NIMHANS, Mercuri Foundation is proposing a National Center for Music, Brain and Mental Health under the patronage of Ilaiyaraaja

NIMHANS signs MoU with Mercuri Foundation, under the patronage of Ilaiyaraaja, to set up a Center of Excellence for Music, Brain, Mind and Health.

In a move aimed at advancing research and innovation at the intersection of music, neuroscience and mental health, the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) in collaboration with the Mercuri Foundation, a philanthropic and research-oriented foundation, has proposed the establishment of a National Center for Music, Brain, Mind and Health under the patronage of composer Ilaiyaraaja.

The proposed center seeks to bring together experts in neuroscience, psychiatry, psychology, music, cognition, rehabilitation and technology to explore the role of music in human well-being.

According to an official NIMHANS statement, the center is intended to be India’s first interdisciplinary national facility integrating neuroscience, mental health, music, cognition, rehabilitation and technology. It aims to support research, clinical innovation, education and public engagement to understand how music affects the brain, emotions, cognition and overall health.

The initiative is expected to build evidence-based approaches that draw on both traditional knowledge and contemporary neuroscience to improve mental health and well-being.

The patronage of Mr. Ilaiyaraaj, a Padma Vibhushan awardee and one of India’s most influential composers, is expected to add cultural and artistic depth to the initiative, the statement said.

“The partnership reflects a shared vision of positioning India as a global leader in the emerging field of music, brain, mind and health sciences,” the statement said.

The Music Cognition Laboratory at NIMHANS, which was formally established in 2011 after starting research activities in 2009, is considered to be the first dedicated laboratory in India focused on Music Cognition and Neuromusicology. The lab has conducted studies on how music interacts with the brain, cognition, emotion and mental health.

Published – 03 Jun 2026 21:03 IST