IIT Mandi to Host Global Conference on Consciousness Studies 2026

The Indian Institute of Technology Mandi will host the 3rd International Mind, Brain and Consciousness Conference, popularly known as MBCC 2026, from June 03 to June 06, 2026. The conference will take place at the scenic Kamand campus in Himachal Pradesh and is expected to attract researchers, academicians, students, artists, industry professionals, and mental health experts from across India and abroad.The four-day international conference will focus on interdisciplinary discussions surrounding consciousness, neuroscience, mental health, and Indian knowledge systems. Organisers have stated that the event aims to encourage collaboration between science, philosophy, psychology, arts, and traditional Indian intellectual traditions.

MBCC 2026 at IIT Mandi to Witness Participation From Global Experts

The upcoming MBCC 2026 conference is expected to host more than 400 participants from multiple countries and academic backgrounds. Experts from neuroscience, psychology, mental health research, cognitive science, philosophy, and Indian knowledge traditions are likely to participate in panel discussions and research presentations.

Before the commencement of the conference, organisers highlighted that the event has been designed as a multidisciplinary platform encouraging dialogue between researchers, students, educators, policymakers, and the wider public. The conference will reportedly include:

• Keynote lectures by international experts
• Research paper presentations
• Workshops on neuroscience and consciousness studies
• Panel discussions on mental health
• Cultural and artistic performances
• Interactive academic sessions

Academic experts believe interdisciplinary conferences such as MBCC are increasingly important in addressing complex questions related to human cognition, emotional well-being, and consciousness.

IIT Mandi MBCC 2026 to Highlight Indian Knowledge Systems and Mental Health

One of the major themes of MBCC 2026 will be the integration of traditional Indian knowledge systems with contemporary scientific understanding of the mind and consciousness. Before the event announcement, organisers from IIT Mandi stated that discussions will explore how ancient Indian philosophical frameworks, meditation practices, and artistic traditions may contribute to modern conversations on neuroscience and mental health.

The conference is being organised by the Indian Knowledge System and Mental Health Applications Centre at IIT Mandi. The initiative is also receiving support from the Indian Knowledge Systems Division under the Ministry of Education. Experts associated with the conference have noted that growing global interest in mindfulness, cognitive science, yoga, and mental well-being has created opportunities for deeper interdisciplinary exploration involving Indian intellectual traditions.

Padma Vibhushan Dr Padma Subrahmanyam to Attend MBCC 2026

A major highlight of the conference will be the participation of renowned Bharatanatyam exponent Padma Vibhushan Dr Padma Subrahmanyam, who will attend the inaugural session as the chief guest. Before the opening ceremony, organisers confirmed that the acclaimed classical dancer will also deliver a special cultural performance on June 03 as part of the conference proceedings.

Her participation reflects the conference’s emphasis on understanding the relationship between art, consciousness, emotional expression, and mental well-being. Scholars have often highlighted how classical performing arts contribute to cognitive development, mindfulness, and emotional balance. The inclusion of cultural performances within an academic conference setting is expected to create a broader interdisciplinary dialogue connecting artistic traditions with neuroscience and consciousness research.

IIT Mandi MBCC 2026 Leadership and Organising Team

The conference is being led under the guidance of Prof. Laxmidhar Behera, Director of IIT Mandi, along with a team of researchers, academicians, and subject experts associated with the institution. Before finalising the conference structure, the organising committee reportedly collaborated with experts from various disciplines to design sessions capable of encouraging meaningful academic exchange and public engagement.

Officials stated that MBCC 2026 aims to strengthen research collaboration between Indian and international institutions while promoting awareness regarding mental health and consciousness studies among students and young researchers. The event is also expected to encourage interdisciplinary research initiatives involving artificial intelligence, neuroscience, psychology, philosophy, and behavioural sciences.

How to Register for IIT Mandi MBCC 2026 Conference?

Interested participants can register for MBCC 2026 through the official IIT Mandi website. The conference is open to researchers, scholars, students, faculty members, industry professionals, media representatives, and members of the public interested in consciousness studies and mental health discussions. Before completing registration, participants are advised to carefully review eligibility conditions, conference schedules, participation categories, and accommodation-related instructions available on the official portal.

Organisers have encouraged contributions from multiple academic and creative disciplines, making the conference a broad collaborative platform for knowledge sharing and interdisciplinary interaction. Experts believe that events like MBCC 2026 may play an important role in promoting holistic understanding of the human mind by connecting scientific inquiry with philosophy, culture, mental health awareness, and artistic expression.