World Bipolar Day is observed annually on the 30th March to commemorate the birth anniversary of Vincent van Gogh, the renowned Dutch post-impressionist painter who was posthumously believed to have experienced bipolar disorder. The initiative aims to create global awareness about bipolar disorder, promote understanding, address stigma and advocate for improved care and support for individuals living with the condition.

Recognising the need to address disparities in the understanding, diagnosis and management of bipolar disorder across different parts of the world, the Asian Network of Bipolar Disorder (ANBD), the International Bipolar Foundation (IBPF) and the International Society for Bipolar Disorders (ISBD) have come together to promote the concept of World Bipolar Day and strengthen global collaboration.

As part of this initiative, the Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru, has been organising annual academic conferences and continuing medical education programmes to advance knowledge and clinical practice in bipolar disorder. BDICON 2027 – Bipolar Disorder International Conference, commemorating World Bipolar Day 2027, will be held on 13th and 14th March 2027 at NIMHANS Convention Centre, Bengaluru, under the theme “Bench to Bedside and Beyond.”

The conference aims to bring together eminent national and international experts, researchers, clinicians, academicians and young psychiatrists to deliberate on emerging developments in bipolar disorder. The scientific programme will encompass key areas including early identification and intervention, cognition, new drug discovery, pharmacogenomics and evolving therapeutic strategies, bridging advances in research with evidence-based clinical practice.

BDICON 2027 will provide an enriching academic platform through keynote addresses, plenary sessions, symposia and mini-symposia, alongside poster presentations, blitz competitions, quiz competitions and interactive mentorship opportunities. These activities will encourage young researchers and early-career psychiatrists to showcase their work, exchange ideas and engage with leading experts in the field.

Through this conference, NIMHANS endeavours to strengthen national and international academic collaboration, foster research and innovation, promote awareness and contribute towards improving the understanding, treatment and long-term outcomes of individuals living with bipolar disorder.

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