National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS) Dr G Venkatasubramanian, assistant professor of the department of psychiatry has bagged this year's Indian National Science Academy (INSA) Young Scientist Award. The country's prestigious award is given away to scientists based on their unique findings in the area of research. INSA is the highest recognition for excellence to the scientific community which includes medical researchers.

Dr Venkatasubramanian was selected for his research on neuro biology of schizophrenia. His novel findings are based the metabolic and immunological abnormalities of the brain deficits. He has developed a neuro-immuno metabolic model with evolutionary basis.

The hypothesis of the research is the uniqueness of the human brain may also make people vulnerable to schizophrenia. These findings are leading to interesting research angles for the future in the field of psychiatry. It will allow medico-scientists to assess the reason for such disorders, said Dr. Venkatasubramanian.

Early this year, Dr Venkatasubramanian won three awards for his efforts in the area of schizophrenia research. These are Marfatia award for the best research paper presentation at the annual national conference of the Indian Psychiatric Society followed by the Young Psychiatrist Award from the Indian Psychiatric Society and the Poona Psychiatrists Association Award for the best paper published in psychiatry.