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Patient and Public Involvement & Engagement At the Centre for Brain and Mind, NIMHANS (CBM-NIMHANS), Public and Patient Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) shapes how we think about research, communication, and public dialogue on mental illnesses. Our work is informed by the understanding that knowledge in this field is produced not only through laboratories, clinics, and publications, but also through lived experience, community interaction, and everyday encounters with care and stigma. What is PPIE? Patient and public involvement and engagement is a research practice where people with lived experience (PwLE) of health conditions (patients), their caregivers, members of the public and communities work together with scientists at every stage of research. Rather than research being done about people, it is done with and for them. Within the Indian context of mental illness - where silence, hierarchy, and unequal access continue to influence who is heard - PPIE offers ways to engage more inclusively. Who can be involved? You don’t need any research background to get involved, and it’s not just for people with a mental health condition. Caregivers, family members, and others in the community all have valuable perspectives to share. Persons with lived experience (PwLE) of a mental illness Family members of PwLE Caregivers of PwLE People from communities & organisations that support PwLE Who does PPIE benefit & how? Involving patients and the public in research has multiple benefits for both researchers and those involved - Better quality of research More relevant research goals Brings real-world perspective to theoretical problems Increases accessibility to researchers and their work Provides accountability to the public If you’re a member of the public interested in PPIE If you are a patient, caregiver, or member of the public who is interested in joining the CBM-NIMHANS PPIE community, fill out our registration form here . If you’re a researcher interested in PPIE To learn more about our PPIE work or to explore potential collaborations, please email us at cbm.nimhans@gmail.com Resources UK Standards for Public Involvement Involving People Patient & Public Involvement Resources - PenARC PPIE Resources for Researchers - NIHR Newcastle Learning for Involvement - NIHR

The Centre for Brain and Mind (CBM-NIMHANS) focuses on supporting research on five mental disorders — schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, addiction, obsessive-compulsive disorder & dementia. The centre employs several tools & techniques to understand the complexities of brain & mind conditions. This is a collaborative effort of the National Institute for Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) & the National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS), supported by Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies. About Us Welcome What's New Research Participate Events Opportunities Rohini Nilekani Centre for Brain and Mind About Us The Centre for Brain and Mind is a collaborative, premier research centre focused on supporting research on five mental disorders — schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, addiction, obsessive-compulsive disorder and dementia. With a partnership between the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) and the National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS), the centre employs several tools & techniques to understand the complexities of brain and mind conditions. Learn More About Us New at CBM-NIMHANS In The News | Decoding mental illness: Beyond single causes, stigma, and genetic fate Much of what we know about mental illnesses comes from Western populations. This has transformed our understanding of illnesses, but raises an important question — are these findings universal? New publication! Evaluation of curcumin as an exploratory pharmacological tool for modulating dysregulated molecular pathways in cellular models of Huntington’s disease New publication! Clinical correlates of APOE ε4 homozygosity in Alzheimer’s dementia: findings from an Indian cohort In The News | Temperament, childhood adversity may offer clues to psychiatric vulnerability: NIMHANS study The researchers examined four broad dimensions of adult temperament negative affectivity, extraversion/surgency, effortful control and orienting sensitivity - along with adverse childhood experiences New publication! Gaze fixation stability is a transdiagnostic marker of major psychiatric disorders: A high-density family-based study Deadline extended! Good news - we are extending the application deadline for the Youth LEARN fellowship at CBM-NIMHANS! Submit your application by 5th September 2026, 11:59 PM. New publication! Genetics and epigenetics in tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and transmembrane 6 superfamily member 2 (TM6SF2) in alcohol induced liver cirrhosis New publication! Including lived experience voices in science communication to combat mental illness stigma: insights from India The Brain and Mind Dispatch - Issue 1 out now! New publication! Expression patterns of risk genes associated with three evolutionarily relevant syndromes in rhesus macaque and human brains CALM-Brain was launched on March 25th 2026 To learn more about the launch, visit our News section. Check out the database here: http://calm-brain.ncbs.res.in/ How I Got Here | The Dichotomy of Science: “Mind the Gap” Science is often described as flowing from discovery to clinic. Biju Viswanath’s current ran the other way. Dr Reeteka Sud awarded the PGRN–Myriad Research Grant 2025! Clozapine is a therapeutically superior antipsychotic for treatment-resistant schizophrenia (TRS). This project is designed to investigate the utility of patients’ genomic variants, in combination with their clinical and cellular data, to identify the basis of clozapine response in TRS. Career Development Fellowship Awardee - Dr Kalyani B Karunakaran Congratulations to Dr Kalyani B Karunakaran for being awarded the Career Development Fellowship at CBM-NIMHANS! Dr Karunakaran's work focuses on the molecular mechanisms underlying cross-disorder relationships & psychiatric drugs with cross-disorder effects. Join us at Manotsava 2025! Manotsava, India's largest mental health festival, returns to Bengaluru on November 8-9, 2025 at the Lalit Ashok! Get involved in research! We're bringing together scientists, clinicians, members of the public, individuals with lived experiences and their caregivers to talk about our research in psychiatric and neurological illnesses. A Cerebellar Paradox Offers Clues in SCA12 Research Our new paper unveils a fascinating paradox: the brain region most vulnerable in SCA12 appears surprisingly resilient. New publication! CAG Repeat Instability and Region-Specific Gene Expression Changes in the SCA12 Brain Welcome to our incoming batch of Ph.D. students! (L-R) Manasadeepika, Shama, Chandrakanta, Blossom, Joyce, Lakshmi, Shweta Our e-book is out now! "MIND: The Gap" blends research, personal stories, and insights from our events to explore mental health holistically. Through the Looking Glass Art Exhibition Visit our art exhibition, running at the NIMHANS Heritage Museum from Oct-Nov 2024 in celebration of World Mental Health Day! Welcome to our incoming batch of Ph.D. students! (L-R) Deepankan, Shrinkhala, Pannaga (Not pictured) Rashmi, Blossom Coffee, Cinema and Community: Mental Health Redefined | July 15 - 21, 2024 From book talks to film discussions, and art exhibitions to storytelling workshops - let's talk about mental health, Bengaluru! New publication alert! Exploring the genetics of lithium response in bipolar disorders Dr Suhas G awarded 2024 Society of Biological Psychiatry Travel Fellowship Award Our Research Groups Clinical Group Endophenotype Group Genetics & Stem Cell Group Patients undergo extensive clinical investigations, including neuroimaging and neuropsychological assessments at regular intervals as part of a longitudinal study Learn More Advances in stem cell technology allow us to investigate specific molecular mechanisms underlying neuropsychiatric disorders and offer insights into genetic variations and their effects on neuronal functioning in neural cell models. Learn More Endophenotypic clues derived from various assessments enhance the reliability of research on brain function by offering insights into genetic factors of a psychiatric disorder Learn More Do you want to participate in our research studies? Click here to learn more Register now! Upcoming Events 4 days to the event Perspectives of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder - Zine Making Workshop Sat, 31 Oct 31 Oct 2026, 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm NIMHANS Centre for Well - Being, 53, 19, 9th Main Rd, KEB Colony, New Gurappana Palya, 1st Stage, BTM 1st Stage, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560029, India Come be part of an interactive space for dialogue and creative expression with persons with lived experience (PwLE), caregivers, NIMHANS representatives, and the public to explore addiction beyond stigma and substance use, and the people who are so much more than it. Learn more Blog The Gap Between Knowing & Belonging 2 min read Hey fellow-first-timers! 2 min read A Cerebellar Paradox Offers Clues in SCA12 Research 2 min read Unveiling Perspectives: World Bipolar Day Recap 5 min read Opportunities 1) Attenders - 2 positions 2) Research Technician 3) Clinical Post-Doctoral Fellow (equivalent to Senior Resident - Psychiatry) 4) Bioinformatician Contact

Filter by type of resource Rome Berlin Paris People of CBM NIMHANS Team NCBS Investigators NCBS Staff Our diverse team comprises passionate individuals from various academic backgrounds, united in our pursuit of cutting-edge research. From seasoned clinicians to budding researchers, we foster innovation and are committed to accelerating our understanding of the brain and mind. How We Work Together Filter by team Admin Team Clinical Team Co-Investigator Team Communication Team Data Centre Team Doctoral Candidate Investigator Team Lab Team MRI/EEG Team Support Team Filter by project A-BIG-NET CBM DBT/IA Lithium GENMETSZ GenECT MGL MQ Abirami Baskaran Laboratory Manager Aina Kurian Psychiatric Social Worker (Research), Doctoral Student Aishwarya Raj Post Doctoral Fellow Akash D K Research Nurse/Technical Research Assistant Akshaya Ganesh Junior Research Fellow Alagarsami A R Psychiatric Social Worker Almas M Project Associate Amirtha Varshini Project Associate Amrutha Gunda Clinical Project Associate Anukrishnan G D Technician (EEG, Psychophysics) Anushka Banerjee Scientific Development & Communication Officer Arulmozhi Balakrishnan Research Technician Ashim Paul Deb Project Scientist B (Non- Medical) Bhargavi MH Technician (EEG, Psychophysics) Bhramaramba Data Entry Operator Bindu T R Research Technician Blossom Fernandes Junior Research Fellow (Neuroimaging for ANC) Chandrakanta S Hiremath Clinical Psychologist (Research) Charishma S Technician (EEG/Psychophysics) Chhavi Thakur Clinical Project Associate Chitra Kadu Human Resource Manager Deepankan Chakarborty Junior Research Fellow (Neuroimaging - ADBS Data Centre) Deepthi R Laboratory Technician Devika P P Research Technician Dhanush C Project Office Assistant Load More

Human Resource Manager ResearchGate Back Back to People Page Back Admin Team Chitra Kadu Human Resource Manager CBM Chitra is a Human Resources Manager at the Centre for Brain and Mind, NIMHANS. She has an M.Phil. in Psychology, a diploma in Alternative Medicines (Yoga and Naturopathy), and has done an advanced course in Clinical Research. With more than a decade of work experience coordinating end-to-end research project activties in the public & mental health domains, her primary responsibility at CBM is manging HR activities of the projects under the guidance of the scientific team. She is passionate about understanding human behaviour and how one can achieve holistic health and live a quality life. She likes to spend her leisure time doing yoga, meditation, and exploring nature.

Work With Us Careers Position: Attender No. of post: 02 (Two) Essential Qualification: Pass in SSLC/Matriculation Emoluments/Salary: Rs.18,000/- (Consolidated) per month Maximum Age Limit: 40 Years Duration of Project: 2 Years 2 months (up to 31 December 2028) Duration of Post: Initial Appointment will be made for a period of 6 months and renewable based on performance. Walk in Selection Date and Time: 30/10/2026 at 10:00AM Location: Board Room and Exam Hall on the 4th floor of NBRC Building, NIMHANS, Bangalore – 560029 Learn More Position: Research Technician No. of posts: 01 Post Essential Qualification: Bachelor's Degree in Life Sciences/ Medical Lab Technology with 3 years of research experience, Or Master's Degree in Life Sciences/ Medical Technology with I year of research Maximum Age Limit: 35 Years Emoluments/Salary: Rs.40,000/- Consolidated per month till 31 March 2028 Walk in Selection Date and Time: 30/10/2026 at 10:00AM Location: Board Room and Exam Hall on the 4th floor of NBRC Building, NIMHANS, Bangalore – 560029 Learn More Position: Clinical Post-Doctoral Fellow (equivalent to Senior Resident - Psychiatry) No. of posts: 01 Post Essential Qualification: MD in Psychiatry or equivalent Maximum Age Limit: 45 years Emoluments/Salary: Rs.140000/- Per Month (Consolidated) Till 31 Mar 2028 Walk-in Selection and Written Test Date and Time: 11/11/2026 @ 10:30 A.M Location: Board Room and Exam Hall on the 4th floor of NBRC Building, NIMHANS, Bangalore – 560029 Learn More Position: Bioinformatician No. of posts: 01 Post Essential Qualification: BE/B.Tech./M.Tech./M.Sc.in Biostatistics or Bioinformatics or Computational Biology or Biotechnology *. * Any graduate degree relevant to the field of bioinformatics, with a demonstrated proficiency in programming. Maximum Age Limit: 45 years Emoluments/Salary: Rs.50,000/- (Consolidated) Till 31 Mar 2028 Walk-in Selection and Written Test Date and Time: 11/11/2026 @ 10:30 A.M Location: Board Room and Exam Hall on the 4th floor of NBRC Building, NIMHANS, Bangalore – 560029 Please contact us at cbm.vacancies@gmail.com Learn More Internships There are no internship positions currently available.

Associate Professor, Department of Human Genetics gautham.arunachal@gmail.com Back Back to People Page Back Co-Investigator Team Dr Gautam Arunachal Udupi Associate Professor, Department of Human Genetics

Project Office Assistant pofficeassistant@gmail.com Back Back to People Page Back Admin Team Dhanush C Project Office Assistant CBM Dhanush is a Project Office Assistant at the Centre for Brain and Mind, with an MBA in Finance. He enjoys trekking, playing badminton and cycling outside of work.

About Us Through deep interrogation of brain networks via brain imaging and clinical electrophysiology as well as sub-cellular networks using molecular and cellular analysis, we aim to move towards a better mechanistic understanding of these disorders. These findings should lead to better diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for patients with psychiatric disorders as well as fundamental new insights into the function of the human brain. Changes in the structure and function of the brain that result in mental illness are poorly understood. Neither do we know why some individuals are more prone to developing mental illness than others. Studying these underlying changes in the brain will likely lead to better methods to diagnose and treat mental illness. Our Objecti ves Investigate Psychiatric Disorders & Establish Databases Establish and investigate a large cohort of families with severe psychiatric illnesses & healthy controls Establish an informative, digital database of research outcomes alongside a repository of biological samples Research Focus Understand the causes, connections and courses of severe psychiatric illnesses Explore potential interventions and treatments Advanced Techniques Employ advanced techniques in imaging, genetics, and stem cell biology towards understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms behind these disorders Open Source and Collaboration Commit to openness and collaboration by making the database and repository open-source Emphasise public engagement and community outreach Nodal Centres Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences The National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) is a world-renowned, multi-disciplinary centre for patient care, academics and cutting-edge research in the field of mental health and neuroscience. With its history dating back to 1847, the Central Government recognized its eminent academic position, growth and contributions, and declared it a ‘Deemed University’ in 1994. In 2012, NIMHANS was conferred the status of an ‘Institute of National Importance’. National Centre for Biological Sciences The National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS), located in Bangalore, is part of the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research. Established in 1992, It is a premier research institute with research interests of faculty members lying in the frontier areas of biology, and the science at NCBS (a part of the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research) uses experimental and computational approaches in the study of molecules, cells and organisms. Funding Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies , led by Rohini Nilekani, is a catalyst for positive social change in India. With a focus on education, water conservation, healthcare, and social justice, the foundation collaborates with diverse stakeholders to implement innovative solutions. Prioritising community empowerment and amplifying marginalised voices, it strategically invests for lasting impact. Board of Advisors Prof Mriganka Sur Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Massachusetts, USA Prof Matcheri Keshavan Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts, USA Prof Mani Ramaswami Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland Prof PSVN Sharma Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, India

Project Associate nikithamn595@gmail.com Back Back to People Page Back Clinical Team Nikitha Purohit Project Associate CBM, DBT/IA Lithium Nikitha is a neuropsychologist associated with the Centre for Brain and Mind, NIMHANS. She holds a Master’s degree in Neuropsychology and has experience working in clinical and research settings, contributing to digital mental health interventions and neuroscience-related projects. Her interests lie at the intersection of brain, behavior, and mental health. Outside of work, she enjoys reading novels, dancing, and exploring creative writing.

Project Associate preethi1682000@gmail.com Back Back to People Page Back Lab Team Preethi KP Project Associate CBM Preethi is a Project Associate( Lab) at the Centre for Brain and Mind. With a Master’s degree in Genetics and Plant Breeding and working in Plant- pathogen interactions lab, Preethi has experience in molecular techniques like Cloning, qRT PCR, PAGE, Western blotting etc:- She love to dance, play badminton and enjoys listening to music!

Professor, Department of Biostatistics kthenna@gmail.com LinkedIn | Google Scholar Back Back to People Page Back Co-Investigator Team Dr Thennarasu Kandavel Professor, Department of Biostatistics

Psychiatric Social Worker sreeshmaa1999@gmail.com Back Back to People Page Back Clinical Team Sreeshma A Psychiatric Social Worker CBM