The National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Mercuri Foundation to establish a Centre of Excellence focused on music, brain function, mind and health. The initiative will be under the patronage of composer Ilaiyaraaja.
The proposed centre aims to explore how music interacts with the human brain and its impact on emotions, cognition and mental wellbeing. It brings together experts from neuroscience, psychiatry, psychology, music, rehabilitation and technology.
First of its kind interdisciplinary facility in India
According to NIMHANS, the centre is envisioned as India’s first national-level interdisciplinary facility combining neuroscience, mental health research, music studies and technological innovation.
It will focus on research, clinical applications, education and public outreach, with the goal of building evidence-based approaches that combine traditional knowledge systems with modern neuroscience.
The broader aim is to better understand how music can be used to support mental health treatment, cognitive development and rehabilitation.
Ilaiyaraaja’s role in the initiative
The involvement of Ilaiyaraaja, a Padma Vibhushan awardee and one of India’s most celebrated composers, is expected to add cultural and artistic strength to the project. The statement noted that his patronage will help shape the initiative’s creative and humanistic direction.
Officials said the partnership reflects a shared vision of positioning India as a global leader in the emerging field that connects music with brain and behavioural sciences.
Existing research base at NIMHANS
NIMHANS already runs the Music Cognition Laboratory, established in 2011, which began research work in 2009. It is considered India’s first dedicated lab in music cognition and neuromusicology.
The lab has been studying how music influences brain activity, emotional responses, cognition and mental health outcomes, forming a foundation for the new centre’s work.
