National Conference Explores Innovations in Speech and Hearing Rehabilitation Technologies

Published on: April 18, 2026

The second national conference RAASCON 2026 commenced at the Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences, Jolly Grant, organized by the Rehabilitation Unit of Speech and Hearing under the Department of ENT. The conference brought together around 170 delegates from across the country, including experts, researchers, clinicians, and students, to deliberate on recent advancements in speech and hearing sciences.

The event began with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp before the portrait of Swami Rama. Addressing the gathering, the Pro Vice Chancellor of Swami Rama Himalayan University highlighted the increasing prevalence of hearing and speech disorders and emphasized the role of modern technologies in improving diagnosis and treatment outcomes.

The conference featured several scientific sessions focusing on key areas such as vestibular assessment, electro-acoustic stimulation (EAS), bone conduction implants, and advancements in cochlear implant technologies. Experts also discussed the growing importance of artificial intelligence–based hearing aids and modern diagnostic tools in providing more precise and accessible treatment for patients.

Speakers further explored developments in audiology instrumentation and the essential infrastructure required for establishing advanced audiology centres. Special emphasis was also placed on innovative approaches to tinnitus management and the development of indigenous AI-enabled hearing aids.
Overall, the conference served as an important platform for academic exchange and collaboration, encouraging knowledge sharing among professionals and providing young researchers and students an opportunity to engage with leading experts in the field.

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International Endowed Chair Professor

Prof Rakesh Kumar

Prof Rakesh Kumar is the Founder and President of the Breast Cancer in Young Women Foundation (USA), dedicated to vaddressing the distinct issues affecting young women with breast cancer. He also serves as the International Endowed Chair Professor at the Cancer Research Institute of the Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences. Additionally, he holds adjunct professorships at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School and Virginia Commonwealth University.

Dr Kumar earned his Ph.D. from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in 1984 and began his research career at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in January 1986. From 1988 to 2017, he held various academic and leadership positions —including faculty member, tenured professor, distinguished professor, endowed chair, department chair, and research leader—at esteemed institutions such as Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York and the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. From 2017 to 2022, he served as the National Chair for Cancer Research for the Government of India and as a distinguished professor, continuing his innovative work in breast cancer research.

With nearly 40 years of research and professional experience, Dr. Kumar has made conceptual contributions to the field of cancer research (h-index 108, citations >50,000). He has authored over 325 peer-reviewed publications, edited or co-edited nine books, and delivered 290 invited lectures worldwide. His work has been featured on the covers of 18 major cancer journals and has been highlighted in institutional research reports of the MD Anderson Cancer Center.

A passionate educator and mentor, Dr. Kumar has guided 67 trainees throughout his career. He serves on the editorial boards of multiple leading cancer journals and has served on the editorial boards of 21 top cancer journals. His global reputation is further demonstrated by his participation in about 100 peer-review panels for cancer research funding in the US and internationally over the past 28 years.

Dr. Kumar's innovative research has earned him numerous prestigious honors, including the Hinkle Society Faculty Award at Penn State University (1994), the Dalla/Fort Worth Living Legend Faculty Achievement Award in Basic Sciences (2004), the Ranbaxy Research Award (2006), and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Association of Indian Scientists in Cancer Research (2013), among others. Dr. Kumar's pioneering research continues to have a profound influence on the fields of oncology and breast cancer, opening up new opportunities for biomedical scientists and trainees worldwide.