Father Muller Recognizes the Best in Research: Annual Research Day 2025 Celebrated
Mangaluru: Father Muller Charitable Institutions (FMCI) celebrated its Annual Research Day on 13 June 2025, honouring excellence in research across its constituent colleges and departments. The grand event was held at the DM Hall, Father Muller Medical College, with distinguished guests and eminent scholars in attendance.
The event was graced by Chief Guest Dr. Indrani Karunasagar, Director – Projects and DST TEC, NITTE (Deemed to be University), Deralakatte, and Rev. Fr Richard Aloysius Coelho, Director, FMCI, who presided over the function. Also present on the dais were Rev. Fr Ajith Menezes, Administrator, FMMC/FMCOAHS/FMCOP; Dr. Antony Sylvan D’Souza, Dean, FMMC; Dr. Ramesh Bhat, Head, Father Muller Research Centre (FMRC); and Dr. Shivashankara A.R., Principal, FMAHSCT.
Keynote Address: A Vision for Research Collaboration
In her keynote address on “Establishing Research Collaborations,” Dr. Indrani Karunasagar reflected on the evolution of healthcare research in India.
“Two decades ago, healthcare research was rarely discussed, as the focus remained on patient care. Today, research enhances patient outcomes through indigenous, evidence-based innovations,” she stated.
Drawing a metaphor of a seed needing nurturing to grow, she lauded FMCI’s progressive research culture, interdisciplinary synergy, and the vision driving FMRC.
A Legacy of Visionary Leadership
In his presidential address, Rev. Fr Richard Aloysius Coelho fondly recalled the pioneering efforts of Dr. B. Sanjeev Rai, the former Chief of Research, who laid the foundation of FMRC in 2017.
He praised the centre’s steady growth over the past eight years, with expanded infrastructure and human resources, saying,
“It is heartening to witness young minds taking bold strides in research under the mentorship of experienced scientists. Research is about seeking solutions and striving to make the world a better place.”
He also highlighted India’s increasing support for research through intramural and extramural grants and CSR initiatives.
Research Report & Awards
Dr. Ramesh Bhat presented the FMRC Annual Report, showcasing metrics on institutional research output, grants, publications, patents, and student involvement. The report was formally released by Fr. Coelho.
Dr. Shivashankara A.R. announced the awardees, commending their commitment to ethical research and academic innovation.
Highlight: FMCI Best in Research Awards 2025
Dr. Sanjeev Rai Awards:
- Best Faculty Researcher of FMCI: Dr. Abheesh Varma Hegde M, Associate Professor of Urology, FMMC
- Best Student Researcher of FMCI: Dr. Sajal Gupta, MCh Urology, FMMC
Special Category Awards:
- Best Faculty Researcher – Extramural Grants: Dr. Rochelle C. Monteiro, Professor of Dermatology, FMMC
- Best Faculty Researcher – Patents & Copyrights: Dr. Reena Wilma Frank, Professor, FMCON
- Best Faculty Researcher – Research Publications: Dr. Archana Bhat, Associate Professor of Pathology, FMMC
Best Student Researcher Awards:
- Medical: Dr. Swathi Nagabushan, MD Dermatology, FMMC
- Allied Health Sciences: Ms. Hoorun Ein Barmavar, UG, FMCOAHS
- Nursing: Ms. Preemal Jeshma Saldanha & Ms. Neha Mary Binu, UG, FMCON
- Homoeopathy: Ms. K. Kadambari, UG, FMHMC
- Physiotherapy: Dalton Dolphy Menezes, PG, FMCOP
- Speech & Hearing: Jenin D’Souza, PG, FMCOSH
Best Performing Departments:
(Awards presented by the Director, FMCI)
- FMMC:
- Pre-clinical: Biochemistry
- Para-clinical: Microbiology
- Clinical (Medical): Dermatology
- Clinical (Surgical): Obstetrics & Gynecology
- Super Speciality: Nephrology & Urology
- FMCON: Obstetrics & Gynecological Nursing
- FMCOAHS: Hospital Administration
- FMCOP: Neurological Sciences
- FMHMC: Repertory
A Day of Dialogue and Discovery
The programme was elegantly compered by Ms. Meghana and Ms. Thejashree, MBBS students. The afternoon featured an engaging Open House Panel Discussion on “Interdisciplinary Research – The Way Forward,” promoting collaborative thought and future-oriented inquiry.
FMCI: A Beacon of Research Excellence
At FMCI, research transcends academic pursuit—it is a mission of transformation. Through the Father Muller Research Centre, the Institution fosters an ecosystem that fuels curiosity, creativity, and collaboration. With a strong focus on faculty-student-industry linkages, capacity building, and resource support, FMCI has emerged as a hub for affordable, high-quality, and globally relevant healthcare solutions.
Muller Research Week, held from 9 to 13 June 2025, featured seminars, webinars, symposiums, and lectures, demystifying research for the academic community. The Annual Research Day on 13 June marked a fitting culmination of this week-long celebration.
As the event concluded, one message stood out clearly:
The future of medicine lies in innovation, and innovation begins with inquiry.
