International Forensic Psychiatry Conference 2026

About RANZCP Australia

Bringing together experts in forensic psychiatry from around the world to share knowledge and advance the field.

A panoramic view of the NIMHANS Convention Centre bustling with attendees during a past forensic psychiatry conference.

About NIMHANS, Bangalore

In 1946, the Bhore Committee emphasized the urgent need for trained mental health professionals and recommended structured postgraduate training. Recognizing its academic strengths, the Government of India selected the Bangalore Mental Hospital as the country’s first centre for postgraduate psychiatric training.

Dr. Govindaswamy played a pivotal role in establishing the All India Institute of Mental Health (AIIMH) and served as its founding Director. Training programmes in psychiatry, clinical psychology, and allied disciplines were introduced, integrating global advances with Indian psychological and philosophical perspectives.

In 1974, the amalgamation of AIIMH and the Mental Hospital led to the formation of the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS), realizing a pioneering multidisciplinary vision that integrated mental health care, neuroscience, training, and research under one institution.

In 2012, NIMHANS achieved a major national milestone when it was declared an Institute of National Importance by an Act of Parliament, titled the NIMHANS Act, 2012. This historic recognition reaffirmed NIMHANS’ leadership in mental health and neurosciences and strengthened its mandate in advanced clinical care, teaching, research, and policy advisory roles at the national level. The Act also enhanced its functional autonomy, enabling NIMHANS to further expand its contributions to mental health care, education, and research across India and beyond.

To know more about NIMHANS, Bangalore visit this website click here

The history of mental health care in Karnataka dates back to the colonial period. Following the fall of Tipu Sultan in the late 18th century, Bengaluru became an important British military and administrative centre within the princely state of Mysore. Between 1831 and 1881, under British Commissioner Sir Mark Cubbon, Western medicine was introduced and hospitals and dispensaries were established for soldiers and civilians.

The Bangalore Lunatic Asylum was founded in 1847, largely through the efforts of Dr. Charles Irving Smith, a British medical practitioner. The 50-bed asylum, located at Pete (Pettah) near the Dharmambudi tank (present-day State Bank of Mysore Head Office area), was designed as an open and airy facility. Patients were encouraged to move freely and engage in activities such as gardening, rope-making, and domestic work. Over time, doctors from the Indian Medical Service were appointed, and by 1914, nearly 100 patients were admitted and discharged annually.

In 1925, the institution was renamed the Mental Hospital, reflecting a shift in the approach to mental health care. The old Avenue Road facility was closed in 1936–37, and the hospital was relocated to Lakkasandra, with over 100 acres of land donated by the Maharaja of Mysore. Dr. Frank Xavier Noronha became the first superintendent. During the tenure of Dewan Sir Mirza Ismail, this period marked a golden era for Mysore. Their shared interest in horticulture shaped the hospital’s campus, with expansive gardens and open spaces, many of whose trees still stand today.

The new hospital building was inspired by the Institute of Psychiatry at Bethlem Hospital, London, and constructed by the Mysore Engineering Company, staffed entirely by Indian engineers. Unlike many Indian asylums adapted from jails or barracks, this was a purpose-built facility designed to provide a therapeutic and humane environment. Along with the Ranchi hospital, it was among the only two such custom-designed asylums in British India.

After Dr. Noronha, Dr. M. V. Govindaswamy assumed leadership and transformed the hospital into an open, modern institution. With strong academic foundations, the hospital emerged as a centre for training and research in mental health and neurosciences.

Arrival Tips to Bangalore INDIA

What to Expect When You Arrive in Bangalore?

Welcome to Bangalore, the vibrant capital of Karnataka and India's thriving tech and cultural hub. Here’s a handy guide to make your arrival and stay as seamless as possible

Transactions: Visa/ Master cards are in use in India. Suggest attendees to carry some cash which can be exchanged to Indian rupees at the airport.

Getting from the Airport to the City

Bangalore’s Kempegowda International Airport (BLR) is located about 40 kilometers/ 24 miles from the city center. The conference venue and your accommodation will be around 5 kilometers/ 3 miles from the city centre.

Here are your transportation options:

Airport Taxi Services:

Official airport taxis are readily available outside the arrival terminal. Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC) Airport Taxis are usually very reliable. Ask the airport staff to direct you to the queue just outside the exit gates of the building.

You will find booking stations for private operators before you exit the airport building. These are also an option. They will be more expensive than the Airport Taxi.

Fares are typically metered, with additional charges for tolls

Travel Apps:

For travel from airport and also within Bengaluru and for commuting to the conference venue, delegates may conveniently use app-based mobility services such as Uber, Ola, Rapido, and Namma Yatri, all of which are widely available across the city and offer flexible, safe, and reliable travel options. These services include cabs, auto-rickshaws, and bike taxis, making them suitable for short as well as longer journeys.

In addition, several Namma Bengaluru city apps can assist visitors in navigating the city more efficiently. Apps such as Namma BMTC and Bengaluru Traffic Police (BTP) apps provide real-time information on bus routes, schedules, traffic updates, and travel advisories. Together, these digital platforms help delegates plan their journeys smoothly, avoid peak-hour congestion, and reach the venue comfortably and on time.

Weather in November

Bangalore enjoys a pleasant climate in November, with daytime temperatures ranging between 18°C and 25°C. Evenings may be cool, so it’s advisable to carry a light jacket. Moderate humidity is noted usually.

Pro tips:

Carry sunglasses and sunscreen for daytime excursions.

What to Wear?

Light cotton or breathable fabrics for daytime comfort. Short- or long-sleeved shirts, blouses, tops, and trousers/skirts. Comfortable footwear (walking shoes or sandals), as the city involves some walking

For evenings and early mornings

A light jacket, sweater, or shawl is advisable, especially if you are outdoors or in air-conditioned venues

Rain preparedness

Carry a compact umbrella or light rain jacket, as brief showers can occur

Cultural Etiquette: While Bangalore is cosmopolitan, modest attire is always appreciated, especially if you plan to visit temples or traditional areas.

Local Travel in Bangalore:

Bangalore is a rapidly expanding metropolitan city and a major national hub for technology, healthcare, and education. Owing to its growth and high vehicular density, traffic congestion is common, particularly during peak hours (8:30–10:30 AM and 4:30–8:30 PM), and travel times may be longer than anticipated.

Delegates are therefore advised to plan their commute with adequate buffer time, especially for morning sessions and official engagements. App-based transportation services such as Uber, Ola, Rapido, and Namma Yatri are widely available. With appropriate planning and scheduling, travel within the city can be managed smoothly during the conference period.

We’re thrilled to welcome you to Bangalore and look forward to an enriching conference experience together.