Director of the National Institute of Epidemiology (NIE), Chennai, a permanent institute of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Manoj Murhekar on Friday (November 14, 2025) inaugurated the Biomedical Research Laboratory and Artificial Intelligence Network (BRAIN) designed by SRM Medical University-AP to support the development, research and improvement of public healthcare.
“This lab has huge potential to help public health. Technology that enables early detection, monitoring and treatment of Parkinson’s disease will be hugely beneficial,” said Mr. Murhekar, adding, “It represents a significant step forward in our efforts as academics and researchers to create a positive impact on society.”
The laboratory houses three specialized units – the Biomechanics Unit, the Biosignals Unit and the Computing Unit, which are equipped with artificial intelligence and equipped with state-of-the-art machines and modern infrastructure, including a gait analysis workstation, a 16-channel EEG, ECG, EMG and PCG system; thermal cameras; and the Electrospinning unit, which offers a comprehensive assessment of neurological, physiotherapy treatments and health issues related to sports performance.
The lab has funded projects and medical collaborations, including Parkinson’s disease clinical trials, oral cancer diagnostics, and other biomedical challenges. BRIAN Lab has institutions of national and international repute as patrons including RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia, Anusandhan National Research Foundation, Indra Gandhi Center for Atomic Research (IGCAR), Kalpakam, Tamil Nadu and All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Mangalgiri, among others.
BRAIN Lab coordinator KA Sunitha said the lab will offer hands-on learning and “our students will tackle real health challenges”.
University Vice Chancellor I/C Ch. Satish, Registrar R. Premkumar, Dean-Research Ranjit Thapa and a number of other professors and guests were present on the occasion.
Published – 14 Nov 2025 23:28 IST
