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Expert Plenary Lectures
Expert plenary lectures from national and international faculty.
Conference Theme
Bridging the Gap
International Forensic Psychiatry Conference (IFPC) 2026
a global gathering advancing forensic psychiatry knowledge and practice.
2–5 November 2026
NIMHANS Convention Centre, Bengaluru
About Us
About IFPC 2026
Join forensic psychiatrists, mental health professionals, and legal experts from around the world at the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru, India, for a global gathering dedicated to advancing forensic psychiatry knowledge and practice. Co-hosted by NIMHANS, Bengaluru and RANZCP, the conference brings together clinicians, researchers, trainees, and law professionals for four days of expert-led sessions, workshops, and collaborative discussion.
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Interactive Workshops
Interactive sessions and case-based workshops.
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Dedicated Professional Tracks
Dedicated tracks for psychiatry trainees, psychiatrists, forensic medicine professionals, mental health professionals, and law professionals.
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Global Collaboration
Cross-country learning through Australia–New Zealand–India collaboration.
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Cultural & Delegate Experience
Cultural programme, networking dinners, campus tour, and wellness sessions.
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The theme of IFPC 2026 is ‘Bridging the Gap.’ The conference explores the critical interfaces within forensic psychiatry — between research and practice, courts and clinics, custody and care, and punishment and rehabilitation — fostering dialogue that strengthens evidence-based, ethical, and humane forensic mental health systems.
The conference also seeks to bridge the gap between Australia, New Zealand, and India in forensic psychiatry by fostering academic, clinical, and policy-level collaboration, promoting mutual learning in training, service delivery, risk assessment, rehabilitation, and human-rights-based care.
Join us at NIMHANS, Bengaluru
for four days of insightful sessions, hands-on workshops, and meaningful networking.
The Theme Invites Dialogue That Bridges
Research and Clinical Practice
translating evidence into real-world forensic care
Courtroom and Bedside
integrating judicial expectations with therapeutic needs
Clinic and Courtroom
strengthening the use of sound clinical evidence in legal decision-making
Punitive Approaches and Therapeutic Rehabilitation
redefining justice through recovery-oriented care
Custody and Care
ensuring continuity of mental healthcare across custodial settings
Risk Assessment and Risk Management
moving from prediction to meaningful intervention
Legal Standards and Clinical Ethics
harmonising law, ethics, and professional judgement
Mental Illness and Criminal Responsibility
clarifying the interface between psychopathology and culpability
Prisons and Community Reintegration
bridging institutional care and societal inclusion
Victim Protection and Offender Treatment
balancing public safety with patient rights
Policy and Practice
implementing mental health laws effectively at the ground level
Expert Opinion and Judicial Understanding
improving clarity and credibility in expert testimony
Human Rights and Public Safety
reconciling rights-based care with societal protection
Fragmented Services and Integrated Forensic Systems
building coordinated multidisciplinary pathways
Assessment and Recovery
shifting focus from evaluation to long-term rehabilitation
About NIMHANS, Bengaluru
The National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru, is an Institute of National Importance dedicated to excellence in mental health and neurosciences through integrated patient care, education, research, and community outreach.
Its origins trace to 1847, when the Bangalore Lunatic Asylum was founded through the efforts of Dr. Charles Irving Smith. In 1946, the Bhore Committee recommended structured postgraduate psychiatric training, and the Government of India selected the hospital as the country’s first centre for postgraduate psychiatric training. Dr. M. V. Govindaswamy went on to establish the All India Institute of Mental Health (AIIMH) and served as its founding Director, integrating global advances with Indian psychological and philosophical perspectives.
In 1974, the amalgamation of AIIMH and the Mental Hospital led to the formation of NIMHANS, bringing mental health care, neuroscience, training, and research together under one institution. In 2012, NIMHANS was declared an Institute of National Importance by an Act of Parliament (the NIMHANS Act, 2012), reaffirming its national leadership in mental health and neurosciences.
Today, NIMHANS is one of India’s premier centres for advanced clinical services, multidisciplinary training, and cutting-edge research in psychiatry, neurology, neurosurgery, and allied disciplines, and plays a pivotal role in shaping national mental health policy.
Scientific Highlights
Participants can expect a comprehensive, practice-oriented, and internationally relevant learning experience in forensic psychiatry.
View Scientific Programme
NIMHANS Convention Centre01
High-quality plenary sessions by national and international experts addressing emerging trends, legal developments, and ethical challenges in forensic psychiatry
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Focused thematic tracks bridging clinical practice, research, law, human rights, and policy
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Practical insights into assessment, report writing, expert testimony, risk management, and rehabilitation
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Interactive workshops and case-based discussions building real-world skills for clinicians and allied professionals
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Cross-country learning through Australia–India collaboration in training, service models, and workforce development
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Networking and collaboration opportunities with psychiatrists, psychologists, legal professionals, policymakers, and researchers
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Dialogue on capacity building and workforce development in forensic mental health
Delegate Experience
NIMHANS Campus Tour
A guided tour of the historic NIMHANS campus, showcasing its legacy and state-of-the-art clinical, academic, and research facilities.
Morning Yoga Sessions
Complimentary sessions by the Department of Integrative Medicine, NIMHANS, from 7:00 AM to 8:00 AM on Day 2, Day 3 and Day 4 (3–5 November). Sign up for any or all of them from your dashboard.
Two-Day Cultural Programme
Included with delegate registration.
Networking Dinner & Official Conference Dinners
Two official dinners included with registration, offering informal networking with peers.
Awards
Prizes for Best Oral Presentation and Best ePoster announced at the Closing Ceremony.
Credit Points
KMC credit points available for Indian doctors under the NMC Act, 2019.
Certificates
Digital e-certificates issued to all registered attendees; presentation certificates issued to presenting authors.
Speakers & Resource Persons
IFPC 2026 brings together leading forensic psychiatrists and mental health experts from India, Australia, and New Zealand.
Additional speakers and detailed session assignments will be announced as the scientific programme is finalised.
Session Formats
Symposia & Workshops
60-minute sessions; symposia are typically structured as 15 minutes per presenter followed by a 15-minute moderated discussion.
Oral Presentations
10 minutes total (8 minutes presentation + 2 minutes Q&A), each opening with a mandatory Conflict of Interest disclosure slide.
Poster Presentations
displayed for the duration of the assigned session, with a designated Poster Walk for presenters to engage with delegates and judges.
Thematic Topics
IFPC 2026 invites submissions across the following thematic areas in forensic psychiatry and allied disciplines. Submissions may be made as oral presentations, posters, papers, symposia, or workshops.
Core Forensic Psychiatry
- Criminal responsibility & insanity defence
- Fitness to stand trial / competency
- Risk assessment (violence, recidivism)
- Forensic report writing
- Malingering & deception assessment
Law, Ethics & Policy
- Mental Healthcare Act (India)
- Comparative international forensic laws
- Capacity assessment
- Ethical dilemmas in forensic psychiatry
- Human rights & mental illness
Correctional & Prison Psychiatry
- Mental healthcare in prisons
- Substance use & dual diagnosis
- Suicide prevention in custody
- Rehabilitation & reintegration
- Telepsychiatry in prisons
Forensic Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
- Juvenile justice & mental health
- Child abuse & forensic evaluation
- Internet-related offences & minors
- School violence & risk assessment
- Capacity & consent in minors
Digital & Emerging Forensic Psychiatry
- Digital phenotyping
- Cybercrime & online behaviour
- AI in risk assessment
- Tele-forensic psychiatry
- Data privacy & ethics
Cultural & Global Psychiatry
- Cultural perspectives in forensic psychiatry
- Migration, refugees & legal psychiatry
- Indigenous & community mental health
- Global mental health systems comparison
Clinical & Therapeutic Aspects
- Pharmacological management
- Psychotherapy in offenders
- Aggression & impulse control
- Personality disorders
- Neuropsychiatry & forensic relevance
Education, Training & Capacity Building
- Training models in forensic psychiatry
- Simulation-based learning
- Curriculum development
- Tele-education & digital learning
Research & Methodology
- Quantitative & qualitative research
- Validation of assessment tools
- Cross-cultural psychiatry research
- Systematic reviews & meta-analyses
- Implementation science
Case-Based & Practice-Oriented
- Complex medico-legal case discussions
- Unique or rare forensic presentations
- Lessons from clinical practice
- Documentation & certification challenges
Oral Presentation Guidelines
Time limit: 10 minutes total (8 minutes presentation + 2 minutes Q&A).
Slide count: maximum of 8–10 slides recommended.
Equipment: the provided hall laptop must be used; personal laptops are not permitted.
Mandatory disclosure: a Conflict of Interest (COI) slide must open every presentation.
Submission: final slides must be uploaded via the link provided by email at least 48 hours before the conference.
Poster Presentation Guidelines
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Technical Specifications
- Size: Standard A0 (84.1 cm × 118.9 cm), Portrait orientation.
- Material: high-quality matte paper or wrinkle-free fabric recommended; avoid heavy gloss.
- Legibility: title readable from 5–6 feet (72pt+ font); body text minimum 24pt.
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Layout & Content
- Mandatory sections: Title, Authors & Affiliations, Introduction, Methods, Results (with tables/graphs), Discussion/Conclusion, and Conflict of Interest Disclosure.
- A QR code linking to the full paper or contact details is encouraged.
- Use high-resolution images (300 dpi) and bullet points rather than long paragraphs.
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On-Site Instructions
- Each presenter is assigned a Poster Board Number (e.g., PP-042), confirmed via the final programme or registration desk.
- Adhesive tape, pins, or Velcro dots will be provided; permanent glue or nails are not permitted.
- Posters must be mounted during the morning break on the day of the assigned session.
- Presenters must be available at their poster during the designated Poster Walk to answer questions from judges and delegates.
- Posters must be removed by the presenter at the end of the day; unclaimed posters will be disposed of by venue staff.
Symposia & Workshop Guidelines
Duration: strictly 60 minutes per session.
Symposia structure: 15 minutes per presenter followed by a 15-minute moderated discussion.
Workshops should be interactive, with any hand-outs or digital materials prepared in advance.
Format: Microsoft PowerPoint (.pptx) or PDF, using standard professional fonts (Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman).
Any embedded video or audio should be offline-ready, as high-speed internet cannot be guaranteed in all session halls.
Awards & Certificates
Prizes for Best Oral Presentation and Best ePoster will be announced at the Closing Ceremony.
Digital e-certificates will be issued to all registered attendees.
Presentation certificates will be issued only to the presenting author.
Register for IFPC 2026
Registration includes access to all workshops and scientific sessions, daily lunch, snacks, and refreshments (coffee and tea), entry to the two-day cultural programme, and an invitation to two official conference dinners — combining academic engagement, networking, and cultural experience throughout the event. All fees exclude accommodation.
Fees and delegate categories are shown on the registration page.
KMC credit points for doctors are available under the NMC Act, 2019, for Indian delegates.
NIMHANS Convention Centre
On-Campus Map
Find your way between the Convention Centre, the daily morning Yoga Hall, and the on-campus Guest House.
Yoga HallNIMHANS Guest HouseNIMHANS Convention CentreNIMHANS Administrative Block
Schematic for orientation only — not to scale. Tap a pin to open it in Google Maps.
Yoga Hall — Dept. of Integrative MedicineMorning yoga, 7:00–8:00 AM on Day 2, 3 and 4 (3–5 November), offered by the Department of Integrative Medicine. NIMHANS Integrated Centre for Yoga (NICY), NIMHANS, Hombegowda Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560029Open in Google Maps NIMHANS Guest HouseOn-campus delegate accommodation. 15, Hombegowda Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560029Open in Google Maps NIMHANS Convention CentreMain conference venue — all sessions, workshops, and the exhibition area. 15, Hosur Main Road, Lakkasandra, Hombegowda Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560029Open in Google Maps NIMHANS Administrative BlockThe historic main building of the institute. Hosur Road, Lakkasandra, Wilson Garden, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560029Open in Google Maps
All four places are on the NIMHANS campus. Tap any of them to open it in Google Maps for directions.
Local Travel & Traffic Advisory
Bengaluru is a rapidly growing metropolitan hub for technology, healthcare, and education, and traffic congestion is common during peak hours (approximately 8:00–11:00 AM and 4:30–8:00 PM). Delegates are advised to plan their commute with adequate buffer time, particularly for morning sessions and official engagements.
Payment & Currency
Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in India. Delegates are advised to also carry some cash, which can be exchanged for Indian rupees at the airport.
NIMHANS Campus Tour
A complimentary guided tour for registered delegates
A guided tour of the historic NIMHANS campus, showcasing its legacy and state-of-the-art clinical, academic, and research facilities.
Organising Committee
A committed group from NIMHANS and RANZCP is working to create a seamless and enriching conference experience.
Patrons
- The Director, NIMHANS, Bengaluru
- The Chair, Bi-national Faculty of Forensic Psychiatry, RANZCP (Australia & New Zealand)
- The Head of Department, Department of Psychiatry, NIMHANS, Bengaluru
Organising Committee
Chair: Prof. Suresh Bada Math
- Dr. Vinesh Gupta
- Dr. Lakshmi Narayan C
- Dr. Mahesh R Gowda
- Dr. Vijaykumar Harbishettar
- Dr. Mrigendra Das
- Dr. Prashant Pandurangi
- Dr. Malatesh C Barikar
- Dr. Chaitanya Reddy
- Dr. Vinay B
- Dr. Naveen C Kumar
Scientific Committee
Chair: Dr. Vinesh Gupta
- Dr. Manjunatha N
- Dr. Rajendra K M
- Dr. Andrew Ellis
- Dr. Erik Monasterio
- Dr. Yolisha Singh
- Dr. Dushad Ram
- Dr. Venkata L Narasimha
- Dr. Manik Inder Singh Sethi
Contact
Get In Touch
Have questions? We'd love to hear from you.
fpnimhans@gmail.com
Phone
+91 7760504068
Address
NIMHANS Convention Centre, Hosur Road, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Website
forensicpsychiatry.in
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about our organization and events
Venue
IFPC 2026 will be held from 2–5 November 2026 at the NIMHANS Convention Centre, Hosur Road, Bengaluru, India.
Bengaluru is pleasant in November, with daytime temperatures of 18–25°C. A light jacket is recommended for cooler evenings, along with comfortable walking shoes and a compact umbrella for occasional showers.
General
The conference is co-hosted by NIMHANS, Bengaluru and RANZCP (the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists).
The theme is 'Bridging the Gap,' focused on strengthening the interface between research, clinical practice, law, and rehabilitation in forensic psychiatry, and on deepening collaboration between Australia, New Zealand, and India.
Registration
The conference is designed for psychiatry trainees, psychiatrists, forensic medicine professionals, mental health professionals, and law professionals.
Registration is completed through the official registration portal. It includes access to all workshops and scientific sessions, daily lunch, snacks and refreshments, the two-day cultural programme, and two official conference dinners. Accommodation is not included.
Yes. Separate early-bird and standard fees apply for Indian Delegates, Indian Trainee Delegates, International Delegates, and International Trainee Delegates. Full fee details are available on the Registration page.
Yes. All presenters must register for the conference for their presentation to be included in the programme. Accepting an abstract does not include travel, accommodation, registration costs, or a presenter fee.
Certificates
KMC credit points are available for Indian doctors under the NMC Act, 2019.
Your certificate of attendance is issued automatically once your registration is confirmed, and any presentation certificate once your abstract is accepted. Download or print both from My Certificates in your dashboard.
Workshops
Registered delegates can enquire at the Registration Desk about the guided NIMHANS campus tour and the complimentary daily morning yoga sessions — both can also be signed up for from your dashboard.
Browse the Scientific Programme in your dashboard and tap "I'd like to attend" on any workshop or seminar with limited seats. Everything you've signed up for is listed under My Interests.
Contact
For general queries, email fpnimhans@gmail.com or contact the Conference Manager, Dr. Madhu Sudhan R M, at dr.madhusudhanrm@gmail.com / +91 7760504068.
Accommodation
Accommodation is not included in the registration fee. A list of nearby hotels across budget, mid-range and premium tiers is available in your dashboard under Accommodation, where you can also record your sharing preference (single, two-sharing or three-sharing) and travel dates — this records your intent for the organising team, not a live booking. Contact the hotel directly to confirm availability and rates.
Transportation
The NIMHANS Convention Centre is on Hosur Road, Bengaluru, well connected by taxi and ride-hailing apps from Kempegowda International Airport and the city's railway stations. See the Venue & Travel page for the exact address and a map link.
Food
Yes. You can set your Vegetarian / Non-Vegetarian preference during registration, or update it afterwards from your dashboard, so the catering count reflects your choice.
Still have questions?
Get in Touch