Mangaluru: The Father Muller Charitable Institutions (FMCI) held its Annual Research Day 2025 on 13 June at the DM Hall, Father Muller Medical College (FMMC), celebrating groundbreaking work in medical and allied research. The occasion honoured faculty and student researchers whose innovative contributions continue to drive FMCI’s mission of academic and clinical excellence.

Visionaries grace the celebration

Dr Indrani Karunasagar, Director – Projects and DST TEC, NITTE (Deemed to be University), Deralakatte, was the Chief Guest, delivering a keynote on “Establishing Research Collaborations”. She shared insights on how healthcare research in India has evolved over the past two decades, from being peripheral to becoming central to patient care.

“Research today empowers innovation in evidence-based healthcare practices,” she said, likening FMCI’s research growth to the nurturing of a seed—requiring vision and perseverance.

The event was presided over by Rev. Fr Richard Aloysius Coelho, Director, FMCI, who recalled the foresight of Dr B Sanjeev Rai, the founding force behind the Father Muller Research Centre (FMRC), established in 2017. “FMRC’s journey has matured into a vibrant research ecosystem supported by strong mentorship and resources,” he noted.

Joining them on the dais were Rev. Fr Ajith Menezes, Administrator of FMMC/FMCOAHS/FMCOP; Dr Antony Sylvan D’Souza, Dean of FMMC; Dr Ramesh Bhat, Head of FMRC; and Dr Shivashankara AR, Principal, FMAHSCT.

FMRC Annual Report and research highlights

Dr Ramesh Bhat presented the FMRC Annual Report, showcasing metrics including internal and external grants, publications, patent filings, and collaborative projects. The report was officially released by Rev. Fr Coelho.

Dr Shivashankara AR announced this year’s awardees, who were recognised for their excellence across various research domains.


🏆 FMCI Best in Research Awards 2025

Dr Sanjeev Rai Awards:

  • Best Faculty Researcher of FMCI: Dr Abheesh Varma Hegde M, Associate Professor, Urology, FMMC

  • Best Student Researcher of FMCI: Dr Sajal Gupta, MCh Urology, FMMC

  • Category-wise Faculty Research Awards:

    • Extramural Grants: Dr Rochelle C Monteiro, Professor, Dermatology, FMMC

  • Patents and Copyrights: Dr Reena Wilma Frank, Professor, FMCON

  • Research Publications: Dr Archana Bhat, Associate Professor, Pathology, FMMC

  • Best Student Researchers:

    • 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:

    • FMMC:

    • Pre-clinical: Biochemistry

  • Para-clinical: Microbiology

  • Clinical (Medical): Dermatology

  • Clinical (Surgical): Obstetrics & Gynaecology

  • Super Speciality: Nephrology & Urology

  • FMCON: Obstetrics & Gynaecological Nursing

  • FMCOAHS: Hospital Administration

  • FMCOP: Neurological Sciences

  • FMHMC: Repertory


  • A platform for interdisciplinary dialogue

    The afternoon session featured an Open House Panel Discussion on “Interdisciplinary Research – The Way Forward”, aimed at fostering collaboration across departments and specialities.

    The programme was emceed by Ms Meghana and Ms Thejashree, MBBS students, who carried the event with poise.

    Research culture and community impact

    FMCI’s focus on quality, affordable, and relevant research continues to strengthen through faculty-student collaboration, industry partnerships, and a support ecosystem promoting innovation.

    The Research Day was the culmination of the Muller Research Week (9–13 June), filled with lectures, symposiums, and webinars aimed at demystifying research and promoting inquiry-driven learning.

    As the celebration drew to a close, a powerful message resonated through the halls of FMCI: The future of medicine lies in innovation, and innovation begins with research.