NIMHANS Partners with University of Liverpool to Advance Mental Health Research with Pratiksha Trust Support

This initiative aims to expedite research in mental health and neurosciences, addressing critical issues such as Japanese Encephalitis and neurocysticercosis, a severe brain infection.

In a significant collaboration, the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS) has partnered with the University of Liverpool, backed by a substantial £1.5 million fund from Pratiksha Trust. 

This initiative aims to expedite research in mental health and neurosciences, addressing critical issues such as Japanese Encephalitis and neurocysticercosis, a severe brain infection.

The longstanding partnership, initiated in 2002, has already made a substantial impact on global healthcare, saving over 200,000 lives. 

External funding totaling £10 million was secured from reputable organisations including Wellcome Trust, the UK Medical Research Council, the Indian Council for Medical Research, and the Gates Foundation.

The primary focus of the collaboration revolves around three key research areas: brain infections, led by Professor Tom Solomon and Dr Netravathi; child and maternal mental health, featuring collaborative studies led by Prof Helen Sharp and Prof Prabha Chandra; and neuro-imaging and epilepsy research, led by Prof Simon Keller, Dr Sanjib Sinha, and Dr Jitender Saini.

Commenting on the same, Prof Pratima Murthy, director of NIMHANS, said, “Together, we have achieved remarkable progress in the fields of maternal and child mental health, epilepsy, and brain infections. We stand poised to uncover even more, to change lives, and to make a significant impact on the world's healthcare landscape with the generous funding by the Pratiksha Trust.”

One notable outcome of this partnership is a fully funded dual PhD program allowing students from both institutions to study at NIMHANS and the University of Liverpool. 

Additionally, exchange programs for Early Career and Senior Researchers, along with annual joint workshops, aim to set research priorities and explore new avenues.

The collaboration's continuation, noted Prof Tim Jones, vice-chancellor of the University of Liverpool, will further research on brain infections, mental health, neuro-imaging, and epilepsy.

Kris Gopalakrishnan, founder of Pratiksha Trust, emphasised the trust's contribution to strengthening critical research endeavours in healthcare. He believes the collaboration will have far-reaching positive consequences for the well-being of individuals worldwide.

In related developments, NIMHANS marked World Mental Health Day 2023 with three major infrastructure upgrades, inaugurated by Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare and Chemicals & Fertilisers. 

Additionally, in partnership with the Cipla Foundation, NIMHANS launched a neuro-palliative care unit in Bengaluru, providing vital support to individuals with neurological conditions.