New Delhi, Mar 3: Ashoka University, a leading interdisciplinary research university, has announced the expansion of its Department of Psychology into the Department of Psychology and Cognitive Sciences, marking a significant step towards strengthening interdisciplinary and empirically grounded approaches to understanding the mind, behaviour, and learning. As part of this transition, Professor Nandini Chatterjee Singh has been appointed as the new Head of Department .
The expansion reflects a global shift within psychology towards more empirical, reproducible, and data-driven methods, alongside the growing importance of cognitive science in examining how humans perceive, learn, regulate emotions, and make decisions. Cognitive science integrates insights from psychology, neuroscience, linguistics, biology, and allied disciplines to study the underlying processes of cognition and consciousness.
Speaking on the expansion, Professor Nandini Chatterjee Singh, Head of Department, Department of Psychology and Cognitive Sciences, Ashoka University, said,
‘Over the last two to three decades, psychology has undergone a conscious shift from being primarily descriptive towards becoming an empirical discipline. This evolution has broadened the field into cognitive science, which is an interdisciplinary, scientific study of the mind, brain, and intelligence that analyses how information is represented and processed. It integrates methods from psychology, neuroscience, computer science (AI), philosophy, linguistics, and anthropology to understand cognitive processes like perception, memory, reasoning and behaviour. As cognitive science is becoming increasingly important in preparing students for the complex challenges of the future, Ashoka is taking a lead in bringing this discipline into the academic mainstream.’
Professor Nandini Chatterjee Singh is a leading cognitive neuroscientist and science-policy education researcher with an established track record of combining innovative thinking with rigorous scientific evidence to design and implement impactful, research-driven solutions. Her work focuses on translating insights from laboratory research into real-world applications through collaborations with civil society organisations, social institutions, policymakers, and government bodies.
The Department of Psychology and Cognitive Sciences will continue to offer students a strong foundation in psychological science while opening pathways into emerging areas such as cognitive science, neuroscience of learning, behavioural change, and brain health. Teaching and research will be anchored in empirical methods, enabling students to engage with real-world data, contemporary tools, and interdisciplinary frameworks.
Professor Somak Raychaudhury, Vice-Chancellor, Ashoka University, said,
‘The expansion of the Department of Psychology to include Cognitive Sciences reflects Ashoka University’s commitment to advancing interdisciplinary education and research. As the boundaries between disciplines continue to blur, integrating cognitive science into our academic framework will enable students to better understand human behaviour through scientific, data-driven, and cross-disciplinary approaches, while preparing them to address the complex challenges of an evolving world.’
The Department of Psychology and Cognitive Sciences will initially offer cognitive science through electives and concentrations, with plans to gradually scale based on student interest and academic development.