Media Release

Mangaluru, June 13: Father Muller Charitable Institutions (FMCI) celebrated its Annual Research Day on Friday June 13, honouring excellence in research across its constituent colleges and departments. The grand event took place at the DM Hall, Father Muller Medical College, with distinguished guests and scholars in attendance.

The chief guest, Dr Indrani Karunasagar, director – projects and DST TEC, NITTE (Deemed to be University), Deralakatte, and Fr Richard Aloysius Coelho, director, FMCI, who presided over the function, were joined on the dais by 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.

In her keynote address on ‘Establishing Research Collaborations’, Dr Indrani expressed her gratitude for being part of the occasion and reflected on the evolution of healthcare research in India.

“Two decades ago, healthcare research was seldom heard of, as the emphasis was solely on patient care. Today, however, research enhances patient outcomes through indigenous, evidence-based practices and innovations,” she noted.

She likened the growth of a research centre to a seed—requiring perseverance, nurturing, and vision—and praised FMCI for its progressive research culture and multidisciplinary engagement.

Fr Richard Aloysius Coelho, in his presidential address, fondly remembered the pioneering efforts of Dr B Sanjeev Rai, former chief of research, for laying the foundation of FMRC in 2017. He reflected on the 8 year journey of FMRC, now thriving with strengthened human resources and infrastructure.

“It is heartening to witness young minds take bold strides in research with mentorship from senior scientists. Research is about seeking solutions and striving to make the world a better place,” he remarked, emphasizing India’s growing support for research through intra- and extramural grants, and CSR initiatives.

Dr Ramesh Bhat presented the FMRC annual report, detailing the institution-wise research metrics, including grants (internal and external), publications, patents, and student collaborations. The report was officially released by Fr Richard Coelho.

Dr Shivashankara A R read the list of awardees, applauding students and departments for upholding the values of ethical research, innovation, and student empowerment.

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
• Dr Sanjeev Rai Awards Best Student Researcher of FMCI: Dr Sajal Gupta, MCh urology, FMMC

• Best Faculty Researcher – Extramural Grants: Dr Rochelle C Monteiro, professor of dermatology, FMMC
• Best Faculty Researcher – Patents and 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:  Hoorun Ein Barmavar, UG, FMCOAHS
• Nursing: Preemal Jeshma Saldanha & Neha Mary Binu, UG, FMCON
• Homoeopathy: K Kadambari, UG, FMHMC
• Physiotherapy: Dalton Dolphy Menezes, PG, FMCOP
• Speech & Hearing: Jenin D’Souza, PG, FMCOSH

Best Performing Departments (Awards presented by Director, FMCI):

• FMMC:
• Pre-clinical: Biochemistry
• Para-clinical: Microbiology
• Clinical (Medical): Dermatology
• Clinical (Surgical): Obstetrics & genecology
• Super Speciality: Nephrology & urology
• FMCON: Obstetrics and gynaecological Nursing
• FMCOAHS: Hospital administration
• FMCOP: Neurological sciences
• FMHMC: Repertory

The programme was emceed gracefully by Meghana and Thejashree, MBBS students. The afternoon session featured an open house panel discussion on ‘Interdisciplinary Research – The Way Forward’.

FMCI: A beacon of research excellence

At FMCI, research is not just an academic pursuit - it is a mission of transformation. Through the Father Muller Research Centre, the Institution fosters a research ecosystem that fuels curiosity, creativity, and collaboration. The strong push for faculty-student-industry linkages, continuous training, and resource support has made FMCI a cradle for affordable, high-quality, and globally relevant healthcare solutions.

Muller Research Week June 9 –13 celebrated FMCI’s achievements with seminars, webinars, symposiums and lectures that helped many to understand research better and remove myths surrounding research. June 13 is the finale of the week with the Annual Research Day celebration.

As the Research Day concluded, the message was clear - the future of medicine lies in innovation, and innovation begins with inquiry.