The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) was the host for the 3rd BRICS Neuroscience Symposium 2026, which took place from June 5 to 7. This event marked the first time the symposium was held in India, attracting neuroscientists, clinicians, researchers, and scholars from BRICS nations and additional partner countries. Aimed at enhancing collaboration in neuroscience research and neuro-technologies among BRICS member states, the event fostered cross-border cooperation.

Theme and Program Highlights

Organized by the Sudha Gopalakrishnan Brain Centre (SGBC) at IIT Madras, the symposium was centered around the theme “Expanding Neuroscience: BRICS & Extended Nations.” Over the course of three days, the program featured a series of scientific sessions, keynote addresses, panel discussions, clinical presentations, and cultural programs. A significant moment of the symposium was the unveiling of the Human Brainstem Atlas by SGBC, reflecting the commitment to advancing neurological research.

Notable Attendees and Key Addresses

The symposium attracted prominent figures, including Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India Professor Ajay Kumar Sood, IIT Madras Director Professor V Kamakoti, and Infosys co-founder Kris Gopalakrishnan. During his address, Vikram Misri emphasized the increasing importance of international collaboration in addressing complex global challenges. He noted that the BRICS framework provides an invaluable platform for developing nations to collaboratively address common issues through shared knowledge and expertise. Misri also highlighted India’s current chairmanship of BRICS and its preparations for the forthcoming BRICS Summit scheduled for September, expressing confidence that the symposium’s discussions would align with the collective objectives of the grouping.

Significance of Neuroscience Collaboration

Professor Mohanasankar Sivaprakasam, Head of SGBC, pointed out that neuroscience research necessitates collaboration across various disciplines and countries to address intricate scientific challenges. He articulated the belief that the symposium would serve to enhance the centre’s international research network. The symposium’s focus extended to strengthening scientific partnerships, promoting collaborative research initiatives, and facilitating knowledge exchange between institutions. Key discussion topics included brain organization, neurological disorders, developmental neuroscience, comparative studies, and the integration of emerging technologies into brain research.

Background of the Sudha Gopalakrishnan Brain Centre

The Sudha Gopalakrishnan Brain Centre, established in March 2022, is dedicated to conducting research on the human brain and advancing technologies within the field of neuroscience. The recent symposium is a continuation of prior BRICS neuroscience meetings held in Shanghai in 2023 and Moscow in 2024, events that similarly focused on promoting collaboration in research, training, and technology development within the realm of neuroscience.

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