.

Held in India for the first time, the symposium primarily focused on expanding cooperation in neuroscience research and neuro-technologies among BRICS nations.

The event was organised by the Sudha Gopalakrishnan Brain Centre (SGBC) at IIT Madras under the theme "Expanding Neuroscience: BRICS & Extended Nations."

The three-day programme included scientific sessions, keynote lectures, panel discussions, clinical talks and cultural events.

One of the major highlights was the release of the Human Brainstem Atlas by SGBC.

The symposium was attended by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India Professor Ajay Kumar Sood, IIT Madras Director Professor V Kamakoti, Infosys co-founder Kris Gopalakrishnan, and delegates from BRICS countries.

Addressing the gathering, Vikram Misri said international collaboration has become increasingly important as countries face complex challenges that require shared knowledge and resources. He said BRICS represents a platform where developing countries and emerging economies can work together and pool their expertise.

Misri also noted that India is chairing BRICS this year and is preparing for the BRICS Summit scheduled for September. He expressed confidence that discussions held during the symposium would contribute to the broader goals of the grouping.

Professor Mohanasankar Sivaprakasam, Head of SGBC, said neuroscience requires cooperation across disciplines and countries to solve complex scientific problems.

He said the symposium would help expand the centre's international research network.

The event aimed to strengthen scientific partnerships, encourage collaborative research and promote knowledge sharing across institutions. Discussions covered brain organisation, neurological diseases, developmental neuroscience, comparative studies and the use of emerging technologies in brain research.

Established in March 2022, SGBC conducts human brain research and develops technologies in neuroscience.

The symposium builds on earlier BRICS neuroscience meetings held in Shanghai (2023) and Moscow (2024), which focused on expanding cooperation in research, training and technology development.