SRM University-AP inaugurates the Biomedical Research & Artificial Intelligence Network (BRAIN) Lab, marking a significant milestone in the fields of research and innovation. This state-of-the-art laboratory is designed to support the development and enhancement of public healthcare, research, and biomedical engineering.

The inauguration was graced by the Chief Guest, Prof. Manoj Murhekar, MD, Director, ICMR–National Institute of Epidemiology (NIE), Chennai; and Guest of Honour, Dr P Ganeshkumar, MD, Scientist E & Head, Division of Noncommunicable Diseases, ICMR–NIE, Chennai, alongside Vice Chancellor Prof. Ch Satish Kumar; Registrar, Dr R Premkumar; Dean-Research, Prof. Ranjit Thapa; Dean-SEAS, Prof. C V Tomy; Associate Director-Student Affairs, Ms Revathi Balakrishnan; Assistant Director-Sports; HoD, Department of ECE, Dr K A Sunitha; HoD-Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Dr Rangabhasiyam Selvasembian; HoD, Deparment of Biological Sciences, Prof, Jayaseelan Murugaiyan, members of the faculty, staff and research scholars.

BRAIN Lab is established with the aim of advancing research and biomedical data analytics, AI-assisted diagnosis, disease modelling, public health informatics, and computational biology. The lab currently houses three specialised units – the Biomechanics Unit, the Biosignals Unit and the Computational Facility, which are AI-enabled. These units are equipped with state-of-the-art machinery and modern infrastructure, including a Gait Analysis Workstation, a 16-channel EEG, ECG, EMG, and PCG system; thermal cameras; and an Electrospinning unit that offer a comprehensive assessment of neurological, physiotherapy treatments, and sports performance-related health issues.

The laboratory has funded projects and medical collaborations, including clinical trials for Parkinson’s Disease, Oral Cancer Diagnostics, and other biomedical challenges. The Brain Lab has institutions of national and international repute as its patrons, including RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia; Anusandhan National Research Foundation; Indra Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR), Kalpakam, Tamilnadu; All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Mangalgiri, among others.

Dr K A Sunitha, Research Lab Co-ordinator-BRAIN Lab, in her address remarked, “BRAIN lab will revolutionise healthcare and research in the area, our funded projects and medical collaborations, including the clinical trials for Parkinson’s Disease, Oral Cancer Diagnostics, and other biomedical challenges will provide innovative solutions and advance the understanding of these conditions. This laboratory will offer a hands-on learning experience, and our students will tackle real-world healthcare challenges.”

Prof. Manoj Murhekar, stated, “This lab has tremendous potential to aid public healthcare. The technology that enables the early detection, monitoring, and treatment of Parkinson’s disease is going to be immensely beneficial. It represents a significant step forward in our efforts as academicians and researchers to create a positive impact in society.”

During the inaugural session, Vice Chancellor I/C Prof. Ch Satish congratulated the team at the launch. He stated, “We are thrilled to launch the BRAIN lab, it will not only elevate research but also empower healthcare providers to deliver more effective treatments tailored to individual needs.”